Then I returned with my family to the United States in 1999, and I found that even reading was political: Republicans endorsed phonics, so I was expected as a good liberal to roll my eyes.

The Phonics Songs plus, Grade One instruction book with songs by Donny and Marie Osmond, will be available free from Dec 1 thru Dec 4 Music with lyrics helps develop reading skills.

As test scores lag, there’s a growing debate between proponents of the “science of reading,” which emphasizes phonics, and traditional educators who prefer to instill a love of literature.

Demand for phonics-based resources is expected to grow with the first ever national reading test for six-year-olds scheduled for the week of 18th June.