Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Tina Louise Thomas

2010-05-23T21:22:20Z

Scottdwelch:

'''Tina Louise Thomas''' is a former Miss Pennsylvania (1973) and Miss America national talent winner and runner-up (1974), as well as being an accomplished and award-winning singer, musician, songwriter, writer and editor. Thomas was baptized Christina Hatzithomas in her father’s Greek Orthodox Church. While her family attended certain Greek religious services, she was raised in her mother’s Protestant faith. (Hatzi is a preface to a family name given for people being baptized in the River Jordan).

== Pageant Days ==

On June 25, 1973, shortly after winning the state's pageant title, Thomas was invited to speak to the [[Pennsylvania]] House of Representatives about her platform issues and she was, subsequently, honored by them with a Citation, commending her talent, beauty and academic achievements. She also received a similar citation from the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Five days later, on June 30, Thomas was the official ribbon-cutter who opened the now world famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

Thomas, who was accompanied by the Glenn Osser Orchestra, won the Preliminary Talent Award at the 47th [[Miss America]] pageant, held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which was presented by Terry Meeuwsen, Miss America 1973, as well as at every pageant she entered on her journey to Atlantic City.

Thomas's winning performance on the national stage showcased her vocal beauty when she sang the gospel masterpiece “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,”<ref>1974 Miss America pageant, held September 8, 1973</ref><ref>http://www.misspa.org/past.htm</ref> written in 1932 by Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey. Rev. Dorsey, the "father of black gospel music," went on to write an article in ''Christian Life'' magazine<ref>''Christian Life'', May 1975</ref> "Jesus Took My Hand" (describing the experiences he went through prior to writing the song) where he mentioned Tina. He wrote, "And, it was the song that helped Tina Thomas, Miss Pennsylvania, win the Miss America talent competition." Additionally, Thomas won the swimsuit competition in each of her local and state contests.

Early in her pageant days Thomas was sought after to assist in raising awareness and funds for various causes, including arthritis, disadvantaged youth, retarded children, multiple sclerosis, Easter Seals and the Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center where she appeared on telethons and radio and television shows and commercials, performed at concerts on their behalf as well as led and participated in Bike Hikes, and Walk- and Run-A-Thons.

Throughout Thomas's pageant years, leading up to and including her run at Miss America, where she competed as the youngest contestant that year at the age of 18, her platform was against substance abuse and immorality. Her many actions were recognized when she became the recipient of the Red Rose City Outstanding Citizen Award on September 25, 1973.

Radio and TV personality Soupy Sales said that Thomas had been his choice for Miss America and complimented her beauty and talent on the show ''What's My Line''<ref>What's My Line?, Sept 10, 1973</ref>. Additionally, legendary [[Paul Harvey]] praised Thomas's religious stance, as well as her talent, on his noon broadcast two days later, Sept 12, 1973.

Among the hundreds of appearances she made as Miss Pennsylvania, Thomas was invited, in February 1974, to appear at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, held in [[Washington, DC]].

== Performances ==

Thomas's vocal talent opened the door to many performance opportunities. Between 1972 and 1976, she shared the concert stage, many of which were televised, with Award-winning people and groups such as Oak Ridge Boys, Nathan DiGesare, Stephen Tavani, Bill Gaither Trio, The Happy Goodman Family, Dottie Rambo, Reba Rambo, The Imperials, Speer Family, The Cathedrals, the Kingsmen Quartet, the Jacobs Brothers, the Blue Ridge Quartet and the Couriers. As well, Thomas made two singing appearances on Christian Broadcasting Network's The 700 Club. On her first engagement, in Aug 1977, she sang ''My Tribute,'' by Andrae Crouch and was interviewed by Dr. [[Pat Robertson]] and on her second, Sept 1978, she performed several songs from her album, ''Servant.'' At many of the concerts Tina was accompanied on the piano by William D. (Bill) Crabtree.

There were several concerts where Thomas either opened for or sang with author and singer Dale Evans Rogers, whom she had first met at a dinner in November 1972. Two of the most memorable performances were opening for Ms. Evans in July 1973 in Chautauqua, New York, when Thomas was accompanied by multi-award-winning jazz pianist George Shearing and at the historic Ocean Grove, NJ Great Auditorium, for the 50th Annual Convention of Men's Bible Classes weekend concert series, June 21-23 1974. Prior to the 1975 Greater Mississippi Billy Graham Crusade held at Veteran's Memorial Stadium in Jackson, MS, Thomas performed and gave personal Testimony for the Crusade members.

In Jul 1973, shortly after winning the Miss Pennsylvania crown, Thomas was invited by the then-Pennsylvania Secretary of State, Delores Tucker, (the first African-American Secretary of State in the U.S.) to sing at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, where Governor Milton J. Shapp presented her with a Gubernatorial Commendation. Two months later Thomas appeared with Shapp and Tucker as a speaker and soloist for a civil rights event in Philadelphia, PA. She was also invited to perform at the Pennsylvania Governor's Prayer Breakfast in 1977.

The Aug 1974 issue of ''Christian Life'' magazine carried Thomas' personal written testimony under the banner heading "Beauty for the Lord," which was re-printed in May 1975 by ''Greek Youth Magazine'' for distribution in the U.S. and in Greece.

During December 1978, at the Fulton Opera House, Thomas starred as the leading lady where she sang and danced in the tribute performance "The Roger's and Hart Production," with Metropolitan Opera star John Darrenkamp. The final performance of the show was held New Year's Eve.

== The Years following her Miss PA and Miss America days ==

Her elegant soprano voice, which [[Johnny Carson]] complimented very highly on ''[[The Tonight Show]]'',<ref>The Tonight Show, September 11, 1973</ref> ultimately led her to recording an album with Superior Records in 1976, ''Servant''<ref>''Philadelphia Inquirer'', November 15, 1976</ref>, a sacred music album produced by Wayne Hilton (who also played acoustic guitar) and engineered by Fred Cameron. The drummer on ''Servant'' was Fred Satterfield, who played drums for the Oak Ridge Boys <ref>http://www.oakridgeboys.com/home/entry?id=10;fa=2</ref>, and who was also credited for the art, design and layout of the album. Other performers inlcude: BeeGee Cruser Adair keyboards, James "Duke" Dumas bass, Farrell Morris percussion, Cindy Reynolds harp, and Roger Bissell brass and string arrangements. Barry L. Spangler penned the copy for the album jacket. Her booking agent, at the time, was famed classic car auctioneer Russell Kruse, founder of Kruse International.

Although Thomas declined offers to pursue a singing career following the release of ''Servant'', deciding, instead, to raise a family, she was active and contributed to the field by providing individual vocal lessons and coaching stage performers to aspiring singers and musicians.

Always one to enjoy the great outdoors and the many activities it offers, Thomas became a certified sailor, based on her ability to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew, in moderate winds and sea conditions and a certified scuba diver. Additionally, she was a contributing writer, and also served as an editor, for ''Wing Beat'' magazine, devoted to the sport of falconry.

Thomas has contributed to her community in many ways, including becoming certified to counsel at a domestic violence center and being both a certified classroom tutor and then supervisor, working with at-risk elementary school students and alternative education middle and high school students in a remedial reading program.

== Current projects ==

With her sons grown, Thomas has turned her exceptional energies back to music and writing.

Her versatile vocal range lends itself extremely well to jazz, country, R&B, pop, world, opera or sacred music, while her songwriting craft is, as well, all over the charts. Thomas has written over two dozen songs in various genres which will be marketed to top entertainers and is also considering singing her jazz and blues songs herself on an album.

Concurrently, Thomas is doing research for a book advocating a natural and organic lifestyle which she began following in 1992. The direction of her work will include all facets of life; food, home, garden, beauty products, and more.

Her eldest son, Austin, is an accomplished hip hop artist, as well as a professional glass blower and her youngest, Aaron, while also being an artist and musician, is a Personal Trainer and Licensed Nutitionist. Both live in Hawaii and are, as well, devoted to the holistic lifestyle.

== ''Servant'' ==
Performed by Tina Louise Thomas

===Track listing===
# Servant (Eileen)
# Sing/Simple Song (Joe Raposo) (Honeytree)
# Flesh Of My Flesh (Randy Matthews)
# He Is God (Lindstrom)
# Take My Hand, Precious Lord (Thomas A. Dorsey)
# I Am Your Servant (Larry Norman)
# Amazing Grace (Words: John Newton / Music: Samuel Stanley)
# Drinkin' (Honeytree)
# Ave Maria (Charles B. Marks)
# The Lord's Prayer (Albert Hay Malotte)

===Production===
* Produced By Wayne Hilton
* Recorded at Superior Sound Studios, Hendersonville, Tennessee
* Engineer & Remix: Fred Cameron

===Personnel===
* Keyboards: BeeGee Cruser Adair
* Bass: James “Duke” Dumas
* Drums: Fred Satterfield
* Acoustic Guitar: Wayne Hilton
* Percussion: Farrell Morris
* Harp: Cindy Reynolds
* Brass and string arrangements: Roger Bissell
* Backing Vocal: Tina Louise Thomas

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://misspa.org/past.htm Miss Pennsylvania Past Winners]
* [http://www.pageant-almanac.com/miss-america/parade/pennsylvania.php Miss Pennsylvania Pageant Almanac]

[[Category:Christians]]
[[Category:Christian Singers]]
[[Category:Women Singers]]
[[Category:Religious People]]

Tina Louise Thomas

2010-05-09T12:58:56Z

Scottdwelch:

'''Tina Louise Thomas''' is a former Miss Pennsylvania (1973) and Miss America runner-up (1974) and an accomplished and award-winning singer, musician, songwriter, writer and editor. Thomas was baptized Christina Hatzithomas in her father’s Greek Orthodox Church. While her family attended certain Greek religious services, she was raised in her mother’s Protestant faith. (Hatzi is a preface to a family name given for people being baptized in the River Jordan).

== Pageant Days ==

On June 25, 1973, shortly after winning the state's pageant title, Thomas was invited to speak to the [[Pennsylvania]] House of Representatives about her platform issues and she was, subsequently, honored by them with a Citation, commending her talent, beauty and academic achievements. She also received a similar citation from the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Five days later, on June 30, Thomas was the official ribbon-cutter who opened the now world famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

Thomas, who was accompanied by the Glenn Osser Orchestra, won the Preliminary Talent Award at the 47th [[Miss America]] pageant, held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which was presented by Terry Meeuwsen, Miss America 1973, as well as at every pageant she entered on her journey to Atlantic City.

Thomas's winning performance on the national stage showcased her vocal beauty when she sang the gospel masterpiece “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,”<ref>1974 Miss America pageant, held September 8, 1973</ref><ref>http://www.misspa.org/past.htm</ref> written in 1932 by Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey. Rev. Dorsey, the "father of black gospel music," went on to write an article in ''Christian Life'' magazine<ref>''Christian Life'', May 1975</ref> "Jesus Took My Hand" (describing the experiences he went through prior to writing the song) where he mentioned Tina. He wrote, "And, it was the song that helped Tina Thomas, Miss Pennsylvania, win the Miss America talent competition." Additionally, Thomas won the swimsuit competition in each of her local and state contests.

Early in her pageant days Thomas was sought after to assist in raising awareness and funds for various causes, including arthritis, disadvantaged youth, retarded children, multiple sclerosis, Easter Seals and the Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center where she appeared on telethons and radio and television shows and commercials, performed at concerts on their behalf as well as led and participated in Bike Hikes, and Walk- and Run-A-Thons.

Throughout Thomas's pageant years, leading up to and including her run at Miss America, where she competed as the youngest contestant that year at the age of 18, her platform was against substance abuse and immorality. Her many actions were recognized when she became the recipient of the Red Rose City Outstanding Citizen Award on September 25, 1973.

Radio and TV personality Soupy Sales said that Thomas had been his choice for Miss America and complimented her beauty and talent on the show ''What's My Line''<ref>What's My Line?, Sept 10, 1973</ref>. Additionally, legendary [[Paul Harvey]] praised Thomas's religious stance, as well as her talent, on his noon broadcast two days later, Sept 12, 1973.

Among the hundreds of appearances she made as Miss Pennsylvania, Thomas was invited, in February 1974, to appear at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, held in [[Washington, DC]].

== Performances ==

Thomas's vocal talent opened the door to many performance opportunities. Between 1972 and 1976, she shared the concert stage, many of which were televised, with Award-winning people and groups such as Oak Ridge Boys, Nathan DiGesare, Stephen Tavani, Bill Gaither Trio, The Happy Goodman Family, Dottie Rambo, Reba Rambo, The Imperials, Speer Family, The Cathedrals, the Kingsmen Quartet, the Jacobs Brothers, the Blue Ridge Quartet and the Couriers. As well, Thomas made two singing appearances on Christian Broadcasting Network's The 700 Club. On her first engagement, in Aug 1977, she sang ''My Tribute,'' by Andrae Crouch and was interviewed by Dr. [[Pat Robertson]] and on her second, Sept 1978, she performed several songs from her album, ''Servant.'' At many of the concerts Tina was accompanied on the piano by William D. (Bill) Crabtree.

There were several concerts where Thomas either opened for or sang with author and singer Dale Evans Rogers, whom she had first met at a dinner in November 1972. Two of the most memorable performances were opening for Ms. Evans in July 1973 in Chautauqua, New York, when Thomas was accompanied by multi-award-winning jazz pianist George Shearing and at the historic Ocean Grove, NJ Great Auditorium, for the 50th Annual Convention of Men's Bible Classes weekend concert series, June 21-23 1974. Prior to the 1975 Greater Mississippi Billy Graham Crusade held at Veteran's Memorial Stadium in Jackson, MS, Thomas performed and gave personal Testimony for the Crusade members.

In Jul 1973, shortly after winning the Miss Pennsylvania crown, Thomas was invited by the then-Pennsylvania Secretary of State, Delores Tucker, (the first African-American Secretary of State in the U.S.) to sing at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, where Governor Milton J. Shapp presented her with a Gubernatorial Commendation. Two months later Thomas appeared with Shapp and Tucker as a speaker and soloist for a civil rights event in Philadelphia, PA. She was also invited to perform at the Pennsylvania Governor's Prayer Breakfast in 1977.

The Aug 1974 issue of ''Christian Life'' magazine carried Thomas' personal written testimony under the banner heading "Beauty for the Lord," which was re-printed in May 1975 by ''Greek Youth Magazine'' for distribution in the U.S. and in Greece.

During December 1978, at the Fulton Opera House, Thomas starred as the leading lady where she sang and danced in the tribute performance "The Roger's and Hart Production," with Metropolitan Opera star John Darrenkamp. The final performance of the show was held New Year's Eve.

== The Years following her Miss PA and Miss America days ==

Her elegant soprano voice, which [[Johnny Carson]] complimented very highly on ''[[The Tonight Show]]'',<ref>The Tonight Show, September 11, 1973</ref> ultimately led her to recording an album with Superior Records in 1976, ''Servant''<ref>''Philadelphia Inquirer'', November 15, 1976</ref>, a sacred music album produced by Wayne Hilton (who also played acoustic guitar) and engineered by Fred Cameron. The drummer on ''Servant'' was Fred Satterfield, who played drums for the Oak Ridge Boys <ref>http://www.oakridgeboys.com/home/entry?id=10;fa=2</ref>, and who was also credited for the art, design and layout of the album. Other performers inlcude: BeeGee Cruser Adair keyboards, James "Duke" Dumas bass, Farrell Morris percussion, Cindy Reynolds harp, and Roger Bissell brass and string arrangements. Barry L. Spangler penned the copy for the album jacket. Her booking agent, at the time, was famed classic car auctioneer Russell Kruse, founder of Kruse International.

Although Thomas declined offers to pursue a singing career following the release of ''Servant'', deciding, instead, to raise a family, she was active and contributed to the field by providing individual vocal lessons and coaching stage performers to aspiring singers and musicians.

Always one to enjoy the great outdoors and the many activities it offers, Thomas became a certified sailor, based on her ability to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew, in moderate winds and sea conditions and a certified scuba diver. Additionally, she was a contributing writer, and also served as an editor, for ''Wing Beat'' magazine, devoted to the sport of falconry.

Thomas has contributed to her community in many ways, including becoming certified to counsel at a domestic violence center and being both a certified classroom tutor and then supervisor, working with at-risk elementary school students and alternative education middle and high school students in a remedial reading program.

== Current projects ==

With her sons grown, Thomas has turned her exceptional energies back to music and writing.

Her versatile vocal range lends itself extremely well to jazz, country, R&B, pop, world, opera or sacred music, while her songwriting craft is, as well, all over the charts. Thomas has written over two dozen songs in various genres which will be marketed to top entertainers and is also considering singing her jazz and blues songs herself on an album.

Concurrently, Thomas is doing research for a book advocating a natural and organic lifestyle which she began following in 1992. The direction of her work will include all facets of life; food, home, garden, beauty products, and more.

Her eldest son, Austin, is an accomplished hip hop artist, as well as a professional glass blower and her youngest, Aaron, while also being an artist and musician, is a Personal Trainer and Licensed Nutitionist. Both live in Hawaii and are, as well, devoted to the holistic lifestyle.

== ''Servant'' ==
Performed by Tina Louise Thomas

===Track listing===
# Servant (Eileen)
# Sing/Simple Song (Joe Raposo) (Honeytree)
# Flesh Of My Flesh (Randy Matthews)
# He Is God (Lindstrom)
# Take My Hand, Precious Lord (Thomas A. Dorsey)
# I Am Your Servant (Larry Norman)
# Amazing Grace (Words: John Newton / Music: Samuel Stanley)
# Drinkin' (Honeytree)
# Ave Maria (Charles B. Marks)
# The Lord's Prayer (Albert Hay Malotte)

===Production===
* Produced By Wayne Hilton
* Recorded at Superior Sound Studios, Hendersonville, Tennessee
* Engineer & Remix: Fred Cameron

===Personnel===
* Keyboards: BeeGee Cruser Adair
* Bass: James “Duke” Dumas
* Drums: Fred Satterfield
* Acoustic Guitar: Wayne Hilton
* Percussion: Farrell Morris
* Harp: Cindy Reynolds
* Brass and string arrangements: Roger Bissell
* Backing Vocal: Tina Louise Thomas

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://misspa.org/past.htm Miss Pennsylvania Past Winners]
* [http://www.pageant-almanac.com/miss-america/parade/pennsylvania.php Miss Pennsylvania Pageant Almanac]

[[Category:Christians]]
[[Category:Christian Singers]]
[[Category:Women Singers]]
[[Category:Religious People]]

Tina Louise Thomas

2010-04-20T23:02:04Z

Scottdwelch: /* Current projects */

'''Tina Louise Thomas''' is a former Miss Pennsylvania (1973) and Miss America runner-up (1974) and an accomplished and award-winning singer, musician, songwriter, writer and editor.

== Pageant Days ==

On June 25, 1973, shortly after winning the state's pageant title, Thomas was invited to speak to the [[Pennsylvania]] House of Representatives about her platform issues and she was, subsequently, honored by them with a Citation, commending her talent, beauty and academic achievements. She also received a similar citation from the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Five days later, on June 30, Thomas was the official ribbon-cutter who opened the now world famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

Thomas won the Preliminary Talent Award at the 49th Miss America pageant, held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, as well as at every pageant she entered on her journey to Atlantic City. Thomas's winning talent performance on the national stage showcased her vocal beauty when she sang the gospel masterpiece “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,”<ref>1974 Miss America pageant, held September 8, 1973</ref><ref>http://www.misspa.org/past.htm</ref> written in 1932 by Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey. Rev. Dorsey went on to write an article in ''Christian Life'' magazine<ref>''Christian Life'', May 1975</ref> "Jesus Took My Hand" (describing the experiences he went through prior to writing the song) where he mentioned Tina. He wrote, "And, it was the song that helped Tina Thomas, Miss Pennsylvania, win the Miss America talent competition." Additionally, Thomas won the swimsuit competition in each of her local and state contests.

Early in her pageant days Thomas was sought after to assist in raising awareness and funds for various causes, including retarded children, multiple sclerosis, Easter Seals and the Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center where she appeared on telethons and radio and television shows and commercials, as well as performed at concerts on their behalf.

Throughout Thomas's pageant years, leading up to and including her run at Miss America, where she competed as the youngest contestant that year at the age of 18, her platform was against substance abuse and immorality. Her many actions were recognized when she became the recipient of the Red Rose City Outstanding Citizen Award on September 25, 1973.

Radio and TV personality Soupy Sales said that Thomas had been his choice for Miss America and complimented her beauty and talent on the show ''What's My Line''<ref>What's My Line?, Sept 10, 1973</ref>. Additionally, legendary [[Paul Harvey]] praised Thomas's religious stance, as well as her talent, on his noon broadcast two days later, Sept 12, 1973.

Among the hundreds of appearances she made as Miss Pennsylvania, Thomas was invited, in February 1974, to appear at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, held in [[Washington, DC]].

== Performances ==

Thomas's vocal talent opened the door to many performance opportunities. Between 1972 and 1976, she shared the concert stage, many of which were televised, with Award-winning people and groups such as Oak Ridge Boys, Nathan DiGesare, Stephen Tavani, Bill Gaither Trio, The Happy Goodman Family, Dottie Rambo, Reba Rambo, The Imperials, The Cathedrals and the Jacob Brothers. As well, Tina made two singing appearances on Christian Broadcasting Network's The 700 Club in July 1977 and September 1978, the first of which she was interviewed by Dr. [[Pat Robertson]]. At many of the concerts Tina was accompanied on the piano by William D. (Bill) Crabtree.

There were several concerts where Thomas either opened for or sang with author and singer Dale Evans Rogers, whom she had first met at a dinner in November 1972. Two of the most memorable performances were opening for Ms. Evans in July 1973 in Chautauqua, New York, when Thomas was accompanied by multi-award-winning jazz pianist George Shearing and at the historic Ocean Grove, NJ Great Auditorium, for the 50th Annual Convention of Men's Bible Classes weekend concert series, June 21-23 1974. Prior to the 1975 Greater Mississippi [[Billy Graham]] Crusade held at Veteran's Memorial Stadium in Jackson, MS, Thomas performed and gave personal Testimony for the Crusade members.

In 1973, shortly after winning the Miss Pennsylvania crown, Thomas was invited by the then-Pennsylvania Secretary of State, Delores Tucker, (the first African-American Secretary of State in the U.S.) to sing at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg for Governor Milton J. Shapp, who, later, invited Thomas to sing at the Governor's Prayer Breakfast in 1977.

During December 1978, at the Fulton Opera House, Thomas starred as the leading lady where she sang and danced in the tribute performance "The Roger's and Hart Production," with Metropolitan Opera star John Darrenkamp. The final performance of the show was held New Year's Eve.

== The Years following her Miss PA and Miss America days ==

Her elegant soprano voice, which [[Johnny Carson]] complimented very highly on ''[[The Tonight Show]]'',<ref>The Tonight Show, September 11, 1973</ref> ultimately led her to recording an album with Superior Records in 1976, ''Servant''<ref>''Philadelphia Inquirer'', November 15, 1976</ref>, a sacred music album produced by Wayne Hilton (who also played acoustic guitar) and engineered by Fred Cameron. The drummer on ''Servant'' was Fred Satterfield, who played drums for the Oak Ridge Boys <ref>http://www.oakridgeboys.com/home/entry?id=10;fa=2</ref>, and who was also credited for the art, design and layout of the album. Other performers inlcude: BeeGee Cruser Adair keyboards, James "Duke" Dumas bass, Farrell Morris percussion, Cindy Reynolds harp, and Roger Bissell brass and string arrangements. Barry L. Spangler penned the copy for the album jacket. Her booking agent, at the time, was famed classic car auctioneer Russell Kruse, founder of Kruse International.

Although Thomas declined offers to pursue a singing career following the release of ''Servant'', deciding, instead, to raise a family, she was active and contributed to the field by providing individual vocal lessons and coaching stage performers to aspiring singers and musicians.

Always one to enjoy the great outdoors and the many activities it offers, Thomas became a certified sailor, based on her ability to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew, in moderate winds and sea conditions and a certified scuba diver. Additionally, she was a contributing writer, and also served as an editor, for ''Wing Beat'' magazine, devoted to the sport of falconry.

Thomas has contributed to her community in many ways, including becoming certified to counsel at a domestic violence center and being both a certified classroom tutor and then supervisor, working with at-risk elementary school students and alternative education middle and high school students in a remedial reading program.

== Current projects ==

With her sons grown, Thomas has turned her exceptional energies back to music and writing.

Her versatile vocal range lends itself extremely well to jazz, country, R&B, pop, world, opera or sacred music, while her songwriting craft is, as well, all over the charts. Tina has written over two dozen songs in various genres which will be marketed to top entertainers and is also considering singing her jazz and blues songs herself on an album.

Concurrently, Thomas is doing research for a book advocating a natural and organic lifestyle which she began following in the early 1970's. The direction of her work will include all facets of life; food, home, garden, beauty products, and more.

Her eldest son, Austin, is an accomplished artist, singer and songwriter, as well as a professional glass blower and her youngest, Aaron, while also being an artist and musician, is a Personal Trainer and Licensed Nutitionist. Both live in Hawaii and are, as well, devoted to the holistic lifestyle.

== ''Servant'' ==
Performed by Tina Louise Thomas

===Track listing===
# Servant (Eileen)
# Sing/Simple Song (Joe Raposo) (Honeytree)
# Flesh Of My Flesh (Randy Matthews)
# He Is God (Lindstrom)
# Take My Hand, Precious Lord (Thomas A. Dorsey)
# I Am Your Servant (Larry Norman)
# Amazing Grace (Words: John Newton / Music: Samuel Stanley)
# Drinkin' (Honeytree)
# Ave Maria (Charles B. Marks)
# The Lord's Prayer (Albert Hay Malotte)

===Production===
* Produced By Wayne Hilton
* Recorded at Superior Sound Studios, Hendersonville, Tennessee
* Engineer & Remix: Fred Cameron

===Personnel===
* Keyboards: BeeGee Cruser Adair
* Bass: James “Duke” Dumas
* Drums: Fred Satterfield
* Acoustic Guitar: Wayne Hilton
* Percussion: Farrell Morris
* Harp: Cindy Reynolds
* Brass and string arrangements: Roger Bissell
* Backing Vocal: Tina Louise Thomas

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://misspa.org/past.htm Miss Pennsylvania Past Winners]
* [http://www.pageant-almanac.com/miss-america/parade/pennsylvania.php Miss Pennsylvania Pageant Almanac]

[[Category:Christians]]
[[Category:Christian Singers]]
[[Category:Women Singers]]
[[Category:Religious People]]

Tina Louise Thomas

2010-04-20T11:51:07Z

Scottdwelch: Created page with ''''Tina Louise Thomas''' is a former Miss Pennsylvania (1973) and Miss America runner-up (1974) and an accomplished and award-winning singer, musician, songwriter, writer and edi…'

'''Tina Louise Thomas''' is a former Miss Pennsylvania (1973) and Miss America runner-up (1974) and an accomplished and award-winning singer, musician, songwriter, writer and editor.

== Pageant Days ==

On June 25, 1973, shortly after winning the state's pageant title, Thomas was invited to speak to the [[Pennsylvania]] House of Representatives about her platform issues and she was, subsequently, honored by them with a Citation, commending her talent, beauty and academic achievements. She also received a similar citation from the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Five days later, on June 30, Thomas was the official ribbon-cutter who opened the now world famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

Thomas won the Preliminary Talent Award at the 49th Miss America pageant, held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, as well as at every pageant she entered on her journey to Atlantic City. Thomas's winning talent performance on the national stage showcased her vocal beauty when she sang the gospel masterpiece “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,”<ref>1974 Miss America pageant, held September 8, 1973</ref><ref>http://www.misspa.org/past.htm</ref> written in 1932 by Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey. Rev. Dorsey went on to write an article in ''Christian Life'' magazine<ref>''Christian Life'', May 1975</ref> "Jesus Took My Hand" (describing the experiences he went through prior to writing the song) where he mentioned Tina. He wrote, "And, it was the song that helped Tina Thomas, Miss Pennsylvania, win the Miss America talent competition." Additionally, Thomas won the swimsuit competition in each of her local and state contests.

Early in her pageant days Thomas was sought after to assist in raising awareness and funds for various causes, including retarded children, multiple sclerosis, Easter Seals and the Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center where she appeared on telethons and radio and television shows and commercials, as well as performed at concerts on their behalf.

Throughout Thomas's pageant years, leading up to and including her run at Miss America, where she competed as the youngest contestant that year at the age of 18, her platform was against substance abuse and immorality. Her many actions were recognized when she became the recipient of the Red Rose City Outstanding Citizen Award on September 25, 1973.

Radio and TV personality Soupy Sales said that Thomas had been his choice for Miss America and complimented her beauty and talent on the show ''What's My Line''<ref>What's My Line?, Sept 10, 1973</ref>. Additionally, legendary [[Paul Harvey]] praised Thomas's religious stance, as well as her talent, on his noon broadcast two days later, Sept 12, 1973.

Among the hundreds of appearances she made as Miss Pennsylvania, Thomas was invited, in February 1974, to appear at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, held in [[Washington, DC]].

== Performances ==

Thomas's vocal talent opened the door to many performance opportunities. Between 1972 and 1976, she shared the concert stage, many of which were televised, with Award-winning people and groups such as Oak Ridge Boys, Nathan DiGesare, Stephen Tavani, Bill Gaither Trio, The Happy Goodman Family, Dottie Rambo, Reba Rambo, The Imperials, The Cathedrals and the Jacob Brothers. As well, Tina made two singing appearances on Christian Broadcasting Network's The 700 Club in July 1977 and September 1978, the first of which she was interviewed by Dr. [[Pat Robertson]]. At many of the concerts Tina was accompanied on the piano by William D. (Bill) Crabtree.

There were several concerts where Thomas either opened for or sang with author and singer Dale Evans Rogers, whom she had first met at a dinner in November 1972. Two of the most memorable performances were opening for Ms. Evans in July 1973 in Chautauqua, New York, when Thomas was accompanied by multi-award-winning jazz pianist George Shearing and at the historic Ocean Grove, NJ Great Auditorium, for the 50th Annual Convention of Men's Bible Classes weekend concert series, June 21-23 1974. Prior to the 1975 Greater Mississippi [[Billy Graham]] Crusade held at Veteran's Memorial Stadium in Jackson, MS, Thomas performed and gave personal Testimony for the Crusade members.

In 1973, shortly after winning the Miss Pennsylvania crown, Thomas was invited by the then-Pennsylvania Secretary of State, Delores Tucker, (the first African-American Secretary of State in the U.S.) to sing at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg for Governor Milton J. Shapp, who, later, invited Thomas to sing at the Governor's Prayer Breakfast in 1977.

During December 1978, at the Fulton Opera House, Thomas starred as the leading lady where she sang and danced in the tribute performance "The Roger's and Hart Production," with Metropolitan Opera star John Darrenkamp. The final performance of the show was held New Year's Eve.

== The Years following her Miss PA and Miss America days ==

Her elegant soprano voice, which [[Johnny Carson]] complimented very highly on ''[[The Tonight Show]]'',<ref>The Tonight Show, September 11, 1973</ref> ultimately led her to recording an album with Superior Records in 1976, ''Servant''<ref>''Philadelphia Inquirer'', November 15, 1976</ref>, a sacred music album produced by Wayne Hilton (who also played acoustic guitar) and engineered by Fred Cameron. The drummer on ''Servant'' was Fred Satterfield, who played drums for the Oak Ridge Boys <ref>http://www.oakridgeboys.com/home/entry?id=10;fa=2</ref>, and who was also credited for the art, design and layout of the album. Other performers inlcude: BeeGee Cruser Adair keyboards, James "Duke" Dumas bass, Farrell Morris percussion, Cindy Reynolds harp, and Roger Bissell brass and string arrangements. Barry L. Spangler penned the copy for the album jacket. Her booking agent, at the time, was famed classic car auctioneer Russell Kruse, founder of Kruse International.

Although Thomas declined offers to pursue a singing career following the release of ''Servant'', deciding, instead, to raise a family, she was active and contributed to the field by providing individual vocal lessons and coaching stage performers to aspiring singers and musicians.

Always one to enjoy the great outdoors and the many activities it offers, Thomas became a certified sailor, based on her ability to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew, in moderate winds and sea conditions and a certified scuba diver. Additionally, she was a contributing writer, and also served as an editor, for ''Wing Beat'' magazine, devoted to the sport of falconry.

Thomas has contributed to her community in many ways, including becoming certified to counsel at a domestic violence center and being both a certified classroom tutor and then supervisor, working with at-risk elementary school students and alternative education middle and high school students in a remedial reading program.

== Current projects ==

With her sons grown, Thomas has turned her exceptional energies back to music and writing.

Her powerful soprano voice lends itself extremely well to jazz, country, R&B, pop, world, opera or sacred music, while her songwriting craft is, as well, all over the charts. Tina has written over two dozen songs in various genres which will be marketed to top entertainers and is also considering singing her jazz and blues songs herself on an album.

Concurrently, Thomas is doing research for a book advocating a natural and organic lifestyle which she began following in the early 1970's. The direction of her work will include all facets of life; food, home, garden, beauty products, and more.

Her eldest son, Austin, is an accomplished artist, singer and songwriter, as well as a professional glass blower and her youngest, Aaron, while also being an artist and musician, is a Personal Trainer and Licensed Nutitionist. Both live in Hawaii and are, as well, devoted to the holistic lifestyle.

== ''Servant'' ==
Performed by Tina Louise Thomas

===Track listing===
# Servant (Eileen)
# Sing/Simple Song (Joe Raposo) (Honeytree)
# Flesh Of My Flesh (Randy Matthews)
# He Is God (Lindstrom)
# Take My Hand, Precious Lord (Thomas A. Dorsey)
# I Am Your Servant (Larry Norman)
# Amazing Grace (Words: John Newton / Music: Samuel Stanley)
# Drinkin' (Honeytree)
# Ave Maria (Charles B. Marks)
# The Lord's Prayer (Albert Hay Malotte)

===Production===
* Produced By Wayne Hilton
* Recorded at Superior Sound Studios, Hendersonville, Tennessee
* Engineer & Remix: Fred Cameron

===Personnel===
* Keyboards: BeeGee Cruser Adair
* Bass: James “Duke” Dumas
* Drums: Fred Satterfield
* Acoustic Guitar: Wayne Hilton
* Percussion: Farrell Morris
* Harp: Cindy Reynolds
* Brass and string arrangements: Roger Bissell
* Backing Vocal: Tina Louise Thomas

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://misspa.org/past.htm Miss Pennsylvania Past Winners]
* [http://www.pageant-almanac.com/miss-america/parade/pennsylvania.php Miss Pennsylvania Pageant Almanac]

[[Category:Christians]]
[[Category:Christian Singers]]
[[Category:Women Singers]]
[[Category:Religious People]]

List of homeschool curricula

2010-04-16T16:33:45Z

Scottdwelch: /* Curricula */

This is a list of curricula and other resources for [[homeschooling]].

==Curricula==
*[[Mother of Divine Grace School]]

*[[Great Books Academy]]

*[[Calvert School]]

*[[Seton Home Study School]]

*Kolbe Academy

*Abeka

*[[Smart Way Reading and Spelling phonics program]]

==Other resources==
*[[Know Homeschooling]] (Wiki about homeschooling)
*[http://www.homeschoolcentral.com/| Homeschool Central] (Free online resources for homeschooling)

[[Category:Homeschooling]][[Category:Education]][[Category:Homeschool Curriculums]]

User talk:Scottdwelch

2010-04-16T15:14:53Z

Scottdwelch:

Was your first contribution something you wrote yourself, or what? Please respond here before posting anything else. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] [[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]] 08:35, 16 April 2010 (EDT)

:This contribution was written by myself. I am ''very'' aware of copyright law. Thank you. Scott
::Scott, please sign all posts. Up above when in the edit screen, you will see a red circle with a "w" in the middle. Right to the right of it, the button will automatically sign and date your posts, as they should be, even on your own talk page. --<big>[[User:TK|'''ṬK''']]</big>/Admin[[User_Talk:TK|/Talk]] 10:29, 16 April 2010 (EDT)
Ok, thanks for the information. I will do that. Scott --[[User:Scottdwelch|SDW]] 11:14, 16 April 2010 (EDT)

Phonics

2010-04-16T13:40:12Z

Scottdwelch: /* External links */

[[Image:Phonics book.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''Jolly Phonics'' is a [[British]] synthetic phonics method of teaching literacy, developed by Sue Lloyd and Sara Wernham, primary school teachers at Woods Loke School in Lowestoft, England.]]
'''Phonics''' consists of reading based on phonetic building blocks of language, rather than trying to memorize full words and reading based on recognition of words. Having learned the various English sounds (''phonemes''), then the letters they correspond to, children are then able to read many English words. The term may be used to describe two methods of teaching, "synthetic" and "analytic" phonics. Synthetic phonics is the most widespread and produces the best results; analytic phonics is commonly called "phoney phonics", relying as it does on beginning with whole words learnt by global shape ("initial sight vocabulary") and the building of a "keyword sight vocabulary."

Under phonics, once a child learns the basic and simple phonetic building blocks, the child can read any word and any book. [[Public schools]] have typically taught a "look and say" or word recognition approach to reading<ref>"Whole language reading instruction (also known as "look-say" or "sight" reading) is the most widely used method of teaching reading in the U.S. and many other countries." [http://www.halcyon.org/wholelan.html''Whole Language vs. Phonics'']</ref><ref>"The education establishment prefers whole language, while most parents and some teachers prefer a phonetic approach." [http://www.home-school.com/Articles/WholeLanguage.html ''Whole-Language Boondoggle'']</ref>which limits the child to reading only words that the child knows.

One reason [[homeschoolers]] perform better than [[public school]] students on tests<ref>http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/000010/200410250.asp</ref> is because homeschoolers learn how to read with phonics in higher percentages than [[public school]] students do.<ref>Most homeschool curricula are phonics-based. See, e.g., [http://www.pmschoolhouse.com/homeschool-curriculum/Saxon_Math.htm Saxon]</ref> In the [[United Kingdom]] it is sometimes described as a "back to basics" approach, which "despite being sneered at by the [[liberal]] tinkerers whose modern theories of teaching have caused so much damage to almost two generations, is turning the tide of illiteracy in some of the nation's most underprivileged areas."<ref>''Dispatches: Why Our Children Can't Read''. Channel 4 television. First aired 27 October 2007.</ref>

==Effectiveness==
A study<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/271817.stm ''C-a-t spells success in early literacy'']. 25 February 1999. BBC News. 10 May 2008</ref> conducted by the [[University of St Andrews]]' School of Psychology, involving 300 children divided into three groups receiving different methods of literacy education demonstrated:
*the synthetic phonics group were reading and spelling 7 months ahead of chronological age
*the synthetic phonics group were 7 months ahead in reading compared with the other two groups
*the synthetic phonics groups were 8 months and 9 months respectively ahead in spelling compared with the other two groups
*the synthetic phonics group had the best levels of rhyme and phoneme awareness

The British ''Jolly Phonics'' synthetic phonics method was found in independent studies to give children, after one year's study, an average reading age around 12 months ahead of their chronological age. The children's spelling age was found to be slightly further ahead, and boys typically did as well as girls. Synthetic phonics has a major and long-lasting effect on children's reading and spelling abilities, and gives children strategies for reading and writing that they wouldn't otherwise have had at the early stages using other methods.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4255069.stm ''Sounds help pupils with reading'']. BBC news Channel. 11 February, 2005. 12 May 2008.</ref>

In 2005, the U.K.'s Department for Children, Schools and Families appointed Jim Rose, former Deputy Chief Inspector of Schools, to lead an independent review to examine best practice in teaching reading, in order to implement a "renewal of the literacy framework."<ref>[http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primary/features/literacy/1174785/ ''Rose Report'']. June 2005. DfES. 12 May 2008</ref> Rose concluded that synthetic phonics "offers the vast majority of beginners the best route to becoming skilled readers" and should be taught "first and fast."<ref>Rose, Jim. [http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/phonics/report.pdf ''Independent review of the teaching of early reading: Final Report''] March 2006. 12 May 2008.</ref>

==Five basic skills==

The basic skills taught through phonics are:
# Learning the letter sounds
# Learning letter formation
# Blending
# Identifying sounds in words
# Spelling the "tricky" words

===Learning the letter sounds===
Synthetic phonics teaches the 42 main sounds used in the English language, and children are taught each letter by its sound rather than its name, eg ''a'' is called ''a'' as in ''a''nt not ''ai''m and ''n'' is called ''nn'' as in ''n''et. This is a deliberate process to assist the child in blending the sounds, and the names of the letters are taught later.

The sounds are usually broken down into 7 groups:
# s a t i p n
# c k e h r m d
# g o u l f b
# ai j oa ie ee or
# z w ng v ''oo'' '''oo'''
# y x ch sh ''th'' '''th'''
# qu ou oi ue er ar

The letters are not taught in an alphabetical order, and are grouped to reflect their use through the teaching process - the first group s a t i p n, for example, can be used to make more simple three-letter words than any other six letters. The two-letter sounds (''digraphs'') such as th and oo which can make two different sounds are presented in slightly different forms. The letters b and d are also taught at separate stages, as these are a common source of confusion for children. Sounds that can be written in more than one way are taught in their simplest form first, with alternative spellings being introduced later.
[[Image:Phonics exercises.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An example of a stage 1 phonics workbook]]

===Learning letter formation===
Emphasis is placed on the correct formation of letters, beginning with the correct grip of the pencil, and progressing through shape-formation and exercises to the actual writing of the letters.

===Blending===
Synthetic phonics uses blending - saying the individual sounds in a word and then running them together to say the word - rather than the "look-say" word recognition used by [[whole language]] teaching.

===Identifying sounds in words===
Children begin learning how to spell a word by listening for the sounds in that word.

===Spelling "tricky" words===
Some words in the English language use an irregular spelling which defies the blending process, such as ''said'' and ''one''. Children are taught to recognise and remember these so-called "tricky" words.

==Benefits of Phonics-Based Education==
Research has shown that students who receive phonics-based education are at a substantial advantage over those who do not. For example:
*Explicit phonics-based education has been shown to be significantly more effective that non-phonics-based education with children of different age, ability level, and socio-economic background.
*Kindergartners who receive explicit phonics-based education demonstrate increased ability to read and spell words over those who do not receive such education.
*First graders who receive systematic phonics education display superior decoding, comprehension, and spelling skills.
*Older children who receive systematic phonics education also display gains in decoding, spelling, and oral reading.
*Systematic synthetic phonics instruction has also been shown to have a significant positive effect on disabled learners' reading skills.
<ref>http://www.sau16.org/teacherresources/SAU%20Literacy%20Best%20Practices.pdf</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==See Also==
*[[Mistakes Due to Lack of Phonics]]

==External links==
*Jolly, Christopher. [http://www.spellingsociety.org/journals/j28/jollyphonics.php ''The Jolly Phonics story'']. "Journal of the Simplified Spelling Society" J28 2000/2 pp16-18. Online version at The Spelling Society. 12 May 2008.
*[http://www.rrf.org.uk/ Reading Reform Foundation] - [[United Kingdom|UK]] chapter of the organisation set up to tackle the high functional illiteracy rates among children and adults in the United Kingdom and in the English-speaking world. 12 May 2008.
*Shadwell, Jo. [http://www.syntheticphonics.com/articles/Sound%20Sense.pdf ''Sound Sense'']: "How learning to love Synthetic Phonics could revolutionise teachers' working lives...to say nothing of the children's!" Article at syntheticphonics.com. 12 May 2008.
*[http://www.smartwayreading.com ''Smart Way Reading''] The official site of Smart Way Reading and Spelling explicit and systematic phonics program
*Interactive, Internet Instruction [http://www.smart-web-learning.com ''Smart-Web-Learning''] The official site of Smart-Web-Learning explicit and systematic phonics program (an exact derivative work of Smart Way Reading)

[[category:education]]

User talk:Scottdwelch

2010-04-16T12:44:16Z

Scottdwelch:

Phonics

2010-04-16T12:40:43Z

Scottdwelch: /* External links */

[[Image:Phonics book.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''Jolly Phonics'' is a [[British]] synthetic phonics method of teaching literacy, developed by Sue Lloyd and Sara Wernham, primary school teachers at Woods Loke School in Lowestoft, England.]]
'''Phonics''' consists of reading based on phonetic building blocks of language, rather than trying to memorize full words and reading based on recognition of words. Having learned the various English sounds (''phonemes''), then the letters they correspond to, children are then able to read many English words. The term may be used to describe two methods of teaching, "synthetic" and "analytic" phonics. Synthetic phonics is the most widespread and produces the best results; analytic phonics is commonly called "phoney phonics", relying as it does on beginning with whole words learnt by global shape ("initial sight vocabulary") and the building of a "keyword sight vocabulary."

Under phonics, once a child learns the basic and simple phonetic building blocks, the child can read any word and any book. [[Public schools]] have typically taught a "look and say" or word recognition approach to reading<ref>"Whole language reading instruction (also known as "look-say" or "sight" reading) is the most widely used method of teaching reading in the U.S. and many other countries." [http://www.halcyon.org/wholelan.html''Whole Language vs. Phonics'']</ref><ref>"The education establishment prefers whole language, while most parents and some teachers prefer a phonetic approach." [http://www.home-school.com/Articles/WholeLanguage.html ''Whole-Language Boondoggle'']</ref>which limits the child to reading only words that the child knows.

One reason [[homeschoolers]] perform better than [[public school]] students on tests<ref>http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/000010/200410250.asp</ref> is because homeschoolers learn how to read with phonics in higher percentages than [[public school]] students do.<ref>Most homeschool curricula are phonics-based. See, e.g., [http://www.pmschoolhouse.com/homeschool-curriculum/Saxon_Math.htm Saxon]</ref> In the [[United Kingdom]] it is sometimes described as a "back to basics" approach, which "despite being sneered at by the [[liberal]] tinkerers whose modern theories of teaching have caused so much damage to almost two generations, is turning the tide of illiteracy in some of the nation's most underprivileged areas."<ref>''Dispatches: Why Our Children Can't Read''. Channel 4 television. First aired 27 October 2007.</ref>

==Effectiveness==
A study<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/271817.stm ''C-a-t spells success in early literacy'']. 25 February 1999. BBC News. 10 May 2008</ref> conducted by the [[University of St Andrews]]' School of Psychology, involving 300 children divided into three groups receiving different methods of literacy education demonstrated:
*the synthetic phonics group were reading and spelling 7 months ahead of chronological age
*the synthetic phonics group were 7 months ahead in reading compared with the other two groups
*the synthetic phonics groups were 8 months and 9 months respectively ahead in spelling compared with the other two groups
*the synthetic phonics group had the best levels of rhyme and phoneme awareness

The British ''Jolly Phonics'' synthetic phonics method was found in independent studies to give children, after one year's study, an average reading age around 12 months ahead of their chronological age. The children's spelling age was found to be slightly further ahead, and boys typically did as well as girls. Synthetic phonics has a major and long-lasting effect on children's reading and spelling abilities, and gives children strategies for reading and writing that they wouldn't otherwise have had at the early stages using other methods.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4255069.stm ''Sounds help pupils with reading'']. BBC news Channel. 11 February, 2005. 12 May 2008.</ref>

In 2005, the U.K.'s Department for Children, Schools and Families appointed Jim Rose, former Deputy Chief Inspector of Schools, to lead an independent review to examine best practice in teaching reading, in order to implement a "renewal of the literacy framework."<ref>[http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primary/features/literacy/1174785/ ''Rose Report'']. June 2005. DfES. 12 May 2008</ref> Rose concluded that synthetic phonics "offers the vast majority of beginners the best route to becoming skilled readers" and should be taught "first and fast."<ref>Rose, Jim. [http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/phonics/report.pdf ''Independent review of the teaching of early reading: Final Report''] March 2006. 12 May 2008.</ref>

==Five basic skills==

The basic skills taught through phonics are:
# Learning the letter sounds
# Learning letter formation
# Blending
# Identifying sounds in words
# Spelling the "tricky" words

===Learning the letter sounds===
Synthetic phonics teaches the 42 main sounds used in the English language, and children are taught each letter by its sound rather than its name, eg ''a'' is called ''a'' as in ''a''nt not ''ai''m and ''n'' is called ''nn'' as in ''n''et. This is a deliberate process to assist the child in blending the sounds, and the names of the letters are taught later.

The sounds are usually broken down into 7 groups:
# s a t i p n
# c k e h r m d
# g o u l f b
# ai j oa ie ee or
# z w ng v ''oo'' '''oo'''
# y x ch sh ''th'' '''th'''
# qu ou oi ue er ar

The letters are not taught in an alphabetical order, and are grouped to reflect their use through the teaching process - the first group s a t i p n, for example, can be used to make more simple three-letter words than any other six letters. The two-letter sounds (''digraphs'') such as th and oo which can make two different sounds are presented in slightly different forms. The letters b and d are also taught at separate stages, as these are a common source of confusion for children. Sounds that can be written in more than one way are taught in their simplest form first, with alternative spellings being introduced later.
[[Image:Phonics exercises.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An example of a stage 1 phonics workbook]]

===Learning letter formation===
Emphasis is placed on the correct formation of letters, beginning with the correct grip of the pencil, and progressing through shape-formation and exercises to the actual writing of the letters.

===Blending===
Synthetic phonics uses blending - saying the individual sounds in a word and then running them together to say the word - rather than the "look-say" word recognition used by [[whole language]] teaching.

===Identifying sounds in words===
Children begin learning how to spell a word by listening for the sounds in that word.

===Spelling "tricky" words===
Some words in the English language use an irregular spelling which defies the blending process, such as ''said'' and ''one''. Children are taught to recognise and remember these so-called "tricky" words.

==Benefits of Phonics-Based Education==
Research has shown that students who receive phonics-based education are at a substantial advantage over those who do not. For example:
*Explicit phonics-based education has been shown to be significantly more effective that non-phonics-based education with children of different age, ability level, and socio-economic background.
*Kindergartners who receive explicit phonics-based education demonstrate increased ability to read and spell words over those who do not receive such education.
*First graders who receive systematic phonics education display superior decoding, comprehension, and spelling skills.
*Older children who receive systematic phonics education also display gains in decoding, spelling, and oral reading.
*Systematic synthetic phonics instruction has also been shown to have a significant positive effect on disabled learners' reading skills.
<ref>http://www.sau16.org/teacherresources/SAU%20Literacy%20Best%20Practices.pdf</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==See Also==
*[[Mistakes Due to Lack of Phonics]]

==External links==
*Jolly, Christopher. [http://www.spellingsociety.org/journals/j28/jollyphonics.php ''The Jolly Phonics story'']. "Journal of the Simplified Spelling Society" J28 2000/2 pp16-18. Online version at The Spelling Society. 12 May 2008.
*[http://www.rrf.org.uk/ Reading Reform Foundation] - [[United Kingdom|UK]] chapter of the organisation set up to tackle the high functional illiteracy rates among children and adults in the United Kingdom and in the English-speaking world. 12 May 2008.
*Shadwell, Jo. [http://www.syntheticphonics.com/articles/Sound%20Sense.pdf ''Sound Sense'']: "How learning to love Synthetic Phonics could revolutionise teachers' working lives...to say nothing of the children's!" Article at syntheticphonics.com. 12 May 2008.
*[http://www,smartwayreading.com ''Smart Way Reading''] The official site of Smart Way Reading and Spelling explicit and systematic phonics program
*Interactive, Internet Instruction [http://www,smart-web-learning.com ''Smart-Web-Learning''] The official site of Smart-Web-Learning explicit and systematic phonics program (an exact derivative work of Smart Way Reading)

[[category:education]]