Patent ID: 6474992
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: G09B

Abstract:
Reference training tools comprising a main text in the form of a booklet, a bookmark, and an audio storage device, in which:A. the booklet consists of: 1. pages and cover imprinted with type varying in size from large and bold to small and fine comprising letters and words, written in sentence format; 2. letters and words to which marks have been assigned which markings guide and instruct in word pronunciation, and identify: a. a vowel that should be pronounced as long marked with a mark assigned to long vowels, illustrated by a macron placed over said vowel, b. letter combinations and words that need to be researched further as a means of determining their correct pronunciation, marked with a mark assigned to said letter combinations and words, illustrated by a line drawn under said letter combinations and words, c. a letter that should not be pronounced which is called a silent letter, marked with a mark assigned to silent letters, illustrated by a slash through said letter, d. a syllable that should be emphasized, marked with a mark assigned to syllables that should be emphasized, illustrated by a stress mark placed before and above said syllable; 3. letters to which markings have been assigned that further instruct in word pronunciation, the markings of which are by contrast with the markings and letters named in step 2, and identify: a. a vowel that should be pronounced as short, so indicated by being contrasted with a long vowel wherein the mark assigned the long vowel is absent, illustrated by an unmarked space over said vowel, b. a consonant as a letter that by contrast with vowels is a non vowel, and further contrasted with marked vowels, by the mark assigned the long vowel being absent, illustrated by an unmarked space over said letter; 4. said markings applied to letters and words having features including: a. selected marks being readily understood through general familiarity with their meaning in public use, and b . usefulness in supplying information directly to the text that would otherwise need to be obtained by consulting standard reference materials; and 5. text of said bookmark written inside the booklet; B. the bookmark consists of: 1. material of heavier weight and of a different color than pages of said booklet, on which letters and words are imprinted in list format; 2. letters written in both uppercase and lowercase that are grouped in separate categories, which categories are named as long vowels, short vowels, and consonants, wherein the letters in each category are arranged alphabetically, and each of said categories is placed in a visual field separate from the other categories, with each visual field arranged in proximity to the others; 3. letter combinations and words that need to be researched further as a means of determining correct pronunciation of each, separated further, whereby letter combinations are grouped in a category designated as special letter combinations, and words are grouped in a category designated as sight words defined as words pronounced in ways not supported by the spelling of said words, wherein said letter combinations and said words are arranged alphabetically within each category, and each of said categories is placed in a visual field separate from the other, with each visual field arranged in proximity one to the other; 4. markings applied to letters and words named in steps 2 and 3 which are identical to markings and indicators applied to the same letters, letter combinations, and words in the booklet, which markings serve to direct in pronunciation of said letters and words including: a. a vowel that should be pronounced as long, marked with a mark assigned to long vowels, illustrated by a macron over said vowel, b. a vowel that should be pronounced as short, marked by contrast with a long vowel, whereby the mark assigned to long vowels is absent, illustrated by an unmarked space over said vowel, c. a letter that should be pronounced as a consonant marked by contrast with vowels identified as long, whereby the mark assigned to long vowels is absent, and further indicated by said letter not being a vowel, illustrated by an unmarked space over said letter; d. letter combinations and words that need to be researched further as a means of determining correct pronunciation, marked with a mark assigned to said letter combinations and words, illustrated by a line drawn under said letter combinations and words; 5. additional marks applied to letters and words that are identical to markings applied to letters and words in the booklet, which markings further serve to direct pronunciation of said letters and words, which markings include: a. a letter that should not be pronounced, called a silent letter, marked with a mark assigned to silent letters, illustrated by a slash through said letter, b. letters comprising syllables that should be emphasized, marked with a mark assigned to syllables that should be emphasized, illustrated by a stress mark placed adjacent and above said syllable; 6. a word written adjacent each long vowel, short vowel, and consonant named in step 2, that contains the sound of said letter and illustrates the correct pronunciation of said letter when said word is pronounced, and additional words written adjacent said vowels and consonants illustrating each sound assigned to said vowels and consonants; 7. a word written adjacent each special letter combination and each sight word named in step 3, that illustrates correct pronunciation of said special letter combination and said sight word when the word that is written adjacent is pronounced; 8. additional words written adjacent each special letter combination and each sight word named in step 7, that illustrate correct pronunciation of said special letter combinations and said sight words when the words that are written adjacent are pronounced; 9. instructions for using the bookmark written atop categories of letters and words; C. the audio storage device on which a straight through reading of the text of the booklet has been prerecorded, on which recording is heard: 1. pronunciation of words being read at a speed indicative of fluency, 2. smoothness in transitioning from one word to another, and 3. voice inflection that correctly interprets punctuation marks in the text.