Why Toe by Toe?

Toe by Toe is a reading manual which contains a highly structured synthetic phonics approach to decoding words. It was developed by Keda Cowling, and is based on her experiences of teaching children with dyslexia to read.

It has been created so that anyone with a moderate reading ability will be able to teach others to read. Toe by Toe has proved an excellent resource for the peer support approach adopted by Shannon Trust.

Ideally learners will have the same mentor every session which is good for building confidence and positive relationships. Learners benefit enormously from this one to one support which is difficult to provide in a busy classroom.

Mentors in prison need minimal training to use the manual because each double page consists of instructions to the ‘coach’ (or mentor), followed by activities for the learner (or mentee) The structure enables a new mentor to take over seamlessly if another mentor is transferred or released.

Non-readers enjoy the manual because it enables them to achieve quickly and this boosts their motivation to continue learning. The short and consistent format of lessons in Toe by Toe is well-suited to new learners.

38 Ebury Street
London
SW1W 0LU

T: 020 7730 4917
E: enquiries@shannontrust.org.uk