Mature Reading Instruction Starter Set

STARTER SET

The basic Starter Set is limited to vocabulary that incrementally introduces the Alphabetic Code. Those with a basic reading ability can skip to Set 1.


Through ten books that gradually increase in complexity, young Fin accidentally acquires wisdom; the rats vote to bell the cat; Basil (Beowulf) gallantly slays trolls and dragons; obsessed Pandora opens her box; Ali Baba's quick-witted servant-girl boils bandits, and Osin pays a very heavy price for marrying an immortal.  


Student progress is transparent as the reluctant reader grows in confidence. Overlearning allows the logic of new material to be understood and, crucially, to become fixed in long-term memory.


MRI: MATURE READING INSTRUCTION SERIES is an innovative reading programme from Piper Books, offering a fresh start for older students and adults who have fallen through the educational net. The complexities of the Alphabetic Code gradually unfold within vibrant, witty stories. Ranging from the tragicomedy of Henry VIII to the doom of an Aztec city, from the antics of Africa’s spider demi-god to the trials of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the five-set series offers a darkly comic take on history, literary masterpieces, myths, and folk tales from around the world.

 

Each set is fully compatible with Synthetic Phonics, now widely recognised as the most effective instruction for seriously struggling readers. Studies have shown that teaching phonics skills is the single most important predictor of successful reading achievement. The MRI structure was inspired by research and development in a US Regional Education Laboratory involving linguists, psychologists and educationalists. The original programme was trialled with over 100,000 pupils. 


Instruction is consistent, focused, and easy-to-use – ideal for teachers, teaching assistants, adult tutors and home-schooling parents. No additional material is required, though a photocopiable Tutor Guide offers a wealth of additional material.


The books uniquely bridge the gap between vital skills’ acquisition and real reading. The seventy phonics-based tales offer abundant decoding practice as each new sound is drip-fed into each lively new story. Students have the chance to engage with thought-provoking narratives that broaden their cultural capital as well as their vocabularies. 


Struggling readers, students with English as a second language, and people with dyslexic tendencies have a second chance to embrace literacy.