What does the Initial Reading Deck (IRD) feature?

The Initial Reading Deck (IRD) is designed to support the development of language skills through a structured approach. It features key words and sounds that are presented based on the frequency of letters. This method allows learners to encounter letters and their corresponding sounds in a way that reflects their common usage in the English language, thereby facilitating better retention and understanding.

By emphasizing high-frequency letters and associated sounds, the IRD helps students create connections between written letters and their phonetic representations. This aligns with multi-sensory structured language education principles, which prioritize systematic and explicit instruction to bolster literacy skills. The use of key words also serves to reinforce memory through meaningful associations, enhancing the learning experience and making it more effective for students as they progress in reading.