Blending a structured phonics approach to reading and writing with whole-language teaching, this series is consistent with the National Curriculum and the Scottish 5-14 Guidelines. Children learn about the alphabet through characters such as Annie Apple, Bouncy Ben and Clever Cat. The wide range of materials includes teacher's guides, flashcards, friezes, posters, songbooks, cassettes, copymasters, workbooks, storybooks, videos, games and computer software. The series is divided into Early Years materials for three- and four-year-olds, Programme 1 for four- and five-year-olds, Programme 2 for children aged five years and above, and support materials. This book providing essential words is for Programme 1.