Teaching the benefit of systematic instruction in decoding strategies, this self-instruction manual for teachers in word recognition skills stresses reading instruction in an environment that has comprehension as its goal. Quality reading materials constitute the core of this early reading program. New in the sixth edition are additional review questions; further suggestions for beginning to read; handwriting modeling and classroom suggestions; additional activities in readiness, blending, and context clues, as well as activity guides for parents; model lessons in teaching phonics in a basal, in a program with a strong phonics component, and in the whole language approach; a section on additional oral/writing activities; a section on spelling and its relationship to decoding, with traditional and creative activities; and a revised section on using computers to teach word recognition skills. Chapters in the manual are: (1) The English Sound System and Its Relationship to Word Recognition; (2) The Role of Phonics in Word Recognition; (3) Developing Additional Word Recognition Skills; (4) Aids in Decoding; (5) Students with Special Needs; and (6) Computers in the Reading Classroom. Appendixes contain answer keys; a record form, selected lists, and scope and sequence chart; example word lists; tests; and resources for the teacher. (RS)