Tad Thompson

Teacher Tad was inspired to write his Fun Phonics Adventures for Early Readers phonics-based children’s books after seeing so many children struggle with learning to read. Disheartened by the lack of options in the region that fit between overly simplistic or overly complex phonics books, Teacher Tad set out to create his own stories that allow children to apply their developing phonetic skills early in the learning process. With a background in music, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in music from Texas A&M-Commerce and a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) from University College London, Teacher Tad views his phonics books as "etude" for young readers. Just as musicians use etudes to practice specific skills, Teacher Tad envisions his Fun Phonics Adventures for Early Readers series as an essential study in early phonics development and a pathway to reading comprehension. In his books, Teacher Tad focuses on creating relatable stories that promote comprehension and conversation in early readers. His goal is for children to connect with the characters by subtly addressing relevant and relatable themes such as friendship, sharing, success, bullying, and even environmental concerns. He hopes these stories will serve as a springboard for meaningful discussions with young children based on their reading. Teacher Tad’s Fun Phonics Adventures for Early Readers also includes musical renditions of each storybook, available on YouTube @FunPhonicsAdventuresforEar-j5z. Through the magic of AI, these stories are retold through music adding another level of learning engagement. Growing up with dyslexia, Teacher Tad understands the challenges of reading difficulties firsthand. His personal struggles accompanied by 20 years’ experience in the classroom have provided an insight and purpose that is evident in this early reader series. That purpose being to gift all children the joy of reading. In his experience, young children who see reading as a joy rather than a chore embrace academia and excel in school. Looking ahead, Teacher Tad is currently compiling Fun Phonics Adventures for Early Readers; Set 2 as well as a supplemental workbook that will feature handwriting practice and coloring activities. These projects reflect his ongoing dedication to providing children with fun, educational tools to develop their reading and writing skills.