Program 10: A Balloon at Noon Our story begins with an animated opening that introduces the viewer to READ-ALEE-DEED-ALEE (READ) and explains that he is on a journey to a land where people love to read. We fi... more »nd READ at home with his friends RADIOLA, BELLE and TOC. They are busy painting a picture and singing about colors. When they finish singing, READ heads off to see Mr. Booker at his newsstand. Mr. Booker is busy decorating his stand with balloons. XTRA, the newspaper appears with a story for READ that involves the word "balloon". It is about using your imagination to think of different things a balloon might become; for example: a moon or a meatball on a spoon. Next, READ flies off to the Reading Room and joins a group of children who have gathered to hear some books read: Dear Mom Notes and The Color Zoo. The first book features the sound-spelling patterns "oon" and "ool" and the second features colors. Afterward, READ heads home. Along the way he encounters signs "in the real world" which he is able to read; for example: "we close at noon", "high school" and "swimming pool". The program concludes with READ in bed thinking about his day and all he has learned. He falls asleep, a happy and better educated young dragon. Combining animation, puppetry, storytelling, songs and adventures, these programs captivate young viewers and encourage the love of reading. A Balloon at Noon features the letter "H" and includes the theme of "colors". Kids will learn to recognize the letters "B", "M", "N", "SP", "P", "C", "SCH", and more plus the sounds associated with them, as well as identify and use the "oon" and "ool" sound-spelling patterns; use these patterns to unlock words and participate in written language; and appreciate that there are many words made up of these patterns, i.e., "balloon", "moon", "pool", "cool" and others! An irresistible dragon and his enchanting friends present a refreshing, playful introduction to word recognition and reading readiness. Pre-K to Grade 2 15 Read-Alee-Deed-Alee titles help children master reading. Watch them all! "Immediately captivates youngsters while encouraging the love of reading." - School Library Journal« less