Phonetic content/handwriting instruction begins by teaching the sounds of, and letter formation for the 70 "Orton" phonograms which are the commonly-used correct spelling patterns for the 45 sounds of English speech. The purpose for teaching the sound/symbol relationship first in isolation, without key words or pictures (explicitly), is to give students the information they need to spell and write, correctly, what they can already hear, say, and comprehend orally. Primary children learn the first 54 phonograms in the first 3 weeks of instruction. The method moves logically and directly from the "known" sounds to teaching the "unknown" symbols which represent them in print. Margins and spacing, as well as letter formation are taught with the sounds using oral dictation. The learned phonograms are then applied in written spelling through an inquiry and dictation process. A mnemonic marking system enables students to automatically see whole words through "sounded" spelling patterns. Students begin oral sentences in the fifth week. Paragraphs, stories, and letters quickly follow. Students are prepared to take their new skills to interesting literature and to continue into the study of syntax and grammar including punctuation and capitalization. (Contains several charts which present various phonograms and samples of students' writing.) (RS)