1. A method for teaching reading, comprising the steps of: presenting a plurality of consonants to a student; associating a sound with each of said plurality of consonants; presenting a plurality of vowels to said student; associating a first sound and a second sound with each of said plurality of vowels, said first sound being a weak vowel sound and said second sound being a strong vowel sound; presenting a first character depicted as weak to said student; imparting an association to said student between said first character and said first sound for each of said plurality of vowels, such that said student uses said first character to decode words containing said first sound for one of said plurality of vowels; presenting a second character depicted as strong to said student; imparting an association to said student between said second character and said second sound for each of said plurality of vowels, such that said student uses said second character to decode words containing said second sound for one of said plurality of vowels; and assessing the progress of said student.