p.23–25 — a column of real words on one pattern; connected reading. 112 words and 9 sentences, 30.4 minutes.
Mouth open about half as wide as for short a. Lips still spread. Tongue in the middle — /e/, as in 'bed'.
They check it: Say 'bad' then 'bed' with a hand under your chin. Feel the jaw come UP.
Not in Arabic. For those children this is a new physical skill, not a reminder. Do not let the column start until the mouth can make it.