Tell me more about Phonics Road?

[Lovedtodeath]

Does it really cover all LA? Including writing?

 

Has anyone used the first 4 levels? Could they tell me how it turned out? What are kids capable of when they finish this program?

 

Is it boring? (This is a big factor.)

 

DD is just starting second grade work and just got done learning pronouns. She is also starting on AAS level 2. I am thinking we could start with level 2, either now or at the end of this year? (She will turn 8 this summer.)

 

The thing is I have drooled over it from the beginning, but couldn't think of spending that much. Now I am paying for AAS and thinking about MCT, so the price doesn't seem so bad.

[Lovedtodeath]

http://www.homeschoolreviews.com/forums/1/thread.aspx?id=38793

 

This has a review that says she needed just as much teacher prep time for PR as she did for SWR. (45 minutes to watch the DVD learning how to dictate the words) Any comments on that?

 

I was laying in bed after posting this thinking... maybe this is the answer I have been looking for. It is AIO LA and moves right into The Latin Road which I planned to use for Latin anyway. Now I am not so sure.

 

Help!

[Guest aquiverfull]

Carmen,

I won't be of any help to you, sorry. I'm currently looking into phonics options for my younger girls. The phonics road was suggested to me in another thread, so can you tell me if you do go with the phonics road what exactly will that replace for you that you are using now/plan to use? Thanks!

[Heather in VA]

Well I can only tell you what I've seen based on my recent research and feedback I've been getting from users. Many use it as everything. If I were to use it, I'd still use a writing program. But that's because I am a die-hard Classical Writing person. That is a non-negotiable in our house so we'd still be using it. That said, from everything I've seen, it would be everything else - especially with the applied grammar in CW Aesop (which would be the level we'd use during the PR time period).

 

I heard similar feedback on the time planning being similar. But as I read that I couldn't help but think SWR takes a long time to plan and is pretty much just spelling/reading. People don't seem to be using it as their sole LA - especially after the child is reading. So I do wonder if the consolidation of LA into the one product provides an overall gain in time. I'm an LCC-type person myself so I'm always drawn to the 'all-in-one'.

 

Hopefully johnandtinagilbert will weigh in. She uses and loves PR and is good at answering the detail questions.

 

Heather

[momofabcd]

Mrs. Beers recommends that all people start at Level One. PR teaches most of the phonograms in the first weeks of level one. And, if your dd has only been through Level 2 of AAS, she won't know them all. It then proceeds to teach 500 or so words through the end of level one. You could speed up through the first lessons to get the hang of marking the words. Then slow down when needed. Level One does not have any grammar except for the most basic what sentences are, capital letters at the beginning of sentences and punctuation at the end. There are building codes that teach rules, prefixes, suffixes, compound words. Level two briefly reviews level one, then speeds right into new things. You also need Level One, because the level 1 building codes and spelling lists are not included in level two and it builds on them.

 

In level 2, dc learn 500 more words with more building codes. Composition is included as dictation. There are also a couple writing assignments with the literature study. It includes copywork as well.

Hope this helps.

[Lovedtodeath]

Actually the S&S of level two says that there is a comprehensive review of level one words, charts, rule tunes and first readers. We have all of the phonogram cards from WRTR, and a K-12 spelling program, so I am sure if we know what was covered in level one, we can play catch up fairly easily.

 

I would not even consider it if I thought I had to start at level one. I do not want to buy level one, and in addition I think it is ridiculous to take a child who completed K when she was 3 and make her start at level one at 7 or 8 years old.

[Lovedtodeath]

 

So I do wonder if the consolidation of LA into the one product provides an overall gain in time. I'm an LCC-type person myself so I'm always drawn to the 'all-in-one'.

My thoughts exactly.

[Heidi]

PR combines spelling, grammar, lit. analysis, and a little latin in 3 &4. I don't think it involves much writing instruction. I was planning on using a separate writing program with it.

You watch the DVD's to learn how to teach it. She shows you how to teach every little thing. I sat down and watched it through the first 5 weeks or so, took notes, and then didn't need to watch it again. If I had a question I would watch only that portion of the DVD.

It's very open and go; very user friendly.

I bought level 1 and have decided not to keep it because I want to do a different latin program, starting in gr. 3. I didn't want to do both PR3 and a latin program at the same time, so I've decided not to invest in PR.

PR1 is for sale!

[johnandtinagilbert]

Seriously. What you're about to read will sound waaay to easy, but it's for real! :001_smile:(I know I'm very silly)

 

To learn how to use the program took me watching a few weeks of videos, with both the TM and student NB in front of me. Since you've uses AAS, you'll be ahead of me and take less time to catch on, I imagine.

 

Now, it never takes more than 20 minutes to watch the DVD for the entire week for all 3 Section Titles of the program (Spelling, Grammar, Literature). The spelling portion I fast forward (b/c she literally spells out for the "Class" every single word. Think MUS.) When a word needs to be added to the Building Code (BC) or Framing Code(FC) section of the notebook (NB), it is flashed on the screen, so I can stop, listen, jot the BC down, then fast forward right through the entire spelling list. That means about 3 minutes of spelling planning per week.

 

For grammar instruction, I listen and at this point, most of the time also takes about 5-10 minutes. I jot notes in my teacher's nb b/c in the teacher's nb you have a completed copy of the student notebook, so not only will you have your notes, but you'll also know what's it's supposed to look like.

 

The literature portion of the DVD gives a lovely introduction to each chapter (I'm actually going to have dd listen to the intro for Y3 every week b/c they're so sweet), then shows anything you need to know.

 

No kidding, at this point (using the program for a year and some change) it takes me nov more than 20 minutes with the DVD remote in hand to plan for an entire week.

 

45 minutes after one is comfy with the program seems waaaay off base for me. It took me about 3 weeks to fall into this groove of 20m planning.

 

I also planned out a great deal over the summer b/c I had 3 levels to get through this year. That was awesome too b/c now I really can grab and go -- 2 min. teacher prep time for that level!

[momofabcd]

Actually the S&S of level two says that there is a comprehensive review of level one words, charts, rule tunes and first readers. We have all of the phonogram cards from WRTR, and a K-12 spelling program, so I am sure if we know what was covered in level one, we can play catch up fairly easily.

 

I would not even consider it if I thought I had to start at level one. I do not want to buy level one, and in addition I think it is ridiculous to take a child who completed K when she was 3 and make her start at level one at 7 or 8 years old.

 

You probably shouldn't consider it, then. I've used both AAS and PR 1 and 2. I sped through level 1 in about 10 weeks with my older dc. I'm glad I did level one, becuase there were a lot of words towards the end that they didn't know how to spell. Level 2 reviews the level 1 material in the first 4 weeks. I justified the cost because I have two younger dc who will definitely use it. The Phonics Road is a wonderful integrated LA program. BTW, you might want to watch your tone. It came off a little snarky.;)

[Lovedtodeath]

Sorry. :o

[johnandtinagilbert]

Amazing.

 

Before PR I was teaching grammar, spelling, handwriting, reading, literary analysis (reading comprehension, really and not nearly as much analysis as I do w/ PR), phonics, everything. I spent a lot of time doing all these things.

 

Now, I can finish all language arts in no more than 45 min. and that includes All language arts. Once we put away PR, we have math, science, and history + any electives we are doing via unit study (art, music, spanish). I don't spend any further time on L.A.

[johnandtinagilbert]

Here's the conclusion I have come to about writing. The structure of writing comes in grammar stage.

 

The articulation, flow, and style of writing come out moreso in Logic/Dialectic stage.

 

PR teaches outlining and solid sentence structure. Combined with outlining in history and science (as encouraged in WTM), the foundations of writing will be solid by the time Latin Road comes around.

 

At that point, a more formal writing program is necessary. I chose WriteShop. It is an excellent compliment. That is now my official plan. I.e.

in grammar work on structure (sentences; topic sent.; paragraph construction; closing sentence; outlining; basic graphic organziers) through PR (grammar, dictation, comprehension) history, science, then shift gears to in depth teaching of writing in middle school, where they grow into their own stylist writer.

 

FWIW, I have 3 "types" of writers in middles school right now: natural (amazing work); structurally sound, but not very artistic (WriteShop is really helping this); and simply immature (dd has the structure down, she is just starting to "see" writing as art and not just form). In all three "types" (and I'm sure there are more "types") I find my generalization true.

 

HTH,

Tina

[johnandtinagilbert]

There are a few benefits using PR, as it leads right into LR.

 

First, the format is basically the same, so moving from one to the other will be a piece of cake. The first year I used LR I had to adjust to the program, which was hard b/c I bought the first addition that does not have DVDs.

 

Second, you must be strong grammatically to us LR. Using PR all the way through is effective in this regard. (FWIW, so is Rod and Staff, although using RS gets me right back to loving the inclusiveness of PR).

 

Third, I find merit in following one program all the way b/c of gaps.

 

I love LR, also. So do my dc, even the one who doesn't love language.

 

I'm sure you've read my review, it really does speak to the completeness of the program.

[johnandtinagilbert]

Carmen,

I won't be of any help to you, sorry. I'm currently looking into phonics options for my younger girls. The phonics road was suggested to me in another thread, so can you tell me if you do go with the phonics road what exactly will that replace for you that you are using now/plan to use? Thanks!

PR replaced: First Language Lessons, Rod & Staff Grammar, RS Spelling, ABeka spelling, Spelling Power, Handwriting Without Tears, Starfall, Phonics flashcards, 100 EZ Lessons, Reading Comprehension workbooks, my scattered writing instruction for younger grades, self-created dictation, read aloud to Mom (aka finding appropriate readers in both content/level and moral character), vocabulary (only in K,1 and 2).

 

Here is my fun way to explain what I replaced:

 

I traveled a different road with my oldest dc and by the time the 4th grade exit came up, we couldn't quite get off the highway. Gaps here. Gaps there. No understanding that language arts is one category with many parts. We had no idea there was a connection to all the work we were doing. Many subjects, too many purposes, too many parts, not too much joy or love of learning.

 

We could read, although we were kinda weak in phonics. What was supposed to be EZLessons created tears and made sounding out unlearned words difficult because the lessons winded about, with no clear Interstate -- things were just not connected. Then, when we finished, where to from here? It was like coming down a 100 mile road and winding up at a dead end.

 

We knew a little grammar from some First Lessons and followed through by not sparing the Rod. After one year, we had given the tried and true a new name. Dare I say the Staff became Rottin'. We gained a ton of knowledge, but also a dislike for grammar. Eeww grammar! What a stench!

 

We could write without tears, but the time flew by so quickly we could only practice through arbitrary dictation and copywork. Neatness wasn't really a focus b/c it was just too easy to fill in workbook pages and tuck it away for the day.

 

And spelling...well, list by list still left us with no understanding or Power to comprehend of the rules of the road. Next, A Bucket of letters and rules down another winding road with no clear destination. We could read the signs, but we had no idea what the signs meant and how they could cross over from one list to the other.

 

Then, a friend mentioned an uncharted road. I got lost in the grid of a convention hall and came across our saving grace, The Phonics Road to Spelling, Reading and Writing. No more gaps. We don't fall into anymore sinkholes in language arts....just smooth, straight, nicely paved roads! It was like a map fell from the sky and we finally had directions that all led to the same place...Language Arts Successville where love of language arts is on every corner and joy comes in 30 minute sessions!

Edited February 13, 2010 by johnandtinagilbert

[Guest aquiverfull]

WOW Tina! What a wonderful review. I'm going to have to look at this more closely.

Thanks!! :)

[anotherbrother]

:lurk5:

[Lovedtodeath]

Carmen,

I won't be of any help to you, sorry. I'm currently looking into phonics options for my younger girls. The phonics road was suggested to me in another thread, so can you tell me if you do go with the phonics road what exactly will that replace for you that you are using now/plan to use? Thanks!

Right now it would replace All About Spelling, First Language Lessons, the copywork and dictation of Writing With Ease. In the future it would replace spelling and the MCT program, which would be writing, grammar, vocabulary.

 

I am hoping I understand that it would replace writing completely until we get to History Odyssey and Latin Road.

[Lovedtodeath]

 

I'm glad I did level one, becuase there were a lot of words towards the end that they didn't know how to spell. Level 2 reviews the level 1 material in the first 4 weeks.

In that case I am thinking that I could teach the words that she didn't know how to spell by using the review in PR along with my OG program that I already own, How to Teach Spelling.

[Guest aquiverfull]

Thank you Carmen. I was planning on using AAS, FLL, and WWE with my girls eventually which is the main reason I was asking. I guess when you think of all those things the price for PR really isn't all that bad.

[Lovedtodeath]

Thank you Carmen. I was planning on using AAS, FLL, and WWE with my girls eventually which is the main reason I was asking. I guess when you think of all those things the price for PR really isn't all that bad.

 

If you look at that link in homeschoolreviews you will see that one teacher said that she switched from PR to AAS and is much happier with AAS.

 

AAS is the main thing as far as price goes. I don't think I will feel comfortable give up WWE entirely. I will likely still do the narration just to get all of that great literature in. DD is a relectant reader. She just has a very active and social personality.

 

Three things draw me to Phonics Road. 1. The spelling is very similar to AAS. 2. It is an AIO program. 3. It includes vocabulary including the study of word roots. It sounds like it has very rigorous grammar, which also makes me pretty happy. #3 is the biggest one really. I am curious if I can get that elsewhere and will continue looking into that possibility while we finish up AAS level 2.

Edited February 13, 2010 by Lovedtodeath

[Lovedtodeath]

 

People don't seem to be using it as their sole LA - especially after the child is reading.

I am wondering, and I could be completely wrong... Would we still have to add reading as a separate subject because only one book is covered in the whole year?

[Guest aquiverfull]

Well it looks like you can get it from Rainbow but it's still $199. I also like the idea of studying root words. I can't seem to get the sample dvd video to work for me. It's saying I need a plugin but for some reason it would not successfully download it.

I'd like to see more about it though.

[Lovedtodeath]

 

I also like the idea of studying root words.

What really sounds good to me is discussing more languages influencing English and not just Greek and Latin. Will someone verify this?

[Homeschooling6]

http://www.homeschoolreviews.com/forums/1/thread.aspx?id=38793

 

This has a review that says she needed just as much teacher prep time for PR as she did for SWR. (45 minutes to watch the DVD learning how to dictate the words) Any comments on that?

 

I was laying in bed after posting this thinking... maybe this is the answer I have been looking for. It is AIO LA and moves right into The Latin Road which I planned to use for Latin anyway. Now I am not so sure.

 

Help!

 

PR does not take nearly as much prep time IMHO as SWR. I have only been using SWR for two months though.

 

We are on week 21 of PR Level 1 and the prep time is minimal. I watch a months worth of lessons on Saturday. Take notes and I'm much prepared for the month.

 

 

At first it might take longer because your getting use to the program.

 

[Lovedtodeath]

So... AAS and FLL together is about $125 per year. PR will include vocabulary (including etymology) and literature analysis on top of spelling and grammar, so I am thinking the price isn't so bad.

 

Now I am just worried about not having a written teacher's manual. At least I have a little while to think about it.:)

[johnandtinagilbert]

What really sounds good to me is discussing more languages influencing English and not just Greek and Latin. Will someone verify this?

She'll mention french and german roots where applicable, for example, climb comes from the Old German word climben, which has a pronounced b; however in English, the b is silent...now you know why we have that strange silent b.

 

So... AAS and FLL together is about $125 per year. PR will include vocabulary (including etymology) and literature analysis on top of spelling and grammar, so I am thinking the price isn't so bad.

 

Now I am just worried about not having a written teacher's manual. At least I have a little while to think about it.:)

You do have lesson plans, though. Every week is laid out by week and date, with instructions on what to accomplish. It's not scripted, but certainly tells you exactly what you need to do. Also, from watching the DVD, you may have a note or two jotted down. I end up with her exact definitions, special instructions, but most days are self-explanatory. Here's an example:

 

Year Two, Week 16

Spelling is understood. Go through the words. They are separated on your list. Use OG methods, as demonstrated on DVD. Child dictates his own sentences (a couple of the daily words, not all, or all if you want), then copies from the board as copy work. (Some days, if we have copy work/dictation in other subjects like science or history, we do not do copywork for LA.) You'll be prompted during the list to add a word to the appropriate Building Code (spelling rules).

 

Framing Codes (Grammar):

Day 1: Sing Helping Verbs song; using verb play, fill in phrases with do, does at bottom of FC10A. Orally do the same things using the base verbs, ask, open, jump, help.

 

Day 2: Singing Helping Verbs song; using verb play, fill in phrases with was, were at top of FC10B. Orally do the same thing using the base verbs, ask, open, jump, help.

 

Day 3 Ditto...with different helping verb.

 

Day 4: Sing Helping Verbs song; review verb phrases: using the base verbs, ask, open, jump, and help, write an original sentence using a different helping verb for each; then do all markings. (at this point the child can mark, Simple Sub., Simple Predicate, noun object, separate sub./pred., adj., articles and now verb phrases)

 

Literature:

Days 1-4 discuss vocabulary and child reads aloud. (bargain, trade, pig-sout, scalp, prickled, budge, deal, club, tomb, pale) All pages to read, where to start and stop are laid out for you. It's about a page and a half to two pages of reading.

 

Day 5 NB pages 31&32 which is a Character Comparison between Pa and Ma and their experiences with bears. This includes mapping the setting, rise and fall of story, and conclusion of the story. (Instructions on DVD & you have a completed example in your notebook)

 

HTH and makes sense.

 

 

Edited February 15, 2010 by johnandtinagilbert

[Lovedtodeath]

Thanks Tina! Is this your notes, or the instructions included in the written manual?

 

When it comes down to gut instinct I picture us using Phonics Road next year. :)

 

I think I will look over the spelling programs I already have, write to the author, and order the sample.

 

Ack! Now I don't know if we should finish FLL. Probably not.

Edited February 14, 2010 by Lovedtodeath

[johnandtinagilbert]

Thanks Tina! Is this your notes, or the instructions included in the written manual?

 

When it comes down to gut instinct I picture us using Phonics Road next year. :)

 

I think I will look over the spelling programs I already have, write to the author, and order the sample.

 

Ack! Now I don't know if we should finish FLL. Probably not.

Straight from the written manual. Although everything is on DVD, there are still substantial written directions. The written portion is a lesson plan, versus telling how to teach (scripted). The DVD's help with the "how to teach" for those who need it. I did at first, now, I'm pretty fast!

 

Completing FLL wouldn't hurt, but also wouldn't be necessary.

[Lovedtodeath]

Thanks Tina, that sounds good then! The thing about FLL that I am not sure of is that it has songs for pronouns and helping verbs and such. If PR has songs for those and they are different, then it may not be a good idea to learn the FLL songs. :/

[Guest aquiverfull]

I was able to get the plug in to work this morning. I really like what I see of this program, plus I noticed the samples under the years. I didn't see them at first.

 

I have a question about AAS. Are they meant to be grade levels? Do you basically need just one level a year, assuming you are not catching up but starting from the beginning with a K'er or 1st grader? I'm trying to figure out which one would be more cost effective.

[Lovedtodeath]

I was able to get the plug in to work this morning. I really like what I see of this program, plus I noticed the samples under the years. I didn't see them at first.

 

I have a question about AAS. Are they meant to be grade levels? Do you basically need just one level a year, assuming you are not catching up but starting from the beginning with a K'er or 1st grader? I'm trying to figure out which one would be more cost effective.

I think that AAS does work out if you do one level per year. I think that PR will last 5 years for the first 4 levels, plus you are getting more than just spelling. My opinion is that the cost ends up being about the same, though AAS is completely non-consumable, so that helps.

 

I also have no problem starting Latin Road in 6th grade; I am pretty sure that TWTM says that you can start it in 6th or 7th (mine is out on a loan ATM). I think that using PR 2 in third grade will be just fine for us.

Edited February 15, 2010 by Lovedtodeath

[Heather in VA]

I'm excited. I just ordered PR Level 1 for my 6 year old. I think there will be a reasonable amount of review for her but at her age I want her to get the firm foundation rather than try to move on the next level and risk not being ready.

 

I ultimately decided if I'm going to use a program for spelling that takes time and has high teacher participation time, I want to be getting more than just spelling out of it. PR does more and that's what I want.

 

Heather

[Lovedtodeath]

I'm excited. I just ordered PR Level 1 for my 6 year old. I think there will be a reasonable amount of review for her but at her age I want her to get the firm foundation rather than try to move on the next level and risk not being ready.

Yes, for a 6 year old I would definitely go with level 1. :)

 

I ultimately decided if I'm going to use a program for spelling that takes time and has high teacher participation time, I want to be getting more than just spelling out of it. PR does more and that's what I want.

Sounds like a great plan! I have been wanting AIO LA so badly, and PR really looks to be so much better than the others I have seen!

[Guest aquiverfull]

I'm excited. I just ordered PR Level 1 for my 6 year old. I think there will be a reasonable amount of review for her but at her age I want her to get the firm foundation rather than try to move on the next level and risk not being ready.

 

I ultimately decided if I'm going to use a program for spelling that takes time and has high teacher participation time, I want to be getting more than just spelling out of it. PR does more and that's what I want.

 

Heather

 

Good point Heather!

[Guest aquiverfull]

I think that AAS does work out if you do one level per year. I think that PR will last 5 years for the first 4 levels, plus you are getting more than just spelling. My opinion is that the cost ends up being about the same, though AAS is completely non-consumable, so that helps.

 

I also have no problem starting Latin Road in 6th grade; I am pretty sure that TWTM says that you can start it in 6th or 7th (mine is out on a loan ATM). I think that using PR 2 in third grade will be just fine for us.

 

Thanks Carmen. I also like the idea of AIO LAs rather than picking this for spelling, that for grammar, etc.

I have 3 children who are close in age..almost 5, 3, and 1. I can't imagine having to do a ton of different things with each of them everyday. So something that could simplify things for me would be great.

[Heather in VA]

 

Sounds like a great plan! I have been wanting AIO LA so badly, and PR really looks to be so much better than the others I have seen!

 

I love AIO LA. I do Classical Writing and I just love having so much linked together but it's not a program for young kids so I'm stuck until later. We do add grammar to CW later via JAG and AG but the way those programs are set up they work with CW rather than just piling on which is how I feel when I have a big stack of LA-type stuff.

 

Heather

[Guest aquiverfull]

Heather,

I know things change but can you give me an idea of where you will be heading.

If you start PR with your 6 year old do you plan on doing all 4 levels and then what? Will you add in CW at some point? Just trying to see where we would be headed if we go this route with my younger dds. Thanks!

[Heather in VA]

Sure I can try. Classical Writing is a definite. I have 2 older children, one doing Herodotus and one in Homer and I am completely sold on the CW approach to writing. So that's not a negotiable. The first 2 official levels of CW are Aesop A and B. They are for 3rd and 4th grade. So if I do all of PR they will overlap with PR 3 and 4. I don't expect to need more than the rest of 1st grade and 2nd grade to complete both Level 1 and 2 so we should be on target for PR 3 in the 3rd.

 

Each Aesop book has 18 lessons so it can either be done in 1/2 a year or stretched over a year. I would probably chose the later. It's focus is writing. It does applied grammar and usage as well. I think PR and CW together would be very doable without duplicating because their focus is very different. Even with the overlap in grammar, their approach is different. PR teaches grammar through exercises while CW does grammar through analysis.

 

So yes - I plan both. Assuming I continue with PR, my schedule would look like this:

 

Rest of this year (1st grade) - PR level 1/CW Primary (we are doing it slowly)

2nd grade - PR 2/CW Primary

3rd grade - PR 3/Aesop A

4th grade - PR4/Aesop B

 

Heather

[Guest aquiverfull]

Thanks Heather! I appreciate it. :) Oh and can you tell me if your dd is already reading?

I started looking at the PR because I was looking for something to teach reading to my dd. I really like the

whole Orton Gillingham approach. I had thought about trying SWR but keep reading about how difficult it is to implement. I then thought that I would use AAS to teach reading, but then keep hearing it's too slow for that. I have the AAS Beehive reader and really like it. If your dd is already reading, what did you use? Thanks!

Edited February 15, 2010 by aquiverfull

[Lovedtodeath]

I am thinking of continuing with WWE along with PR.

 

I was wondering if poetry is included, or needs to be added?

[MerryAtHope]

I have a question about AAS. Are they meant to be grade levels? Do you basically need just one level a year, assuming you are not catching up but starting from the beginning with a K'er or 1st grader? I'm trying to figure out which one would be more cost effective.

 

A level per year should work fine if you are starting out young. However, the levels are not meant to be grade levels. Here's a link from the AAS FAQ that explains it. By the end of Level 6, a student will be spelling at the high school level.

 

Merry :-)

[Guest aquiverfull]

Thank you so much Merry. :)

[johnandtinagilbert]

Heather,

I know things change but can you give me an idea of where you will be heading.

If you start PR with your 6 year old do you plan on doing all 4 levels and then what? Will you add in CW at some point? Just trying to see where we would be headed if we go this route with my younger dds. Thanks!

My dd4th grade will complete PR4 in 5th grade, so I plan on taking 6th grade to complete WriteShop I along with Daily Grams. My plan is so I can teach Latin to her and her brother at the same time.

 

Thanks Heather! I appreciate it. :) Oh and can you tell me if your dd is already reading?

I started looking at the PR because I was looking for something to teach reading to my dd. I really like the

whole Orton Gillingham approach. I had thought about trying SWR but keep reading about how difficult it is to implement. I then thought that I would use AAS to teach reading, but then keep hearing it's too slow for that. I have the AAS Beehive reader and really like it. If your dd is already reading, what did you use? Thanks!

My son was reading a bit (we used 100EZLessons) when we started. This improved reading, and made all of L.A. stronger than piece meal L.A.

 

I am thinking of continuing with WWE along with PR.

 

I was wondering if poetry is included, or needs to be added?

I haven't come across much poetry. Maybe once if I remember correctly. We do get poetry in history enough, though, so for us, this wouldn't be an issue.

[Heather in VA]

Heather,

I know things change but can you give me an idea of where you will be heading.

If you start PR with your 6 year old do you plan on doing all 4 levels and then what? Will you add in CW at some point? Just trying to see where we would be headed if we go this route with my younger dds. Thanks!

 

Yes my 6 year old is reading quite well. She's in that stage of moving to chapter books. Sorry I didn't see the reading question before.

 

Heather

[Heather in VA]

I am thinking of continuing with WWE along with PR.

 

I was wondering if poetry is included, or needs to be added?

 

I don't remember seeing any poetry in the scope/sequence stuff but at these ages (1st - 4th) poetry really doesn't need to be anything more than reading from a good poetry book and choosing poems to memorize. My middle dd is doing her first real poetry study now in the 5th grade using CW. There are three levels - beginning (5th and 6th grade), Intermediate (7th - 8th) and Advanced (high school)

 

Heather

[Lovedtodeath]

Okay, thanks Heather! Thank you everyone else for talking this out with me. :)

[Lovedtodeath]

The Phonics Road to Spelling & Reading-The Bridge

 

Whoah! A social group? So cool. Can't wait to read it all.

[lovemykids]

Amazing.

 

Before PR I was teaching grammar, spelling, handwriting, reading, literary analysis (reading comprehension, really and not nearly as much analysis as I do w/ PR), phonics, everything. I spent a lot of time doing all these things.

 

Now, I can finish all language arts in no more than 45 min. and that includes All language arts. Once we put away PR, we have math, science, and history + any electives we are doing via unit study (art, music, spanish). I don't spend any further time on L.A.

 

 

Wow, well that certainly sounds appealing. ;)

[Lovedtodeath]

Howdy pardner!

 

I spend about 45 minutes now with AAS, FLL and WWE. I just love the looks of the program for next year and really want the Little House study. I can't imagine not doing it now.