Can anyone help me understand "Explode the Code" books?

[provenance61]

Our daughter is 6 and just starting to read short words.  We do have some reading curricula already.  What she has been liking best is the First Start Reading books from Memoria Press.  She likes the drawing component most, but also some of the copy work.  And the large print size is great for her, as she doesn't see well.

 

Yesterday I was lucky enough to find a number of "Explode the Code" books at a library sale, for $1 apiece.  So of course I bought them.  :)

 

Can anyone help me understand how they work -- I know I'm missing books, but I'd like to try to fill in the gaps if possible and give it a try.  I've heard good things about the program.

 

What I have:

Go for the Code: A Primer fo rthe Explode the Code Series -- Book C

Explode the Code 1 1/2

Explode the Code 2

Explode the Code 3

Explode the Code 3 1/2

Explode the Code 4

 

 

Anyone know where I should start, and if there is a guide on how to use them?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

[sillymommy]

I've used ETC with my kids. The primer is usually for preschool age. The 1/2 books are for kids who have finished a level, but need a little more practice with the concepts in that level.

 

I never used a guide. I' not sure there is one. I just read the directions to the children & away they go. You might look through the 1 1/2 book to see if its a good fit for your dd.

 

What a lucky find!

[Um_2_4]

You can start with the 1 1/2 as that is the CVC words (like bat, sat, etc.). Just keep going as she progresses. You don't need a guide except on the test at the end of the book, but you can ust pick the words you want to test her on at random from the book.

[Mandamom]

I think the Primer books are working on consonant development -- I've not used them yet. 

 

 

If she knows her consonants and can write her letters she's ready for Book 1. The 1/2 books are for review/extra practice so since you have Book 1 1/2 go ahead and start with that. The half books require more writing (sentence development in the first) and some of the words are at a slightly higher level than the basic leveled book. 

 

Make sure they know and can apply the rule and that they aren't just completing pages without learning the skills they are working on. I usually have them do 2-3 pages at a time several days per week.