Phonics Road users...

[Honey Bee]

Hi, I am currently using The Phonics Road to Spelling and Reading. I am on level A with a K'er and will continue to use it for next year. I sat down this week and wrote out in short form the scope and sequence so I could compare it to other programs. I was very happy with PR after doing this, because I was having a "grass is greener" moment with Language Arts. I am curious though:

 

1. What are the pros and cons to using this curriculum as you have moved up levels?

 

2. Any wisdom from someone who has finished all 4 levels, what does it look like on the other side (having completed all the levels) say vs. going with FLL and WWE?

 

Thanks for responding. I really like the scope and sequence, but it is an expensive curriculum and I want to know what I can expect in the future from seasoned homeschoolers. Thanks soooo much for your time!

[Honey Bee]

bump. Thanks!

[Honey Bee]

bump again! HOping for some feedback.

[momofabcd]

Hi Melissa,

I'm not using Phonics Road, but have looked it over extensively. I think it looks absolutely wonderful and very complete as Language arts goes, and I'm still considering using it with my two younger dd's when they are ready. I was thinking about using it for my 3rd grader who I pulled out of a christian school a month ago, but I just couldn't justify beginning at level one with him because of the cost of the curriculum.

I am using FLL, WWE, All About Spelling and Noah Websters American Spelling book with him instead. I really like WWE and FLL. They are so gentle in their approach, but meaty at the same time. However, last spring I priced two Language arts avenues I thought would be comparable. When I say comparable, I mean, ease of use from the beginning, content, teaching style and possible outcome. I didn't want anything with a giant learning curve for me. That's why SWR, WRTR were out in my case.

1) WWE, FLL, All About Spelling and Drawn into the Heart of Reading

2)The Phonics Road

and the prices were almost identical when all was said and done. So, I don't think The Phonics Road is all that expensive comparatively. It may come out to be quite a bit more after 4 years, though. I didn't price it that far.

I say stick with it if you think it is going well. I don't think you can go wrong with The Phonics Road. We all get grass is greener syndrome;)

 

Deena

[in Training in Texas]

I'm not sure if my opinion really has any weight, as I am like you, planning on using it, but at least I can tell you why from what I've heard and understood about the program.

 

One pro as compared to other programs is that you won't wait until 3rd or 4th grade to find out whether your child is a natural speller. My 7yo can read fine with lots of context and guessing, but my friend's 5 yo who used PR is not yet a proficient reader, but he can spell better than my daughter and can tell you why (better than I can, too!).

 

Personally, if I don't feel like the grammar tracks as I'd like it to, or my kids are more or less proficient in any of the LA that go with this program, both FLL or WWE are inexpensive enough to substitute in. I know people don't like that when they pay for an all-inclusive program, but I just don't have the expectation that a great phonics program is going to also be a great grammar or writing program too. I also feel that my philosophies are different for each of the LA areas.

 

What Deena said in her last paragraph is why I'm going with PR. I've heard consistently that you can't go wrong with PR for early readers.

 

Hope it helps.