I'm happy to share one of my favorite books, The New Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease (in fact, Tiffany is selling one on the sale board). The author explains the importance of reading aloud and has lists of suggested books. Mr. Trelease is now retired from speaking engagements and has an updated website. http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/ He has even responded to a few emails I have sent him over the years. You cannot go wrong with this book for suggestions. It changed our lives. ;)

Thanks Liz! :001_smile:

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I know one is more colorful, but I am wondering about their scope and sequence. My 1st grader is doing Phonics Pathways and Headsprout. I'd like to supplement with written work. Anyone familiar with both? Thanks! Lisa

I shouldn't really comment, because I just received 1st grade the other day. It is way ahead of where I thought it would be and has a lot of writing. I think I'll continue with Headsprout and the I See Sam books. I also use Phonics Pathways as a supplement. DD should be ready for McRuffy by September.

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Elizabeth, what is the difference between Back on the Right Track and Rx for Reading? Is one more parent-friendly? Is one quicker than the other?

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DS13 has been using it for a few weeks. Some of it is really difficult for him; he has a slow working memory and processing speed. But, of course, that's why we bought it. I cannot tell you if he has benefitted from it yet, but he has slightly improved on some of those difficult "games". DS cringes when he has to play it, because he knows I'll force him to do the more difficult activities. With all that said, I would buy it again in a heartbeat, especially for the price the co-op has!!!

I remember reading Stone Fox to my 6 and 9 year old ds's. My third ds, who was three at the time, would play as I read. It was the first time I had ever read the book. If you're familiar with the ending, you know it's tragic. I was crying my eyes out and threw the book on the ground. Wouldn't you know my 3 year old was listening and would share the entire story to strangers for weeks. Of course, he never left out the part with me crying and throwing the book on the floor!!!

Adding to my list, as I found Trelease's favorite k-garten books (in addition to the ones I listed): Two Times the Fun by Beverly Cleary Chibi: A True Story from Japan by Brenner and Takaya Junie B Jones series (haven't read one of these; my dd would probably love it) The Chalk Box Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla Magic Tree House series (I forgot about these - great way to begin listening) The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith Also, Patricia Polacco has some very wonderul picture books.

I also think that Alice in Wonderland is too complicated for a child that young. There are incredible picture books and short chapter books that my children have loved. Some short novels we have enjoyed recently: Catwings Gooney Bird Greene Wolf Story My Father's Dragon The Animal Family The Stories Julian Tells Thimbleberry Stories Beatrix Potter Planned for the upcoming months: The Tale of Despereaux Chocolate Fever The Family Under the Bridge Owls in the Family A Lion to Guard Us The Reluctant Dragon Poppy series by Avi Others you might try if they become experienced listeners: The Mouse and the Motorcycle and the Ramona series Charlotte's Web or Stuart Little James and the Giant Peach You could try Stone Fox, one of my favorites. But because of a death at the end, it can be tragic. I always need to build my courage before reading this one. Check out my favorite reference book, "The Read Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trelease. It will give you great ideas age by age. HTH! Lisa

I signed up also! Waiting for my 1st grade package to arrive in the mail! Lisa

:iagree: Just today, 6 yr old dd heard a friend say , 'I hate..." and dd said, "oooooh that is a STRONG word!" Very cute. I remember when my oldest was 12, he came home and said, "Mommy, stupid is NOT a curse word. My friends told me so. They all use it." Busted!

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You are just fabulous!!!!!!!!!!! :hurray::hurray::party: Thank you soooo much! Lisa

I hear talk about the Al abacus activity book or guide. I can't find anything on the website. Tell me it exists! I would LOVE this! Thanks! Lisa

:iagree: It adds one more layer of understanding mathematical concepts. I personally love the RS abacus. Gotta try it to believe it! ;) We use Singapore, but have just ordered Miquon materials for my younger ones. May even throw in MEP when I have time to hang around the printer. We use the abacus, along with RS card games, as a supplement.

I think that's exactly what we needed! Thank you for the detailed info! It is greatly appreciated!! :001_smile:

Does that mean you didn't use the teacher's materials or workbooks? How do you use the book? Thanks! ;) Lisa

Another fan of Jim Trelease's Read Aloud Handbook - I received it when pg with my first and is now my fave baby shower gift!! :001_smile:

A very Happy Fourth to you! Thank you sooo much for this link! What a kind thing for that Mom to do! It's exactly what I needed. Now, I need a few hours and lots of printer ink and paper! :) Thanks again for posting this. Lisa

Thank you Heather for your advice. I THINK I have decided to go with Apples and Pears, maybe with Megawords as a supplement. Thoughts about doing both at the same time? The more I am learning about his weaknesses and strengths, the more I realize that at this point it is because he isn't trying/doesn't care. He is frustrated and defeated. Apples and Pears has a lot of dictating/writing. I think this may force him to think and write and hopefully retain. I guess that I'm hoping that learning to take apart words and write them will help with his reading. He just guesses words he doesn't know. Being in ps, he could do that and get away with it until he needed to read to learn. THEN, it affected his fluency and comprehension BIG time. My goal for this year is to allow him to take his time and learn to believe in the possibility that he CAN read. He just needs to learn how. Any thoughts on what we can use after REWARDS is done? I'd like for him to be able to decode more difficult words. Heather, I am always glad to read your perspective on things, since you are dyslexic yourself. I know each is different, but your insight is always appreciated. Lisa, who may still use AAS for her 6 and 10 year olds!

Kate, that looks great! How is this different than Simply Spelling? Thanks! Lisa

Thank you Sandy and Merry for your thoughts and experience! :)