I really, really want to love LoE Essentials but I'm just not sure. I'm about done reading ULoE book and wished I had been taught the spelling rules and phonograms when I was in school to prevent me from being the mediocre speller that I am (though since having kids I've become a walking dictionary :confused1:). I've watched many of the videos Denise has on youtube and bought the Doodling Dragons book for my youngest but I just can't take the plunge and purchase Essentials. I have a dyslexic 3rd grader that has made a lot of process this year but is still struggling and at times frustrated. I really think teaching her the phonograms and spelling rules will be of great help. The fact is has grammar is a total bonus as reviewing that isn't going to hurt either. But my issue is after looking at the samples, it bugged me that the first phonogram and spelling rule was qu but only one word is the spelling list had qu in it! The second lesson was ck and only spelling 2 words had ck and there was no review of qu (the words quick, quack would have been perfect). Am I just being overly critical? Does somehow it just work and click? The sample is only of the first two lessons so maybe if I had a broader sample I'd feel more confident purchasing it. I really just want something open and go that we can just buckle down and get though most of it this summer. So somebody, anybody, please sell me on it. Thanks.

What is the easiest vertical phonics curriculum? Looking for something as open and go as possible to get a child caught up in reading (spelling improvements would be a bonus) as quickly as possible. Cheap would be nice too. I've read a lot of posts about Spalding's WRTR but I don't have time for the learning curve that seems to be involved with it. From what I've read, vertical phonics seems to be the fastest way to get children reading and providing them all the information needed to read about anything. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I stumble accross TATRAS (http://www.verticalphonics.com/) in one of my many searches of reading programs. Can someone tell me more about it? There's aren't any samples so it is hard to gage how it works. The concept of vertical phonics intrigues me. How long does it take to complete the program/how long a day? What is involved in the daily schedule? Any rough estimate of the reading level once complete? Do you need to follow up with something after? I have a third grader who is struggling with reading (and spelling) and am looking to get her caught up as easily and quickly as possible. She is a twin and is constantly saying she wants to read chapter books like her brother. I'd like to use it with a younger child as well. Thanks.

Has anyone heard of Units of Sound: Literacy That Fits software? I can't seem to find any reviews of it and am wondering if it is effective. http://www.unitsofsound.net/ltf/ltf.html Thanks.

Just wondering if there are any good videos or songs that can assist children to learn their math fact (all 4 variations)? Trying to do traditional flash cards is being met with resistance. Thanks!

Just wondering if there are any good videos or songs that can assist children to learn their math fact (all 4 variations)? Trying to do traditional flash cards is being met with resistance. Thanks!

I just saw http://www.isingaporemath.com/ today and was wondering about it myself. Anyone? OP did you purchase?

They still haven't loaded the actual Miquon lab books that the kids use. The lab books are orange, red, blue, purple, green, and yellow. The three currclick has available are teacher materials.

Thank goodness! Glad Rainbow Resource knows what's going on, Currclick is still investigating. Hopefully it won't be more than a week or two because I was ready to get started this week.

Thanks all for your responses. I will give them the flashcards a try. Guess they are more important than I thought.

I'm kicking myself for not buying them months ago. I sent them an email inquiring if they will be available again, I'll post the response once I get it. In the meantime, I'll keep scouring the net for another source for the electronic version.

I went to purchase Miquon last night from www.currclick.com and they no longer sell it :sad:! Does anyone know where I can get the electronic version? Thanks.

I was just wondering if the flash cards are really important to the program or if they can be skipped. I plan to use this to teach a beginning reader, who know his letter sounds, and a dyslexic student who has a pretty good grasp on her letter sounds. Thanks.

I have two 3rd graders and a 7th grader who need massive help with math. I'm looking for some online resources, they don't have to be free, to give them more practice. They still haven't master the basic math facts yet so it needs to start at the beginning. ALEKS looks interesting but some of the reviews have me concerned. What other options out are there? Thanks.

My DS has a late July birthday and I'd never in a million years red-shirt him just so he could play sports. Maybe it is because I've been tranplanted into Texas that I feel the way I do but I'd be perfectly happy if my son does not play football (I'm sure that I'd be thrown out of the state for that comment if it was legal to do so). As a parent, it is my job to ensure he is prepared to start kindergarten. My step-kids have late July and early September birthday's and they were red-shirted, not my DH decision. Now, it looks like they may all need to be repeat a year, very complicated situation. If that happens, they will start their senior years at 19. While I'm sure it does not happen frequently but when a red-shirted kid needs to repeat a grade, it cause a problem IMO. For that reason, I just can't support it as the norm.

I haven't gotten though the whole document yet but the lesson plans seem do-able so far. I do like that the program has very little writing, if any, which will be helpful since we are not up to handwriting yet. Wonder why it is not mentioned more frequently on the board? Thanks for your reply.

:iagree: I'm using it with mine and the writing is a bit much. However, DS does like the "trace" (aka scribble on) each letter with his pencil. He has no desire to even try to write the letter on the lines, even though he tells me he wants to learn how to write. However, the rest of the program is good. There is more than just letter writing, there is letter sounds, match the letter to the picture and idenfying the picture that is different.

While reading random posts, I saw someone mention CSMP. I looked into it more and it looks interesting. Plus free! Based on the forums recommendation, I'm currently trying MEP Reception for pre-K math 1-2 days a week and it is being met with resistance - "I want different math". We've only gotten a few lessons done because it isn't want he wants from math. Do you think that CSMP Kindergarten could be used for pre-k? For those who have used it and MEP, which do you like better? Why? Thanks for your guidance.

If he's unwilling to watch the LeapFrog videos, I'd recommend Preschool Prep. You'll hate them as they repeat the same thing over and over. I used the Letter Name, Digraphs, and Sight Words with my son (they work). They now have Letter Sounds and Blends. You can try Hooked on Phonics Dvds too; my son really liked the PreK DVD. As other have stated the LeapFrog Fridge letters. In addition, I'd add a Magnadoodle so you can write letter and words on the for reinforcement. http://www.preschoolprepco.com/h/i/index.php

Thanks for sharing. I just saved it to my favorites for future use.

I'm kinda shocked at the results. Just wondering the reason MEP and Miquon are the top picks (though Saxon is close)??? Is it cost or are they really that good compared to the more expensive options? Do you stick with MEP after Reception or use it as a supplement to something else? I originally dismissed MEP as it didn't make sense but after a bit more reading I figured it out. Thanks.

Reading the threads I've seen different math curriculums mentioned as good ones to use for Pre-K but just want to see what is recommended highest. Also, which would transition into Mammath Math? I'm leaning towards using this after.

Has anyone heard of Phonics Plus Five or the online version, Reading Kingdom? I search but I really can't find any review on either product. There is also a related book called The Reading Remedy which covers the background on the components of her program and provides you the information needed if you want to use the program but create the materials yourself. Thanks. http://www.readingkingdom.com www.phonicsplusfive.com

I'm not entirely sure. You can try setting up an account and adding it to your shopping cart to see what will happen. Per the website: To redeem this deal, visit www.halfoffdepot.com/redemption. Input your voucher code and confirm your shipping address. You will have 30 days to redeem this offer.

I'm not sure how long the discount will last but you can get a one year subscription to Reading Eggs for $31.45 by entering mayday into the Discount Code section of the shopping cart. Once the code expires the price is $37.00. While not as good as the people who got it for less than $20 but it is better than full price. Just wanted to share should anyone else be shopping for it now. http://halfoffdepot.com/houston/catalog/product/view/id/8903/s/one-year-subscription-to-reading-eggs.html