Heather: Thanks SO much for so much info - I appreciate all your time helping me sort through this stuff!!!!!! I really am intrigued by Sonlight but I think I need to let it go for now. I am not crazy about some of the books in P4/5 and I do worry that although my DD might be ok with SLK, my DS would likely not. I really think I should probably spend their PK and K year with lots of hands on and picture books (and learning to read for DD and fine-tuning fine motor skills for DS!). There will be plenty of time for some heavier stuff later. I don't have convenient access to a great library either. Our closest library is free but very very small and ILL stuff takes 3 weeks or so. The city library is great, but it's 45 min from me and it does cost $30/yr to join b/c I live outside the city (but it would be worth the money, it's just so far) And I agree with you on MFW being a little too Bible integrated in ALL subjects - besides I use HWOT and love it and have my heart set on other phonics stuff at this point. Linda: Thanks for the great advice - my gut agrees with you. I may get alpha phonics (try to find it used) to ck it out. We are continuing with 100 EZ in the interim until I make a decision. I am going to look at WP's LA though in the next week or so (in person) to see if it's a good fit. Lovedtodeath: Thanks SO much! I like the looks of Phonics Road. I'm going to take a look IRL at WP K and Adv K and SWR in the next week and hopefully that will help me decide. It seems like I'm starting to lean toward doing more of my own thing for some parts of this year, especially since I'm having a hard time picking *anything* to spend my money on! But money only goes so far and I'm trying to be so careful. As of this morning (it sort of changes daily! LOL), if I pick anything I will likely order Animal Worlds and supplement with GTG. I LOOOOOOOOOVE the looks of Hideaways in History though - but with DS in PreK, I think maybe it would be better to wait until they are 1st gr/Kinder. Thanks again to everyone for all the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kisa, thanks - I emailed you!! :) :)

Thanks Heather! I agree with the concrete-ness of AW probably being a better choice, especially for DS. Did you ever get bored with Animals? I did actually just order Galloping the Globe, so hopefully I will love it and can supplement with that. Anyway my gut was telling me that HIH and CAW were too much this year so I'm glad to hear your opinion - that cemented it for me :) I love love love the looks of TOG, but I knew we probably weren't ready for that this year (me and the kids!) So look for more questions on TOG from me later in the year!!! LOL I want to seriously consider it for next year, unless I just love WP so much I can't leave. As far as complete/main curriculum, it's pretty much been between WP and Sonlight for this year (although I like Sonlight's K choices much better than the P4/5 despite the fact everyone says I should start there) But WP just stands out for me for some reason. I also like the looks of MFW, but it didn't speak to me like WP or SL did. We tried FIAR - it's very well written, but for my goals, it just isn't enough - I think it would be great for a bedtime read aloud program though. It has very thought provoking insightful looks into the books. I see you are using Right Start and Real Science. We have both of those but I dont think we are ready for Real Science just yet, especially DS. I am thinking of getting the WP the world around me science program and then trying Real Science for next year or over the summer since it's only a 10 week program (we have Chem pre-level). Thanks for all your advice :) :) Ronda

Colleen, thanks for the flashcard/phonogram idea - I'll do that. Ellie - you know I just read an article on Kindergarten and how it's changed - how it is now compared to what it's intent was by it's creator. I don't know why that didn't stick! But I also think it's b/c my DD is really READY. I doubt DS will be at the same place as she is now when he is this age next year, (but who knows?) and it won't phase me a single bit to wait for him if that's the case. Heather - I can't decide. I was set on AW but I keep looking at HIH. DD actually likes the idea of the CAW (I read the descriptions to her). She loves history and geography (like me!) and I think the world "children" in the title caught her ear LOL But I keep thinking of DS and I *know* he would like animals better and DD would enjoy animals too - and we could start history as the main spine next year with either TOG/SOTW or even HIH or CAW or AS1. I also like the World Around Me science program, so if I chose that, I'd prob go with HIH or CAW (but I think CAW might be too much for DS this year) I really just seem to be drawn to WP in it's entirety - I sure hope that it lives up to my expectations!!! LOL thanks all:D

I thought Kinder was a primary year for beginning phonics/reading instruction? It's good to know though because really just going all WP this year, while not cheap, will be easier on me I think, and then I can spend the rest of this year focusing on selecting, buying and learning my spAlding influenced method of choice (sorry, I used to play tennis so its ingrained in me with a "U" :)) thank you ;)

I've been doing alot of research for a phonics curr lately here (we were using 100 EZ and I don't like it). At the same time I was looking for our "spine" for the year (I know it's already September, but I just couldnt' decide and I'm really glad I took the time to research it all well! LOL) So after deciding on Winterpromise (as spine) I have a new LA/Reading/Phonics dilemma! I was leaning towards one of the spaulding-based/copies/derived methods like AAS, WRTR, SWR or even Phonics Road for DD but after deciding on WP as the spine, now the WP LA looks really fun and I've read good things about it. And, frankly, if I order WRTR or SWR I am expecting a slight learning curve (read: time to review, learn and implement) so of course I don't want them to have *no* phonics instruction in the meantime - so should I get WP's LA and just use it for this year (K for DD and PreK for DS) and then move into one of the spaulding-type for 1st/Kinder (next school year) when I'm more prepared? I wonder if the transition will be smooth? Thanks for any advice!!!

So would you mind sharing which you like better - or how you felt about them??? :) :) :)

Thank you Tabrett!!!! That is a great story and you are right, so many people do love MFW and I hear good things about phonics pathways alot :) I am kind of looking for something for him, should I choose not to use 100 EZ lessons (I don't think Cathy Duffy even lists 100 EZ in her book) I was looking at The Reading Lesson and Reading the Easy Way (the v. Bendt book) but I will also look at MFW and PPathways.

I really like the idea of getting to a solid reader by end of first grade. Phonics in 4th grade sounds dreadful. When I taught 2nd grade 10 years ago, I remember the students who could read really well in my second grade class (like 4-6th grade levels) and then those that were still on Primer level - and I wondered what had made the difference????? They all had gone to the same school so they had the same curriculum, so it must have been how that curriculum had met (and not met) their learning styles. So I think I will just go with my gut. Like I said in a previous post, if I was looking for reading/phonics for DS, I wouldn't be looking at spelling programs (at least not right now) - he's not ready for that. But I *really* think DD is :) When she had just turned 5 she was already writing sentences and words with "invented" spelling - but she could do words like "beautiful" and write BUTFL - so even almost a year ago she was hearing beginning, middle and ending sounds in words. She is also obsessed with spelling words right. I tell her to sound it out now and she wants to know the RIGHT way. LOL Thanks (and Ill look at MFW more)

Thank you so much everyone - I have learned so much just in the short time since I posted - you've all been very helpful (and convincing!) Lovedtodeath - I did see the don Potter site! I bookmarked it and haven't had time to look at it yet, but I will. I saw a post somewhere that said "don't spend any money!" (on a phonics program) and then linked to that site! LOL I will also ck out the WP LA. I actually was really impressed with WP's samples and want to read more about it. I actually plan to start the WTM/SOTW/TOG next year most likely, but for this year, we are looking at MFW (although I don't need such a complete program b/c I have HWOT and RS math that we are doing well with), Sonlight, FIAR or WP (yes we are still picking a main/spine program for the year and it's September! LOL But I should have that picked and in by October! LOL) hmschooling - we are huge LEAPFROGgers here! LOL I credit that program with both of them knowing their letter sounds by 2/2.5! We are headed to the (not so great) library near us today and I'll see if they have HOP! I'd love to see it. Jennay - thanks for the info on AAS - are you on the yahoo group? I think I am still drawn to this program because I really think it's right for DD (continuing to learn phonics with phonetic spelling too) She is ready to write and wants to every day. We have a spiral notebook we titled "words I can read!" that I write down every word she reads and decodes automatically. She loves reviewing the list (esp b/c it keeps getting longer) and now wants to write them all. Tabrett- you know I guess I am looking for an all-in-one - if I was just looking for my son, I wouldnt' be having this conversation. He is so different. But I really think DD is ready for more than 100EZ has to offer. I mean, I think it's a good program, but I don't think it's enough for HER. I may continue it with DS though, although it would be nice to have them both on the same program, even if I have to modify DS's. I'll ck out LLATL. I worry about the blend technique (CV) being taught first though for reading since the vowel sound usually is determined by whatever comes AFTER it in a word, not before. But who am I to argue with so many wonderful reviews and results with MFW phonics - I'll ck it out some more. Ellie - thanks for the info from the AAS site - I know I've read that, but it's easier to see it taken out of context and explained ;) I agree over time I am getting better at being able to tell just by looking at stuff, but I still have a long way to go. :) I agree that I think I just like the spalding design/method better. I really don't want to give up HWOT though. So I hope it's easy to integrate it. thanks again everyone!!!!

Ellie, so AAS does not teach all the sounds of a phonogram at one time? Or were you talking about SWR? sorry, I am getting really confused LOL We are using HWOT so will buying a program that includes a writing curriculum (like phonics road or SWR) interfere with that? I think I just need to *see* these programs in person - it's impossible to really know from looking on the web or even reading reviews. At least AAS has a one year return policy. I wish I could find more people using ABeCeDarian.... thanks for your input - I really appreciate it :)

Heather, thanks for all the info. I can see what you are saying - teaching all the sounds of a particular letter does seem pretty overwhelming to throw at her all at once - but the way you described SL's LA sounds too slow for her.....what you are describing that she would do in LA 1, she already does (unless I didn't understand correctly or there's more to it) I think I may actually stick with 100 EZ (gasp!) and get through it and then start one of the AAS/SWR or Phonics road. It could still be this year that we start one of those and I could catch any gaps during the same year. I am probably overthinking this, but like I said, phonics/reading is something I kind of obsess about. I should probably just give 100 EZ more of a try (we're not very far in it :) :)) thanks again!!!!!!

Yes, that does help! Maybe I should get the OPGTR or the book by Valerie Bendt (can't remember the title) and then get AAS to use immediately after? I found one of the testimonials that led me to consider AAS for reading instruction - I know there are more, because it would have never made it on my list without seeing that ALOT LOL :) :) Not trying to prove it right or wrong, because I truly have no clue, but I didnt' want anyone to think I was crazy for considering it for phonics LOL................. (from homeschoolreviews.com board) "AAS definitely teaches reading. I asked the author specifically about that and she said she uses that is the method she uses to teach reading. My dd4 is on step 11 of Level one and she is reading now." Also, everyone seems to say it is an "easy" (for the teacher) version of SWR (which is a phonics program, right?) I also like the guarantee (you have one year!) so much to think about - it's exhausting!

Tabrett - Honestly, I've read so many reviews of 100 Ez lessons, and I can't remember the specifics of the gaps, but that comment was repeated over and over. I'm not looking for a classroom type program - not at all - and just to clarify, I never taught children to read from the very basic steps. I had 2nd graders up to 6th graders and thankfully, they knew how to read (some obviously better than others, but still) Plus, that was 10 years ago (and since my memory is pretty much shot since having children, I can barely remember things that happend last month!LOL) What I'm looking for is something that just doesn't leave us backpeddling. Maybe 100 EZ won't. But I've just seen in too many reviews that it does. I've also seen many that loved it, but just too many that didn't. And now that I've tried using it, I just can't bring myself to pick up the book - it's so dry and boring! I'm going to ck into Sing spell read and write - and maybe some other less expensive programs too. (the reading lesson?) Thanks :)

Thanks so much for the replies Ladies :) I thought AAS was a spin off from Spalding/Orton-Gillingham?? Or maybe I am confusing The Phonics Road....I've read so much lately :) I do like that the Phonics Road is a *complete* program - grammar, writing, phonics, spelling. I do know that reading comes faster than spelling, but I know I've read multiple testimonials about AAS being great for teaching kids to read.....and looking at the scope and sequence, it seems it would. Although it is still all a bit "gray" for me, because even though I was a teacher I never taught lower than 2nd grade, so it's really new for me :) :) Thanks again...

Hi all! I'm new here and new to homeschooling :) (this is a GREAT forum BTW!) A little background: I have two kiddoes - DD is 5 and DS is 4. I was a public school teacher for 10 years (elementary level) prior to kids and HS and am so thankful to have the chance to HS - I am very passionate about it! DD is reading simple BOB books - she has a sight word bank of probably 20 words and can decode CVC with ease. We started with 100 EZ lessons (on lesson 6) and despite some of the great reviews I've read I also have concerns. I've read that there are gaps and that bothers me - I don't want the mission to be to get her to read "as soon as possible" in a functional way and then leave areas where we have to fill in. And frankly, the program text and layout is so dry and boring (I can't believe the kids are supposed to use the book - it's so overwhelming and distracting even if I am pointing to the part they are supposed to read) I also don't like the "fake" letters they use. the e with the line over? the little e? ugh. It seems to me that there has to be a more real, systematic way?? (but maybe I'm just clueless! LOL) So I've been looking for something more child-friendly and comprehensive. I love the idea of teaching spelling along with reading - it totally makes sense to me. So I've narrowed it down to: All About Spelling The Phonics Road to Reading AbeCeDarian I've studied the scope and sequence of each of these programs (well ABeCeDarian just has a general description) and I've looked at sample pages, dvd intros, etc etc. And I like them all for one reason or another. I think at this point I can't know anything more without actually trying them out, but I am very nervous to "throw the dice" when it comes to reading instruction. So I thought I'd ask for some advice here :) FWIW, I am very laid back about other subjects in general at this age, but DD is READY to read and I've seen too many children with reading issues in the PS, so phonics/reading is a huge huge deal for me. Thank you for any help!!!!!! P.S. we are hoping to be using SOTW and/or TOG next year - I love love love history! We are just trying to take it a little slower this year - I get overwhelmed easily! LOL