best phonics program for 4 year olds who are reading well? little writing preferred.

[matrips]

I didn't want to hijack the thread on SWR, but it got me wondering which direction to go. my kids are great readers, but we have not done a phonics program yet. I do think it would be beneficial for them to learn the rules, both to continue reading well and for spelling down the road. I do not know all the phonics rules either, so I want to be able to help them without just saying 'well, this is how you pronounce it but I don't know why'. I'd rather be able to say 'here is the rule, let's sound it out'.

 

Handwriting is not a strong suit, so I don't want to do a program right now involving a lot of writing. I also don't need a program to teach them to read. But I do want a program that will provide the rules so they can sound out any new word they come across with ease, and be able to spell well in the future.

 

I have three kids I'd be using it with, 4.5 yo triplets. One ds is definitely more advanced in reading- can pronounce pretty much any word he runs across (and we're talking some large and strange ones!), other ds does well most of the time- sometimes a word he can't figure out, and dd who can read well, but not as well as her brothers. and she will often have a tough time figuring out a word. (I think she has memorized a lot)

 

Can anyone recommend a good approach to take? I'm okay with adapting a package that's out there. I can visualize doing oral 'spelling bees', but not in having them write down a ton of words.

 

Programs I'm considering are: Alphaphonics, SWR, OPGTR, and AAS. But I really don't know how they each work or compare. I've been trying to read tons of threads on them. But if anyone can summarize them here, and in reference to 4 year olds, that would be great!

 

Thank you!

[AudreyTN]

I really liked OPGTR! It worked wonderfully for my oldest two. Not so much for my current emerging reader.

 

You could also check Reading Reflex. This is my favorite approach.

[JoyfulMama_Karen]

:bigear:

[Pamela H in Texas]

I'd go with Alphaphonics since it'll get you from start to ANYTHING in 128 lessons. You can zoom through the first part and slow down when it gets tough. But it'll be easy to individualize.

[hmschooling]

I like Reading Made Easy a lot. It's quick and effective, and even fun enough to hold the attention of a 4 or 5 yr old boy. :001_smile: You can start anywhere in the book and it's very systematic and has just enough review.