Tracy Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 (edited) Maybe this is a really stupid question. I have seen some questions about reading programs lately and see that kids as old as 6th grade are using them. I thought that reading programs were to teach kids to read. And since my dd is reading, I didn't think that I needed them. (I just have her read to me every day.) I am sort of new to homeschooling. Am I missing out on something? Edited September 18, 2010 by tracymirko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArizonaGirl Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 I use The Writing Road to Reading, and "Reading Lessons" mean understanding text structure: Is a piece of writing a Narrative (story, or fiction, with plot, characters, event, setting, etc.) or is it Informative (to give information, such as History or Science), or is it a combination of both called Informative-Narrative (telling a story that entertains while giving information). Reading also includes comprehension skills like using context clues to figure out unfamiliar words, and understanding what you read. Some people would call it Creative Writing verses Expository Writing. There is a lot more to it than that, but I think that sums up "Reading" as a subject a little bit. Basically, does your student understand what he reads, and how well does he understand it? In high school, we would call a reading class, "Literature." Does that help at all? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 We use the CLE "Reading" program for 3rd and 4th grade. It's an amazingly thorough program that covers TONS of stuff - well beyond basic reading comprehension skills. I would say it take my kids between 15 and 25 minutes a day to complete an assignment (the 4th grade is 5 units to allow for more writing time, and the 3rd grade is daily). Here is the scope and sequence for the 4th grade Light unit 403 (there are 5 units, so this is the 3rd of 5 for the year): Working with vocabulary words Identifying a summary of a story Matching characters to descriptive clues Scanning to verify given statements True/false statements containing the word not Categorizing words Reasons for given circumstances Scanning for a figure of speech Placing events in order Inferring to place events in order Ways to obey a Scripture verse Completing a crossword puzzle Determining a word meaning The best time to right a wrong Determining responsibilty for mistakes God’s part and our part Writing a second line for a couplet Matching words to phrases that rhyme and have the same rhythm Making recommendations Matching actions to Scripture verses Antonyms of words that describe character traits Identifying character by observing actions Jobs fourth graders can do faithfully Learning the term analogy Completing analogies Comparing characters to Anabaptists Using the table of contents Identifying a story scene – easy to see in the mind’s eye Painting a word picture Completing a crossword puzzle Learning the term parable Matching parable details to meanings Exhibiting understanding of parable Identifying the most important lesson in the parable Memorizing and applying Scripture The Scope and Sequence for the 3rd grade Light unit 303 (book 3 of 10 for the year) is as follows: Vocabulary words Alphabetizing by third letters Meaning changed by accented syllable Rules for oral reading Matching dialogue to speaker Placing a story in its time frame Figures of speech Analyzing story characters’ feelings Doing as you please does not bring happiness Sequencing story events Categorizing words Scanning for words Alphabetizing by fourth letters Guide words “Heaping coals of fire” Fact and opinion Identifying rhyming lines in poetry Using homographs correctly Fiction and nonfiction Thankfulness A different title for the story Rewriting sentences As you can see there is a lot to "reading". I think it's great because it covers all the test prep type reading comp that I feel my kids need, but it also covers a WHOLE lot more. I love that it's quick, my kids love the stories and it make sure we don't have any gaps. (And yes, we read a TON outside of this curriculum.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in SW WA Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 CLE Reading 3 works well here for comprehension and vocab in an independent workbook approach. This is done in addition to lit reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samiam Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 You are not missing out on anything, at least for the age of your children. Yes, "Reading Program" at a young age, generrally refers to teaching reading. As the child becomes a capable reader, some families turn to a "Reading Program" thath helps the child actually learn to study the reading. Such those items that a previous poster listed from their reading program. One school of thought, ala WTM, is that a reading program is not necessary. That is can kill the love of reading to have to do an in-depth study of books. That most reading programs are not quality "reading material", rather snippets created by textbooks writers. I agree with that school of thought to a certain extent. Once my child was reading, I did not following a "reading program", just had him read quality books for enjoyment (and corresponding sometimes with what we were studying in other subjects). We would discuss the books together, in a casual conversation setting. In 6th grade, I decided to try the CLE Reading program. There is alot of stuff in it that I would have never thought to teach or discuss. Inferring, even the simple things like 3rd person, 1st person, and so much more I can't think of off the top of my head, lol! But now that I realize how useful the reading program is, my son will continue it, at least through 8th for now. So, here's my personal plan for younger children: Reading program to teach reading, then no reading program for younger elementary years instead just enjoy reading, learning to love it, learning to appreciate the enjoyment and adventure that reading can bring, and then in middle school, Reading program to "study" reading, to see the "meat" in the techniques. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy Posted September 18, 2010 Author Share Posted September 18, 2010 Thanks for all the responses. Yes, they all help me understand. So, here's my personal plan for younger children: Reading program to teach reading, then no reading program for younger elementary years instead just enjoy reading, learning to love it, learning to appreciate the enjoyment and adventure that reading can bring, and then in middle school, Reading program to "study" reading, to see the "meat" in the techniques. Thanks especially for this. It makes a lot of sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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