renabeth Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I am thinking of using this next year.:) Can someone give me an overview of it? I have looked at the website. How do I decide between Bear necessities and FastTrack AB? He can read on a pretty solid 2nd grade level, but handwriting is waaaay below that. I just wanted to hear others opinions on these programs and how they work in your home? Also, is there any other place to order them that is cheaper? Thanks :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houseofkids&pets Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 On their website, click on "where to start with reading" for information about each book. Also, it says on their site that if a child can read the following sentence without any errors, start with Fast Track: "Our teacher is waiting for us in the hall" My ds8 has really improved in reading this year. I was impressed with his progress. Then I decided to give Fast Track and Apples and Pears spelling a try based on reviews. I can't believe how difficult Fast Track has been for him. It makes me realize that he might be memorizing words, but can't decode phonetically. We are going to have him assessed for dyslexia. We are taking a break from Fast Track (it really makes him upset), but have been continuing with Apples and Pears. Good luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeegal Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I am thinking of using this next year.:) Can someone give me an overview of it? I have looked at the website. How do I decide between Bear necessities and FastTrack AB? He can read on a pretty solid 2nd grade level, but handwriting is waaaay below that. I just wanted to hear others opinions on these programs and how they work in your home? Also, is there any other place to order them that is cheaper? Thanks :) The Dancing Bear doesn't have much handwriting. She's had to circle a few words, but that's about it. It's mostly reading. Fast Track does move quite fast. What is your son's frustration level? If he's frustrated easily I'd recommend the slower route, but if he enjoys a challenge and doesn't mind repeating pages when he doesn't quite have it down then he'd probably handle fast track. Apples and Pears Spelling A assumes the children don't write well. :001_smile: Both programs have been a godsend for my daughter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renabeth Posted June 11, 2011 Author Share Posted June 11, 2011 Thanks everyone :) I think we will go with the Dancing Bears. That sentence would be way to hard for him I think. I am so excited about this. I can't wait to get it. I guess there is not a cheaper place to order this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenoraddict Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 We didn't use Dancing Bears, but Apples and Pears has been great for our dyslexic sons. Anything with dictation really helps them keep the words in their heads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ondreeuh Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 My ds8 has really improved in reading this year. I was impressed with his progress. Then I decided to give Fast Track and Apples and Pears spelling a try based on reviews. I can't believe how difficult Fast Track has been for him. It makes me realize that he might be memorizing words, but can't decode phonetically. We are going to have him assessed for dyslexia. We are taking a break from Fast Track (it really makes him upset), but have been continuing with Apples and Pears. Good luck!! I do not do phonics-based reading instruction right now with my son, but we have finished A&P A and are on lesson 22 of B. The way A&P teaches spelling is has helped my son's reading enormously. He is much better at seeing words as groups of morphemes, and can read multi-syllable words much better. He'd been kind of stuck at a ~2nd grade reading level, and has already jumped to somewhere between 4th and 5th - all in the ~6 months we have been doing Apples and Pears. I hope you too find that the spelling books improve reading, and then Fast Track won't be so overwhelming when you try it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renabeth Posted June 12, 2011 Author Share Posted June 12, 2011 I do not do phonics-based reading instruction right now with my son, but we have finished A&P A and are on lesson 22 of B. The way A&P teaches spelling is has helped my son's reading enormously. He is much better at seeing words as groups of morphemes, and can read multi-syllable words much better. He'd been kind of stuck at a ~2nd grade reading level, and has already jumped to somewhere between 4th and 5th - all in the ~6 months we have been doing Apples and Pears. I hope you too find that the spelling books improve reading, and then Fast Track won't be so overwhelming when you try it again. That is awesome!!! This is exactly where we are. Stuck in 2nd. I hope our experience is a great as yours. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homeschooling6 Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 I am using Dancing Bears Fast Track with my two middle boys and we don't like it. It's boring. After the A/B book I don't think we will continue with C. Normally I'd have my boys work through a program but this time I'm bored to tears with it. I still may use A & P though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtsmamtj Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 Does A and P help with phonitic awareness by chance? T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 Personally, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Apples and Pears and we did work through some of the reading books, but I like the I See Sam readers better for overall reading. Interesting little stories that keep the kids more interested. http://www.3rsplus.com or http://www.iseesam.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 I think it teaches it. I am not sure totally what you mean but my daughter couldn't rhyme, and do lots of other "phonemic readiness" skills but she learn to read with the I see Sam books and spell with the Apples and Pears books. They break it down into tiny little steps that they do learn it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinNY Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 :iagree: with Ottakee, wish I listened to you sooner:) Next I am ready to buy CLE math:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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