Questions about several reading programs

[mom2g2b]

I am looking for a reading program for my 7 yr old dyslexic, Sensory Issues, possible ADD/ADHD son. If you have any experience with the following I'd love to hear if it worked for you.

 

Learning Language Arts Through Lit. blue - I've never used this but it looks easy to use. We are already using First Language Lessons and we are doing cursive to try and correct reversals. I'm not sure how to help him not write his numbers backwards.

 

Alphabet Islands Phonics Level 1 - I used the level 2 with my daughter because she was having trouble spelling. This program helped. By grade 3 things had clicked and she has gone one to win the local spelling bee. I haven't used level one. Do you think the stories about the letters on Alphabet Island would be distracting?

 

Go Phonics - This was advertised in our state magazine and said it was Orton based. It looks expensive so I'd love to hear anyones experience with it before spending that kind of money.

 

We have been using Explode the Code and I've considered buying the Bob books to have at home. Our local library doesn't have them. Do you think that would be enought and if so what would I do for spelling.

 

Thanks for any help.

 

Vickie

[Ottakee]

I have not had personal experience with those programs. I have though found that most "regular"programs move TOO FAST for kids with LDs and don't provide enough practice at each stage before moving on.

 

For reading I REALLY like the I See Sam books http://www.iseesam.com or http://www.roadstoeverywhere.com/3RsPlusRead.html They can bring him up to a mid 3rd grade level. There is a yahoo group you can join for this program which includes lots of free advice from reading specialists and other homeschooling parents using the program. The complete cost for K-3rd grade level is about $250 but you can buy it 1 set at a time, sometimes find it used, and then resell it for a great price so your overall cost is very reasonable.

 

For reading drills and spelling I really like Apples and Pears Spelling and Dancing Bears reading http://www.soundfoundationsbooks.co.uk/ These are a little more expensive but were specifically designed for kids with dyslexia, etc. They are VERY easy to use and effective.

 

I use the I See Sam books sets 1 and 2. Then add in the Dancing Bears program and then after about set 3 or 4 of the I See Sam books, start the Apples and Pears Spelling.

 

If you want to see some samples, just email me by clicking on my name.

[Stacy in NJ]

I agree with Ottakee. If you know for certain that your dc is dyslexic you probably want to find a program specifically for his needs. I think any program that uses Orton methods or Lindamood Bell is probably the way to go.

[Laurie4b]

Is your son seeing an occupational therapist? That should be a top priority. Correcting the sensory integration stuff will help the other stuff. It may eliminate the behaviors that look like ADHD. Plus, they can help with the handwriting. Handwriting Without Tears is the acknowledged "star" in the handwriting remediation world. It also addresses numbers.

 

At age 7, reversals are still within normal limits. Has your son been diagnosed with dyslexia or are you assuming that he is based on reversals? The most likely cause of dyslexia is problems with phonemic awareness. Reversals are a result of other issues, but again, still normal at age 7. If you haven't yet read Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, I'd recommend that. It's in paperback, widely available at Border's, etc and is a compilation of recent dyslexia research.

 

As with the other posters, I would not recommend programs for typically learning kids for a child with Dyslexia. The Phonographix family is good (Reading Reflex and ABCDarian) as well as the Orton-Gillingham family (Wilson, Barton). Phonographix tends to achieve quicker results, but some kids need to Orton-Gillingham stuff.

[mom2g2b]

My son did receive OT until we moved. He is actually much better than he used to be. Going to the dentist is still very traumatic. There isn't an OT anywhere close to where we live. Unfortunately, we are very rural.

 

One of the problems the reading tutor found was that he had difficulty with phonological awareness. In the four months he has been attending tutoring he has "caught up" to age level on the phonological awareness part. It is great that he is catching up in that area. Doing cursive has helped with the reversals. His numbers are backwards except for 0,1, 8, and 4. He doesn't have an official diagnosis of dyslexia. I think his allergies, sensory issues, etc. just all combine to make him unique.

 

I need to check on the books you recomended. The people on this board are a wealth of information.

 

Vickie

[Laurie4b]

Well, definitely check out Handwriting Without Tears. Can't remember whether the cursive book has the numbers in it or not. But again, the reversals may still be normal, though it's something to keep an eye on.

[Paintedlady]

My dd(8) is also dyslexic and we're getting ready to purchase the Barton Reading and Spelling program. I'd advise spending some time at her site and watching some of her demos to see if you like the program. It's pricey, but still cheaper than a tutor. hth!

 

Carrie