Phonics Instruction

[Slipper]

We're pulling our 1st grader out of school after Christmas break. (She turns 7 next week). I ordered Moving Beyond The Page (6-8) for her but noticed that it does not include phonics instruction.

 

Dd is a great reader and is working her way through simple chapter books like Magic Tree House, A-Z mysteries, Junie B Jones, etc. I know there is some debate whether a child who reads well still needs phonics instruction, but I'd like to go ahead and continue with it at least for the rest of this year.

 

Any suggestions for what we could use?

[A home for their hearts]

Explode the Code

[Chris in VA]

For that age, I like a phonics-based spelling program, even tho I used SWO, which isn't so phonics-based. I also like (and used) Adventures in Phonics C. It's one of my very favorite LA workbooks.

[A home for their hearts]

You could also use All About Spelling, it teaches all the rules for spelling which would hopefully carry over to her reading. All About Learning has just released All About Reading level 1 but that would probably be too easy for her although you could look at the samples and see for yourself.

 

Explode the code would be the simplest and easiest of them all as well as the cheapest. ;)

[Slipper]

Would I start with Explode the Code workbook #1? I would rather use workbooks rather than online. Sorry if that's a silly question but I'm not really familiar with it.

[siloam]

I would second a phonics based spelling program, and All About Spell (AAS) as a good one.

 

While they may not need a phonics right now as strong readers, they often begin to have problems later with multi-syllable rules because they begin to forget phonics. A good spelling program will take care of that potential problem and spelling at the same time.

 

Heather

[A home for their hearts]

You can see samples of Explode the Code herehttp://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=explode+the+code&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1 and see if you can figure out where to place her. You could always start with book 1 if you wanted she would just move pretty fast through it. HTH!

[A home for their hearts]

I meant to mention that you could use Beyond the code along with Explode the Code. BTC is for reading comprehension. Not sure if you would need that or not.

[3monkeys]

If she is reading do not start with book 1 of ETC. Pay around $10 for a placement test and start there. Beyond the Code is meant to go in conjunction with ETC at about level 3.

[mytwomonkeys]

i agree with a phonics based spelling program.

[Slipper]

Thank you for all the responses. I wanted to add that I am trying to make most of her schoolwork workbook rather than computer. Her handwriting is not good. She sees an Occupational Therapist for what we suspect is dysgraphia. She has a lot of spacing issues and difficulty forming her letters.

 

Although it's early, I might go ahead and teach her to type. Her spelling is great, story-telling is great, but handwriting is really bad.

 

Thanks again.

[siloam]

Thank you for all the responses. I wanted to add that I am trying to make most of her schoolwork workbook rather than computer. Her handwriting is not good. She sees an Occupational Therapist for what we suspect is dysgraphia. She has a lot of spacing issues and difficulty forming her letters.

 

Although it's early, I might go ahead and teach her to type. Her spelling is great, story-telling is great, but handwriting is really bad.

 

Thanks again.

 

Typing is an excellent option.

 

AAS uses tiles, which you can order separately and use with any program.

 

I generally use the tiles day 1, then a white board day 2, have him spell it out loud from memory day 3 (trying to visualize the words) and day 4 I finally have him sit down with pencil and paper. This way by the time the child has to use their motor skills they should already know how to spell it. When they are spelling it for the first time they don't have to write at all.

 

Heather

[A home for their hearts]

Typing is an excellent option.

 

AAS uses tiles, which you can order separately and use with any program.

 

I generally use the tiles day 1, then a white board day 2, have him spell it out loud from memory day 3 (trying to visualize the words) and day 4 I finally have him sit down with pencil and paper. This way by the time the child has to use their motor skills they should already know how to spell it. When they are spelling it for the first time they don't have to write at all.

 

Heather

 

:iagree:

 

The AAS tiles are wonderful. Make good use of a whiteboard and or chalkboard. Have her play with playdough and clay to help with her fine motor skills. Have you seen Handwriting Without Tears? It may be something that might help.

[Slipper]

Yes, we use HWoT and also hired a private OT who is trained in that program. Thanks for the continuing suggestions. They are very helpful. :)