ChicoryChick Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 Hi, I was wondering if anyone can tell me how AAR compares to IEW's PAL reading. I have (tried to) used PAL reading with my ds, but it was not a good fit for us. (to much flipping, cutting etc). My ds liked the games but it was to much for me and I felt like he wasn't really getting the point of it. I have since switched to OPGTR and it is OK but he doesn't like it. I have used AAS and liked it well enough but would find it difficult to use as a reading program as I need more hand holding (I like scripted). I want something that keeps his interest but doesn't seem to jump around KWIM. So I was curious how they compare. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess4879 Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 I can't compare them, as I've never seen PAL. We have used AAR pre-1 and are currently using Level 1 and we love it. My DD adores Ziggy and I love the program. There are games and little things that will require preparation, but nothing too extreme, and if you prepare them ahead of time, the lessons are very much open and go. They are nicely scripted, without being over the top (aka: saxon style). I also think the help they offer is priceless. There are forums on the All about learning website and Merry also comes to this board a lot. I have always received a response to my questions the same day. I don't know any other reading program that offers this kind of support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChicoryChick Posted February 21, 2013 Author Share Posted February 21, 2013 I can't compare them, as I've never seen PAL. We have used AAR pre-1 and are currently using Level 1 and we love it. My DD adores Ziggy and I love the program. There are games and little things that will require preparation, but nothing too extreme, and if you prepare them ahead of time, the lessons are very much open and go. They are nicely scripted, without being over the top (aka: saxon style). I also think the help they offer is priceless. There are forums on the All about learning website and Merry also comes to this board a lot. I have always received a response to my questions the same day. I don't know any other reading program that offers this kind of support. Thanks so much for your response and review. I really like the looks of it. I checked the placement test and the two areas he needs work on are covered by the 2 free pre-level downlaods (for signing up for their newsletter). I did a couple of the exercises today and he really likes it but seems to have trouble with rhyming. My biggest obstacle at this point is the price. What are the basics that I need to use the program. I already have the tiles and phonetic cd from AAS, would I need to get the tiles for AAR? I am pretty sure the CD is the same. still pondering. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess4879 Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 You'd need the TG, Student book and the readers. You can get them in a kit for $100, I think it is. You don't need to buy extra tiles, the bag or storage box. We also bought the Adventures in Reading book, which is a supplement book and totally not necessary to the program. It is a collection of different file folder games. My 6 year old enjoys them, but they bore me to tears and we seldom play them more than one time. They aren't bad, just not my thing at all. It is a bit pricey, but it holds its value and sells very quickly. It's much more cost effective if you have more than one child you can use it with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChicoryChick Posted February 21, 2013 Author Share Posted February 21, 2013 You'd need the TG, Student book and the readers. You can get them in a kit for $100, I think it is. You don't need to buy extra tiles, the bag or storage box. We also bought the Adventures in Reading book, which is a supplement book and totally not necessary to the program. It is a collection of different file folder games. My 6 year old enjoys them, but they bore me to tears and we seldom play them more than one time. They aren't bad, just not my thing at all. It is a bit pricey, but it holds its value and sells very quickly. It's much more cost effective if you have more than one child you can use it with. This will be my last child I teach to read another reason I am hesitant about the price. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mo2 Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 I recently ditched PAL and returned it. I'm probably going to go with AAR. I do think AAR is a bit pricey, which is the only thing making me hesitate. I love AAS but I wonder if I really need AAR and AAS. Would it be overkill? I just don't know. Sorry, no help from me, but I'll be watching to see what responses you get from others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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