Explode the code

[Amp]

I'm looking at buying books 1-8 for my 1st and 3rd grader.  Do I really need the teacher manual for all levels?

[Stibalfamily]

Will that be your primary phonics program? If so, then yes. I use it as a supplement so I don't use them.

[Amp]

Not my primary phonics program, I’m just using it for supplement. Thank you. 

[Targhee]

I used ETC as supplementary phonics after the kids were up and reading (about age 6). For that I did not need teacher books. As a side not ETC online was horrible - loved the books but hated that!

[ExcitedMama]

No, definitely not. If you’re curious Rainbow has very reasonable bundles if you want to try them. Like buying the first 2 books plus the TM. I used them for the first few books but then just bought the workbooks. 

[ChocolateCake]

The TM has activities such as, "Say flop without the f" and things like that.  I believe it's meant for teachers of small groups (not homeschoolers).  I used one or two off and on but we just use the workbooks now. 

[Farrar]

I wouldn't get all the books right now either, honestly. You don't know whether you'll like it or not.

In case no one mentioned it, the half numbered books are extra practice - you don't need them unless you need the extra practice. Also, the 4th book is sometimes done out of order with the 5th because it covers syllable divisions and is by far the hardest book for most kids.

[hollyhock2]

I never used the TMs at all. Also, I agree with Farrar in that I would just buy the books you need for this year, not the whole series, just in case, and we've had the same experience with the 4th book - I usually do 5 before 4. One other thing: you may not need to do the entire series. I have often done the 5 or 6 book with my kids and then they don't really need phonics instruction anymore, so we drop it in favor of spelling and English. I only did through book 8 with my oldest and mostly because I didn't know better, but we could have dropped it sooner.