eight_gregorys Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 (This is a cross post from the K-8 Board. I've seen various posts on dyslexia here so I thought I'd go ahead and ask.) I've searched the boards and I haven't been able to find much on Go Phonics. I haven't gotten an "official" diagnosis for my 7-year-old son, but after researching dyslexia it really fits the issues my son is having. We're working on getting him tested, but I really have no doubt in mind. So I've looked at several things (Barton, LIPS, WRTR, etc) and I was just curious if anyone has had success with Go Phonics specifically with dyslexic children. Thanks so much, Andrea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cillakat Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 (edited) okay, here's one red flag: "Go Phonics is an Orton Gillingham compatible balanced reading program" hmmmm.....balanced reading program is often code for 'Whole Language'. We'll try to sneak in the wolf, but in sheep's clothes. It's possible that they simply don't know that 'balanaced reading' has become a redflag for many of us looking for true phonics instruction. Later it states: "Compatible with the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory approach". My question: is it *compatible with* OG instruction or IS IT OG instruction? There's a big difference. But then..... "guided lessons and tools for sequential, explicit, systematic, simultaneous multisensory phonics instruction." That sounds really really good;p As I look through it, I see me much engaging material for the young young reader. Weaknesses that I see: ~scope and sequence doesn't give any indication that the program teaches (so we have to assume it doesn't teach) 'ough' words or that 'ch' has a sound other than /ch/ as in chin. ch also says /k/ in words that come from greek. ~no mention of any of the rules taught (the rules are an integral part of OG methodology, different programs name them differently but for ex....the 'floss' rule (double the f, l or s at the end of a single syllable short vowel word.....or the gentle cindy rule: that if g or c is followed by e,i or y is says it's soft sound)....etc etc ~ the sample is pretty vague.....how do the lessons flow? What are the guidelines for moving on? ~Does it address multisyllable words, if so when? ~How is spelling taught (it says 'from the beginning, which is good.....but doesn't say 'how') Is there a possibility of returning it if it doesn't have all that you need? I'd hate to see someone spend that kind of money ($375 for the basic kit) and get reading instruction only through 3rd grade level. I spent $400 on Wilson and that included the expensive training videos.....and it really takes one as far as one will *ever* need to go wrt decoding *and* encoding.....even the most phonetically complicated, long, multi-syllable words. The basic Wilson is around $150 w/o the videos. Another good option seems to be HEC Horizons for Reading (google HEC Horizons reading homeschool). Only one person here has used it, but she'd tried Wilson (iirc) and Barton(definitely) and is very very happy with HEC Horizons. The games look great though!! :) Katherine Edited January 21, 2009 by cillakat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cillakat Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Here is a great review from homeschoolmagazine: http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Reviews/2183.php That is a *glowing* review.....one that would have me feeling very good about using Go Phonics to teach a young emerging reading who is not dyslexic. For a child who is dyslexic, I'd want answers to the questions in my above post, plus evidence that there is enough teaching, reteaching and that it goes as far as it needs to. :) Katherine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eight_gregorys Posted January 22, 2009 Author Share Posted January 22, 2009 Thank you both for your thoughts. We are waiting on the final results, but I'm pretty confident that my 7-year-old son is dyslexic. I'm trying to get a good feel for all the programs that are available for dyslexia. I'm still in the research phase so I really appreciate you helping me know what to look for in these programs. I've taught 3 children how to read with no problems. I've known something was "off" with my son for awhile. I even put him in public school to try to get him tested, but the school just gave me the run around. I'm sure you all have heard this a thousand times. School wouldn't do anything, insurance won't pay for it, etc. So we have testing set up for Saturday. Thanks so much, Andrea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cillakat Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 What kind of testing is being done? :) katherine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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