Homeschool reading program

[NiftyJ88]

We'll be homeschooling DD4, but she has such an interest in learning and reading right now that I thought it might be a good idea to purchase some sort of reading/phonics program - but there are so many out there I'm having a hard time weeding through them. I need some personal recommendations.
I think I am looking for something that will introduce phonics to her so she can begin learning the letter sounds and we can practice decoding a bit.
I've never done homeschool before and my family is completely against it - but DH family is all for it. So we have some support, but not tons. Any hints/tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[npmommie]

I don't think you need anything super formal at her age, just reading to her will get her to recognize sounds,
the Leap Frog series has good DVDs for phonics
there are also some workbooks and flashcards at places like Staples, Walmart, Barnes and Noble that would help,
also hooked on phonics is fun and a good program too

 

[amez]

starfall.com is free and easy to use. All of my kids have played on it at some point.

headsprout.com is online as well, you pay for this program. I can't remember if it begins with letters or sounds though. They have a few free lessons you can try out.

Explode the code is a great set of workbooks that I used with all of my children. I do believe they have an online program as well, but I've not looked into that.

Bob books are easy early readers using phonics, and for beginning site words all of my children have read Dick and Jane.
hth
Amy

 

[mjkacmom]

I agree with the PP - leapfrog DVD's, Bob books, Dick and Jane, and read to your child. All of mine were reading before kindy - some a handful of words, and one who was reading chapter books. My oldest started early, but she's just not a reader (unlike me), and isn't even taking honors english next year. I've found that some start early, some late, but most tend to be near the same level later on.

 

[dis-happy]

A very nice phonics program for homeschooling is Saxon Phonics. The K program is only 4 days a week, is very incremental and I liked it a lot. Maybe you could borrow or buy one used, then pick up the worksheet pages that go with it (around $20.). It would be a good way to see if you enjoy homeschooling.

You might want to look into a local homeschooling group and go to their park days----a great way to meet other moms and kids. I know that our homeschool group has a tea for people interested in homeschooling every spring, as well as curriculum nights (moms talk about different curriculums they've used and what they liked). Since you are in the planning/thinking/considering stage these things can be of great help.

Finally, don't worry about family members...all that matters is that you and your dh are on the same page. It took many years (and one high school grad) before my family finally said to me: homeschooling was the best thing you ever did! (prior to that it was: I can't believe you are ruining these kids with homeschooling).

Good luck!

 

[clori]

One product that we used with my dd9 when she was younger was the leapfrog refrigerator alphabet magnets. It says the letter name and sound. They only come with capital letters but there is also a lowercase expansion pack. We still have this on the fridge since my youngest is 5 but both kids play with it regularly writing small words/notes so it has gotten about 6 years of use and still works well. My oldest knew all of her letters/sounds (any order capital/small) by 2.5 from making a wooden alphabet puzzle wtih both lowercase and uppercase letters and us adding sounds. My youngest did this too but she also had the Letter Factory DVD. Another website to check out that is free but you need to register is www.literactive.com.

 

[gillenkl]

We did Hooked on Phonics and yes it worked for my son who is autism spectrum. Later we used starfall.com which is a great free site.

 

[MarylandMom]

starfall.com is free and easy to use. All of my kids have played on it at some point.

headsprout.com is online as well, you pay for this program. I can't remember if it begins with letters or sounds though. They have a few free lessons you can try out.

Explode the code is a great set of workbooks that I used with all of my children. I do believe they have an online program as well, but I've not looked into that.

Bob books are easy early readers using phonics, and for beginning site words all of my children have read Dick and Jane.
hth
Amy

I agree with everything that Amy has said. I am a former Reading Specialist and now a homeschool mom; I've used all of these resources with my students and my own children. I highly recommend them to any parent, regardless of their teaching experience. All are very user friendly! Remember to not make reading (teaching/learning) a chore for either of you - enjoy the process and you will both have a wonderful experience. Have fun!

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Leapfrog videos & starfall.com

Sorry, we HATE Bob books.

 

[MarylandMom]

I forgot to mention another good reading website that is free:
http://earobics.com/gamegoo/

 

[clori]

I forgot about www.studydog.com. I used it a bit back when it was free and seem to recall my dd liked it better than starfall.

 

[MomofSixinSC]

Our family has all loved Sing, Spell, Read, and Write. I am currently going through it with my 7yob, but my 3yog is already singing the phonics alphabet. It is a bit pricey, but if you use it with multiple children (or sell it after using it) it isn't too bad. You could buy the First grade Program and then just use the K level workbooks and go through it again in first grade to reinforce everything.

HTH!