Reading/phonics help

[mycobabe]

We just starting using Beyond Little Hearts for his Glory and absolutely LOVE IT!! I have 2 boys ages 6 and 8. My 6 year old absolutely LOVES to read and is capable of reading words that he has not even learned, yet. I mean words that even my 8 yo struggles with. The recommended reading options are too basic for him yet he is not ready for something like Preparing to Build: English 2 which my 8 year old is using. I used Explode the Code with him last year which was fine, but I want something a little more. What are other recommendations?

Thanks so much!
Amy

[GinainMD]

Has he completed a phonics program? If he has, do you have the emerginging readers? After the emerginging readers, you would use Drawn into the Heart of Reading. DITHOR works with a variety of reading levels. hth

[mycobabe]

No, he has not completed the phonics program.

Amy

[GinainMD]

Hi Amy. I would probably finish whatever phonics program he is using. How is his spelling? If his spelling needs improvement you may want to continue phonics instruction so that he learns to 'encode' words correctly even if he is a fluent reader. If you feel that he doesn't need anymore phonics instruction, than I'd move onto the Emerging Readers. You could always start in the middle of the ERs if the beginning ones are too easy and then just move onto DITHOR whenever he is finished with them. Also, I think that the Beyond guide has some alternative ER suggestions as well. What type of books has he read already?

[mycobabe]

You are right. I will just continue on with Explode the Code and use the ER list, too. He has already read some of the ER books, i.e. Frog and Toad and Owl at Home. He has read all the Henry and Mudge books, books by Laura Numeroff (If you give a Mouse a Cookie), Dr. Seuss, Curious George, Pup and Hound series, Corduroy, etc. I have taught him the 5 finger rule so when we go to the library he knows which books are "just right" for him. It is not unusual for us to leave with 20 books or more.

Thanks you so much for your help. I was fearing that something was lacking, but it sounds like I just need to keep doing what I've been doing.

Blessings!
Amy

[mommadonna]

ok, so I may be clueless, but what is the 5 finger rule?

[gotpeace91]

I was wondering too Donna, so I googled it. Here's a link. http://www.booknutsreadingclub.com/fivefingertest.html

[mycobabe]

Yes, the 5 finger rule it great! It gives our kids the freedom to choose their own books. I believe that is why my boys love to read so much. I have learned quickly which genre they enjoy most.

Have a blessed day!
Amy