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Those of you who have used The Reading Lesson:

Did you use the CD-ROM? If so, is it something that you absolutely couldn't do without?

I am trying to decide whether or not I need to order the book or both the book and the CD-ROM. I'd love to hear from those who have used TRL, and what perspective you may have on this issue. I am super excited about using it with my 3rd son!

Any thoughts are appreciated!

Larissa,
I didn't even know such a thing existed and we are on the last lesson. We've turned the book into a beautiful keepsake of dd's coloring. I've really enjoyed using this book.
Amy

I think you can definitely use the program without the CD but I used it heavily and loved it. My kids do not do a lot of video games. It was a huge treat to use the games along with the program. It also became a great incentive. I also found that it helped them a lot. But the program is great without it too if that is the way you would like to go.

We are on lesson 15 of TRL. We did not use the CD for about the first 10 lessons or so, but my ds seemed to be losing interest, so I gave it a try. It has been a good tool for us. He is not thrilled with it, but it seems as though it has helped him to get over a hump. I DO think it would have been helpful to have been using it all along.

We are on lesson 15. I've used it as an incentive for my ds5. When he completes a complete lesson, he gets to use it. He's been known to do 8-10 pages at a sitting so he can do "his computer game" the next day as his lesson. He thinks it's fun and the older siblings have been known to peek in the room when he's on to see what the bunny will do during this lesson...

That said, if money was really tight or something, it's definitely not a necesity.

We switched from 100 EZ Lesson to TRL with my daughter a month ago. She LOVES the CD ROM and will even play it on her own time, not just school time. She really enjoys the Giggle Bunny character! I guess it all depends on your child, you know best!

We went through it without the CD-Rom, but I do wish I had gotten it, and plan to before I go through it again with the next ds in line.

Thanks so much for responding - I appreciate all the different perspectives!

We love the CD-ROM, too! Our experience was much the same as water2wine's. We could have done it without, but we've used it A LOT, and the kids love it! I've been through TRL with Allison, and now Garret is using it. I let them only work on the lesson we're on in the book, so it's a big deal to go on to the next lesson.

Kathleen