When it comes to phonics, it just depends on the child.
Dc can need phonics instruction anywhere between 1-3 years. Every child needs at least 1 year of formal phonics, in order to ensure there are no gaps. Once dc can read the beginning books of the Emerging Reader's Set quite fluently, only needing to sound out 1 or possibly 2 difficult words on a page, they are for the Emerging Reader's Set. Has your dd had a year of formal phonics? If not, you'd want to choose a phonics program. Has your dd already had a year of formal phonics, and if so, is she reading books like "Frog and Toad" quite fluently? If your answer is "yes' to these questions, then she is ready for the Emerging Reader's Set. If not, then a phonics program would be a good place to start.
The phonics programs are described and have their prices listed by them at this link...
http://www.heartofdakota.com/byd-little ... ckages.php
The Emerging Reader's Set is at this link...
http://www.heartofdakota.com/emerging-reader.php
I thought the Storytime, which uses the Deluxe Package, was important to do, as it taught these important skills...
Each unit includes the following reading activities in coordination with the
read-aloud assignments:
*Day 1: introduce and study different types of literature
*Day 2: model narration to foster comprehension
*Day 3: identify and analyze a different story element for each genre
*Day 4: relate personally to one Godly character trait, compare
Biblical and book characters, and select one area to improve
*Day 5: practice narration by retelling the story in a variety of ways
I would definitely do the Storytime box, whether it is with the Deluxe Package or with your own books, which you can use provided you have one for each genre. HTH!
In Christ,
Julie