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We switched phonics programs in the middle of the year because dd was having some problems with The Reading Lesson. I really think she could have made it with that, looking back on it. It may have been a matter of approach. But, we have what we have now and it has been working for her. We aren't anywhere near finished with the program. The one we have could take up to 2 years to complete. DD has begun reading the Early Readers Bible. She is doing pretty well in it. However, I would like to keep working in the phonics program. I just feel dd still needs instruction in that. I know there are rules we still need to cover. I am going to take the ER books slowly if necessary, but I didn't want to wait any longer to start them. DD is excited about reading stories herself and not just reading the phonics pages. I know I read about some who have used ETC books for reinforcement. Those who have continued phonics, how long did you use it? I don't want dd to be overloaded, but I want to make sure I give her enough to assure that she isn't missing something crucial phonetically. Any advice is welcome.

Hi Pam! I'm so glad your dd is doing well with "The Early Reader's Bible". I still remember meeting her at the book fair - such a precious little gal you have there! I think it is a good idea to do at least one complete phonics program from start to finish, as it helps make sure there are no gaps in learning. So, either finishing out "The Reading Lesson" or the current phonics program you are using with dd would be good to do. I don't think I'd do phonics, The Emerging Reader's set, and ETC at the same time, or dd may be on reading overload. But, you could probably finish out the phonics and do the ERS at the same time, provided the phonics isn't too intensive as far as the amount of time goes. ETC could be added after the phonics program is completed. We just did ETC Books 1-3, and I let my dc choose 1-4 pages each day to do in them. When they finished them, they were done. I hope something here helps!

In Christ,
Julie

Hello! I am going to add a note to your question. Isn't HOD wonderful! and what wonderful advice Carrie and Julie always give. I had to share because I understand your concern to continue phonics instruction even while child is going through the Emerging Readers set. My son has been doing the whole gamut of good stuff -- letter recognition as 3 and 4 yrs old; using a mix of Abeka those early years (hadn't discovered little hands yet) then planned and used Abeka phonics during the Kindergarten (5 yr) year. I got half way through the year and came to a screeching halt! Abeka jumps the gun on progression like you wouldn't believe about 1/2 through the year. My child was still struggling with short vowel sounds, which by the way, is the hardest part of phonetic learning, when all of a sudden they jump to long vowels and complex phonetic rules which they sometimes aren't ready for until 2nd grade. Then I began a different program for our sem 2 in Kindergarten. So I feel like my whole Kindergarten year was lost and I thought I was prepared for this. I had been doing three years of reading and research (from time he was 2 years old) on systematic phonics/spelling programs and the research behind them. So I did the right thing-- I used a strong theoretically sound approach (there's a only a few I would recommend outside of HOD's recommendations) and we did the phonograms and instructions bit by bit through first grade and second grade -- all the while, continuing to read primers, I Can Reads etc. Well my point is, now that my son is 8 yrs and beginning 3rd grade (BiggerHearts) everything is starting to click and now in just a few more months, he may jump a whole year ahead of where other public school children are for his age, whereas for about 2 years he was "seemingly" behind. The neat thing is, as he gets older, he is able to handle analysis and logical thinking, the phonics begin to make more sense and is becoming blessedly cemented. I praise you and encourage you to continue doing phonogram flashcards or review Reading Lesson or Ordinary Parents Guide as a 10 minute supplement and to seal those skills as the child continues to grow and mature and most importanly enjoy your Heart of Dakota time -- don't miss any of her read aloud suggestions! Plus as the child follows Carrie's spelling program -- all the phonics instruction clicks together as well and things really start picking up speed.

Laura - Thanks for sharing your experience. I think things are just 'clicking' more with dd. I am anticipating a jump in Beyond. But, we definitely need to do more phonics. I want to enjoy Beyond without overloading dd. I just need to be more consistent in this area of phonics. I'm giving Julie the rundown.

Julie - Thanks for your reply. Angie thinks you and Carrie are great.
I would like your opinion. As I have sold my Reading Lesson book, I need to just continue in what we have. Because of the struggles Angie was having, I decided to go with Rocket Phonics, which gives helpers for non-phonetic words and also has games. I'm not sure if you are familiar with Rocket Phonics. She has learned from that. We also have been working in ETC books. When Angie went to the Christian school for K, she got used to doing workbooks, as the school is ACE. So, the ETC books gave her a little of that. I'm not really concerned about her having workbooks. Actually, I was thinking that maybe the ETC books would cause an overload of handwriting some days, assuming Beyond will have plenty of writing assignments. Writing has been an issue, primarily because of visual motor problems. I guess what I need to do is decide between the two. Some days I would work on RP and other days I'd have her do ETC. That is why we have not made it through an entire phonics program, since I didn't do one consistently. What would you recommend? Just work through RP or go with ETC? She is almost finished with book 2 in ETC. Hindsight says I should have stayed with The Reading Lesson, but I can't switch again. RP will work, but I would have saved a lot of money.

I think I'd stop ETC and finish out the Rocket Phonics. This will help Angie not be overloaded with writing, and it will also have her go through the scope and sequence of a phonics program from start to finish. Don't give yourself a hard time about not finishing out TRL - hindsight is always 20/20, but that doesn't mean the path we ended up taking will cause our dc angst. Dc are resilient, and they really are learning along the way! Angie is going to be just fine, and with a heart of gold like she has, she's going to thrive in life - both academically and spiritually. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

Thanks, Julie. That is actually what I was leaning toward. I just needed it affirmed by a seasoned educator. I value your advice. Consistency and incentive is what Angie really needs. I didn't do well with either this past year. Now that I have a consistent plan, I'm anxious to begin Beyond. I can just see Angie thriving this coming school year and I'm excited about that. Thanks for your guidance and encouragement.