Can we talk Phonics Programs?

[deltagal]

Does it work with HOD's approach to short lessons?
Does it have short stories within the guide to read?
Does it focus purely on phonics or teach multiple language art skills?
It is easy to teach?

!

Hi there,

I've used Phonics Pathways. In response to your questions, it does work with short lessons. It has "proverb:s in the guide that you read to motivate and encourage your student. Each lesson builds your child's phonetic awareness, as you progress from reading words, to phrases, to sentences, to stories. The author encourages you to make sure your child can read, spell and write the words before you move ahead. As you progress through the book, your child learns basic rules of spelling. Of course, depending on the age of your child, you might use different mediums for writing, such as sand or a paint brush. It is extremely easy to teach. I like Phonics Pathways a great deal. In fact, it is the one phonics program I have that I frequently refer back to when I need to review skills with a child or clarify problems. Phonics Pathways has been revised and updated since I purchased my copy, so I'm not sure what changes are in the newer guide. However, I have enjoyed using PP along with the Pyramid Book by the same author. The other resource we enjoy from the same author are the games, which review phonetic skills. I do think it is a great material to consider adding to your resources.

[jewel7123]

Thanks Florence, for letting me know your experience with Phonics Pathways! I am still unsure what program to use, so it was nice to hear someone has had success. I have read many reviews and one thing that gets brought up about PP is that it's dry and boring. I have read, however, that the 9th edition includes the phonics games within the book so maybe that helps it become more fun!

[Mom2Monkeys]

We've used My Father's World K for phonics and Phonics Pathways. Both of which are outstanding! The new edition of PP is not dry and boring at all. It's got short lessons, easy to follow and teach, lots of games and then it also has the book called Reading Pathways (formerly Pyramid). There's a new free guide on their site to download that is the plan on how to use the two books together. It also has many ideas on ways to teach reading, writing, and spelling using PP. We've had success with it as well as MFW K phonics. My preference is PP, but we've enjoyed using MFW phonics mixed in with it b/c I didn't have a way to copy of the games for PP. PP is also very inexpensive and can be used again and again with future children. My son was only 4 when we started it and did very well with it...attention, comprehension, retention....we think it's great!

HTH

[jewel7123]

Thanks for chiming in Tamara!