question on phonics/reading

[Melanie]

Some of you old-timers on this board will remember my dilema, but I'll go over it again for all our wonderful, new ladies.

I had already started LLATL-blue level with my kiddos when I found HOD, so I've just kept on using it. I really like it and it suits my relaxed style. I was all set to just move on to the red level to complete the phonics portion of this program, but...

I have started using Phonics Pathways. My ds was having some reading/vision issues and Phonics Pathways is highly recommended to help. Well, we are really enjoying it...a LOT! Even ds, who is NOT a fan of reading at all.

I have come to really respect Carrie's choices and am wanting to use Beyond pretty much as written without substituting (except math, you guys know I love Rightstart math ).....sooooo all you ladies give me your opinion....

Would it work to just use Phonics Pathways (to complete our phonics instruction) and the emerging readers and call it good for Beyond??? Am I missing something important?? I loaned my Beyond manual out to a friend and I can't remember what's in the LA portion. This is really whiny, but I want to do those emerging readers!

I need to get this all worked out b/c tax season is my one chance to purchase what we need for the next year....help!!

[my3sons]

I have come to really respect Carrie's choices and am wanting to use Beyond pretty much as written without substituting...

Would it work to just use Phonics Pathways (to complete our phonics instruction) and the emerging readers and call it good for Beyond???

Hi Melanie! I used a different phonics program with my oldest ds and when we finished it, we just began the Emerging Reader's Set, using the Beyond guide's plans. I think we did it partway through LHFHG, just because that happened to be when he finished his phonics. This worked out great!

Now with our second son, we could very well be starting Beyond... before he's totally ready for the Emerging Reader's Set. We'll see how this goes, but I'm very comfortable with that scenario as well.

Subbing in a phonics is easy to do, and whenever you're finished with whatever phonics you've done, you can just do a "test run" and have your child try to read the first few books in the Emerging Reader's Set. If he can do it, you are home free and off and running with the Emerging Readers... and let me tell you, that's pretty exciting stuff to begin those! HTH

In Christ,
Julie

[Melanie]

Thanks Julie! I was hoping to hear from you. I think this is what I'll do then.

Here's another question for ya....Beginner's Bible or Early Reader's Bible? I already have the Beginner's (and I honestly think my girls could handle it), but I've looked at the Early Reader's one and it looks significantly easier and I think a "test run" with it would go better. I'm thinking my ds wouldn't get that "oh my stars...I can't read this" look on his face.

I'm sure I'll have more questions before I get this all worked out in my head....trying to work on my Betty side! We're just right on that edge...right before really reading....and I am soooo ready to get there!!

[my3sons]

I've looked at the Early Reader's one and it looks significantly easier and I think a "test run" with it would go better. I'm thinking my ds wouldn't get that "oh my stars...I can't read this" look on his face.

Good morning! Yes, I agree that the "oh my stars" look on my children's faces isn't a favorite one of mine either. The Early Reader's Bible is quite a bit easier to read than The Beginner's Bible. We got both Bibles, and used the Early Reader's Bible first with the HOD plans. Then, we gave the Beginner's Bible to ds sort of as "gift" for finishing The Early Reader's Bible. We talked about the importance of a "quiet time" each morning then, and had him begin reading one story out of his Beginner's Bible for his independent morning Bible quiet time (though he often came and read it to me anyway after he'd tried it - just because he wanted to). I did start pointing out the pronunciation of names before he began his quiet time after Carrie and I had a conversation about her ds calling Elisha "Elsie" after reading independently for awhile.

[kerby]

Phonics Pathways is a complete Phonics program, if I remember correctly. I think your ds will be fine once he completes it. There is also a Reading Pathways that could come after for extra reading practice if he needs it. But, I would try the HOD recommendations first.
K