My son has just completed 2nd grade in Public School. We are going to begin Home Education in fall. A concern of mine is that he has never liked reading. He has a problem with some of the Phonics recognition. If I were guessing, he is probably reading on a 1st grade level. He is a bright little guy and I believe the reason for not liking reading is that he gets frustrated with not knowing some of the sounds. I have been looking at some different Phonics programs and wanted some input. Here is the ones I have looked into, Hooked on Phonics, Astronauts to Zippers, and Horizons Phonics. Please give me some advice. I believe that if we can get him confident in reading that he will have a different outlook on this subject.
Kellie

Sorry, I don't know anything about those particular phonics programs. It's been several years since I've had a child that age. But I did want to comment on what you said about his confidence. I definitely think that could be a factor. Sometimes, once they get the basics down, it's just a matter of practice to raise their confidence level. When my son was first learning to read (and he didn't read "on grade level" until close to 3rd grade) I thought I had to always challenge him with books that were a little bit hard in order for him to improve. But I learned that sometimes, just practicing at a level he was comfortable at helped even more. I'd try to find books that were easy for him (but not so easy as to be boring) that he was interested in, and just let him read as much as he wanted to. Sometimes he'd read aloud to me, and then we'd take turns and I'd read to him. He would usually read for a longer time if we traded off, maybe each reading a page or two. If I asked him to read the whole book by himself, he'd get bogged down pretty quickly. Mostly I just tried to make it fun, and his reading improved over time. You also might want to look into a summer reading club for him. A lot of public libraries offer them for free, and it can be a great motivator for a beginning reader if they have a goal to work toward.

Hi Kellie

Phonics is phonics - try and stay away from the "bells and whistles" programs - they are expensive and not necessary.

I suggest that you buy Ruth Beechick's Three R's which will help you find a natural way to teach your child. But if you are still unsure then you could consider "Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons." I have reviewed them more fully on my http://www.homeschool-curriculum-for-life.com/Phonics-a...rammar-Programs.html.

Thank you ladies for your info. I have since found a great book by Jessie Wise and Sara Buffington called, "The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading". Through looking at this and praying, I have realized like you said, "phonics is phonics". I guess that we all can make things a little harder than is neccessary.

Kellie, I know this is an old post but I thought I would offer my thoughts! I have the Hooked on Phonics and it is GREAT!! My 5 year old has only been doing it for a week and he is already reading small words! It is an AWESOME program. It really keeps the kids attention. I hope you and your son do well!!
Karen