Learning to Read

Hi, T.!

I taught my son to read using headsprout.com. You download each episode as you do them, and the first 40 episodes (80 in all) cost $99. Included in this is a progress chart with stickers, 6 books sent to you, a completion certificate, and a lot of books and flash cards online that you can print out if you like. The second 40 episodes cost the same with the same things included, except different books, of course. I really loved this system because it was like a video game for my son to play. He got tired of it sometimes, but I was able to keep him motivated enough (Chuck E. Cheese as he completed each set of 40 episodes) that he finished all 80. Before headsprout, I was frustrated and at my wits' end on how to teach him to read. He's a great reader now! Hope this helps!

D.

My older son learned a lot from the Leap Frog DVD's. We started with the Letter Factory, then The Word Factory and so on. He learned so much from the series. He is 5 years old now and reading on at least a 2nd grade level. He also has a Leapster and a LeapPad, which he still plays with. Honestly, though, these gave him a good foundation, but once he wanted to read it was all him. He asked us to point to each word as we read to him, which is really where we saw him take off. I bought him several of the learn to read books, but he only read the ones that he was interested in. He does love the Cat in the Hat series, and loves to go through the Cat in the HaT Dictionary. Also, he loves to read EVERYTHING when we are out; every sign, label, etc. You don't have to have a system when they are learning to read. Just being out and reading things in real life really seemed to help.

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that it has to be fun and it has to be her idea. Good luck!!

Hi T.,
I actually just got this for my little girl and she really likes it. I am also using this myself to learn chinese and japanese.

http://alicefuboccia.en101.com/web/All_New_En101/home_sit...

I bought the Advanced Package that includes English and 2 other languages of your choice (spanish, chinese, russian, german, french and japanese). It comese with the entire kids section. The cost was $129.00 for an entire year of online education!!!! Best deal I have found around.

Good luck~!

I'm homeschoolng my 7 yo, the leap frog DVDs are wonderful - my son is a VERY visual learner and was having trouble learning to blend sounds until he "saw" it on the dvd's. There is also a book (often available at Half Price books) called Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons that we are using. I plan to use it with my 4 yo when he asks to learn to read. My oldest was like your daughter & learned to read right before he turned 5, he was at a Montessori school at the time.

Hi T.!

I strongly recommend the book, Phonics for Dummies. My aunt, Susan Greve, wrote it. It will help you develop a strong phonics foundation for your 4 year old. The book is packed full of tips, games, and activities to make reading fun! It also provides a recommended book list. It is available at most large book stores.

Best wishes!
A.