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Do we really need a reading program?
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With my dd10, I am using Heart of Dakota for everything but math, grammar, and spelling. My dd is currently reading the ER books listed in HOD. When she finishes those, I really do not want to go into Drawn Into the Heart of Reading. I want my dd to continue reading, but I don’t want to give her more written work. She has dyslexia and major delays in her math skills, so I want to focus more on the math, spelling and just reading practice. We are also doing Plaid Phonics, just because of the reading and spelling difficulties. She is almost finished learning cursive and she does a good deal of copywork. Is it necessary to have a reading program? I’ve wondered what the benefit of that is. I know as they get older, there are literature studies, but for younger grades, isn’t reading and maybe retelling enough? I know there was a thread where DITHOR was mentioned, but I just wanted someone to elaborate a little more on this subject of reading. Why do some have these special reading programs? Does that mean it is not following CM philosophy? I may have my dd read the McGuffey Readers, and I did find a literature curriculum which uses those. But, that would be getting into something not much different than DITHOR I’m assuming. I’m thinking these things are getting away from the CM style. Is that right?
From what you’ve said, especially if you’re continuing with Plaid Phonics, you already have a “reading program” when you couple phonics studies with reading. I wouldn’t buy another curriculum. Keep her practicing. My suggestion is to bulid fluency with books a bit below her reading ability. This will help her build up her confidence. Basically, stay a bit behind her PP level if she’s understanding that program.
We use McGuffey’s for reading practice. We also use I Can Read titles, etc. Once they are confident, they begin reading books in the 1-3 lists for modules, or other 1-3 books from CM lists elsewhere. But, just because they are listed as 1-3, doesn’t mean a 1-3 grade child can read them. At times, these are needed for those children who aren’t reading at the 4-6 grade level, yet. This means that using the younger book suggestions (or I Can books, Bulla titles, other beginner level books) are used for practice to build confidence and abilities. That’s all. It doesn’t mean they are babies, or incapable of ever reaching their grade level. Reading is the goal, not a certain grade level. Some just take longer.
Practice is key. Practice, practice, practice. But, don’t make it a lengthy process each day. Have her read ’til just before the tire/too much point. If she gets wiped out every time, she won’t look forward to the challenge. Look over books before you hand them to her to read to you. Note any words you know may pose a problem and go over them ahead of time. This will help her avoid panic when she gets to them.
hth
TailorMade – Thanks for the advice. My dd’s reading is definitely improving, although at times she still guesses at words by their shape, which dyslexics will do. I don’t have to stop her because of that as often. Sometimes I just stop her and tell her to look at all the letters and then she will ususally say the right word. I think we are on the right level of books for her, but there are a couple of the ER books that may have to wait. I thought the same thing about the phonics. If we are doing that, we shouldn’t need another reading program. Plaid Phonics has levels at least up through grade 6. So, we’ll keep going with that as long as necessary, and just let her enjoy her reading practice:)
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