So in striving for twaddle free literature, what are your thoughts on those early readers such as Step into Reading? I know they certainly qualify as twaddle. But, do they serve a purpose in getting a reluctant reader interested in stories and learning to read?
We use Abeka readers. I think they have very interesting stories. I don’t remember the early readers. We are on level three readers, and they have some great stories in them, including some historical ones that I have never heard before.
Pathways, Rod and Staff, Christian Light, as well as some of the classic readers are a better choice in my opinion.
I think the point with early readers is to use them short term, and obviously some do a better job than others at providing stories that are somewhat living.
My DC have enjoyed the McGuffey readers. Once they get going, I alternate McGuffey lessons with more colorful readers in like Frog and Toad, Dr. Seuss, or Little Bear. Some early reader books are better than others. Stepping Stones History or I Can Read both have some good selections.
We used 100 easy lessons for initial reading instruction. Then I had all the Little Bear, Frog and Toad, George and Martha type books. Dick and Jane are SUPER easy compared to the others I mentioned. We are going through McGuffey now to hold my accountable to requiring my DD to read aloud to me every day. She is a strong reader and was already reading really well when we started McGuffey so we skipped the primer and started in the first reader. We are flying through the lessons, she knows all the words, so we are working on inflections and the rhythm of her reading.