Where to start an early reader?

Misti,

Two of my sons began reading on their own at an early age.  One never needed any phonics instruction; one did.  I encourage you to watch her, listen to her, and see how she tackles unfamiliar words.  If she sounds them out, then you really have no difficulties.  If she stumbles and doesn’t know how to tackle them, then you might consider a quick run through of basic phonics; I liked Phonics Pathways for this.  My second son spent a couple of months doing this and has been just fine since.  Early readers can be different–some really have figured it all out, and some just have such a strong visual memory that the “memorize” the words they see easily, but that can cause them trouble when they move up to more complex words.  I’ve had people tell me that ALL early readers with no phonics instruction will “hit the wall” and cease to be able to read at 4th grade–bunk.  🙂  And also I’ve heard people say that anyone that can read at 3 needs no reading instruction–also bunk.  So you’ll need to see if she’s sounding out or genuinely uncertain how to deal with unfamiliar words.

I can’t answer the question about RightStart as we’ve never seen it.

I do want to caution you–I made the mistake with my oldest of assuming that since he was clearly bright and clearly wanted to “do something” that this meant he was ready for the consistent effort of every-day school work.  He was not–he maybe had an older brain but  he still had a four-year-old body.  So be cautious–follow her lead some, but do not allow her to burn herself out.  Have you seen Charlotte Mason’s list of attainments for a six-year-old?  That might give you some things to work with her.  (Is this availble online anywhere else but on an AO site?)  I’d of course let her read, perhaps add in number and spelling games, and focus on LOTS of nature study and outdoor time and developing her attention and imagination.

Charlotte Mason did some beginning spelling while teaching phonics.  While I would not recommend buying a spelling curriculum and doing worksheets with a 4 year old, you could very well begin doing some basic beginning phonics-related spelling.  I’d keep it simple and game-friendly.  Perhaps a bucket of magnetic letters and a cookie sheet, and when she asks how to spell something, (like, oh, DOG) then say, “Hmm, what letter makes the “d” sound?  and on like that.  Then see if she can spell “log” or “fog” and build up slowly from there.  KEEP IT LOW-KEY and fun.  You do NOT want a jaded, tired six-year-old who doesn’t want to “do school” anymore.  Trust me.  🙂