dren can read simple sentences quickly. Teacher instructions are brief but comprehensive. Assessments are included in the course, but they are optional. All necessary activities are in the five books, so parents and teachers do not have to worry about having other supplies on hand.
Lifepac Gold Language Arts curriculum uses Christian words and concepts throughout, so it may not be appropriate in all settings. This program combines all elements of language arts into its curriculum including literature, speech, grammar, penmanship, composition, and spelling. Therefore, parents and teachers who are looking for a well-rounded curriculum may want to consider this one. This program starts with short-vowel sounds assuming that children already know letter and sound combinations. The student workbooks are full color and have plenty of room for students to work. This course is very teacher intensive, so the teacher’s manual s mandatory.
Teachers and parents who find it frustrating to teach multiple rules may find this program more to their liking. Instead of concentrating on teaching students rules, this program teaches through practice and familiarity practiced in workbooks. Levels A and B are designed for beginner readers. Carefully scripted lessons makes the lessons easy to teach. Some find the small print in the teacher’s manual difficult to see. Sounds are taught before letters encouraging students to sound out the word. The teacher or parent creates their own word cards and letter tiles with this system using supplies that they furnish. The program also has shorter versions for students needing remedial help.
Beginnings K5 is a comprehensive system covering handwriting, comprehension, composition, science, social studies, music, motor development and art. Most students do better when the entire system is used together rather than when individual components are used separately. In the phonics program, students are first introduced to vowel-consonant patterns before being introduced to beginning consonants. Parents and teachers definitely need the teacher’s manual for effective instruction. The complete phonics part of the program includes a practice book, reading books, review cards, workbook, a learner’s packet and a cute phonics’ CD. This program is aimed at homeschoolers Although classroom teachers may find it useful.
Children are invited to visit Alphabet Island where they are introduced to letters and their sounds through songs, poems, and songs. Some students may find the characterizations distracting while others will look forward to the next installment. While the program suggests that the video be watched during each lesson, if the student finds it distracting, then it can be omitted after seeing it once. Students are introduced to phonics rules that are repeatedly practiced. While the program can be used independently, many parents and teachers find it best to combine it with the company’s spelling program creating a total system. A complimentary math program is included with purchase.
Children who have to many wiggles to sit still and learn may do very well with the Sing Spell Read and Write Kit. This comprehensive system teaches through a CD presentation with catchy songs that introduce the concepts. Then, the student can read from 23 phonetic storybooks. Workbooks further reinforce the concepts. Also, included are fun phonic games and a treasure chest filled with small prizes. A wall chart allows students to easily see their progress. Teachers are introduced to the course on a video. The teacher’s manual makes it easy to stay organized. Assessments are included for those who would like to use them.
Teachers who want one book that serves as both the teacher’s manual and student book will want to consider Phonics Pathways. This program starts by introducing short vowel words and almost immediately starts to teach students to blend them to read simple words. Upper and lower case letters are introduced at the same time. Each sound is introduced in multiple ways including hearing, saying, tracing and writing. The mat