Teaching Phonics
Non-homeschooling friends claim they could never homeschool their children because they feel that teaching subjects like phonics are best left up to "the experts." From my experience of teaching three to read and with another in the process, I can wholeheartedly say that it is WAY easier than potty-training (and a lot less messy)!
I start with the Explode the Code series at around four-years-old. By that point all my children have learned to sing their ABCs and can identify a few letters. They are also clamoring to "do school." The three books in the the Explode the Code Primer series takes your child through a dozen pages on each consonant sound. The activites are such fun, they will beg to do "one more page." One of my children completed a whole book in one day - and wanted to do more! At the end of the three books, your child will be well-grounded in the letter sounds.
Note: I make the writing part of the lessons optional. A four-year-old should not be pushed to write more than they want to.
Once the Code Primer books have been completed, we move to Alphabet Island. Children love how the letters "come to life on Alphabet Island." Each letter has a different character (Active A, Boy B, Clever C, etc.), and the program comes with manipulatives and a CD of songs to teach the characters to your child. After a week or two of getting familiar with these, I jump to the middle of the book to start with three-letter, short-vowel words.
While we're working on Alphabet Island, we also begin Explode the Code Book 1 and Italic Handwriting Book A. We continue to work through the subsequent books over the next few years.
For aditional reading practice, I use the Bob Books series, as well as A Beka Readers and Sonlight Curriculum Readers. I also throw in the McGuffy Readers for some delightful charm and Christian values.
