Reading Reflex
A friend recommended this book for reading. I started using it and really like it. I took my older kids through it as a review and started my younger ones on it. I started my 5 year old and the 3 year old wanted some of the action.
Guess what?...My 3 year old is in the beginning developing stages of reading.
How & Why?
It is different from the traditional style of teaching reading...
Traditional (one method): learn the sounds (and or letter names at the same time-many programs have you learn the names of the letters before you even start to learn the sounds of the letters). After learning/mastery then you apply what you have learned. Here is a problem with this system...you have to learn all the letters before applying. You can't move on till you learn all 26 letters.
Reading Reflex: the child learns letter sounds in smaller sets and then applies what they have learned right away. Example: learn c, a, t, f, m. Learn 5 sounds and then you can make...at, cat, fat, mat, fam (for family...my 5 year old figured this one out). They can be reading after a few short practice sessions. They also learn their sounds based on "sound pictures." Which gets them reading faster (because they cut out the middle man-less steps/processing).
The reading reflex system uses flash cards (can be homemade) and a few reading selections. At first I was stand-offish because I was trained in traditional style. Once I got into the program I loved it. I will never go back!
I am VERY happy with the program!!! Remember...I'm a trained teacher and one of my passions is curriculum. I've studied, reviewed, and looked at quite a bit of programs. This one is simple, easy to use, easy to do, and quick to get the kids going and excited.
This is not necessarily a FREE curriculum resource. Maybe you can find this resource at your local library. You can also find excellent prices on ebay. I borrowed from a friend so for me it was free (thanks Kami)!
Thanks Meredith for the recommendation!
