As I was creating the exhausting but complete and current homeschool curriculum glossary, it dawned on me that, people might want to search by subject matter, and might be interested in what I recommend. Having spent all of that time researching curriculums, I also wanted more mileage out of that well spent time and knowledge gained. Therefore, I will spend some time presenting my top curriculum picks in each subject. From reading my picks, you may notice that I am partial to phonics instructions.
Headsprout Reading: I used this program to teach my child to read after she had been unsuccessful learning to read in Kindergarten. Using this program she learned to read in 100 lessons done over the summer. This is a computer-based program that teaches phonic lessons through cartoon characters in an interactive program. The child feels like they are playing, when they are actually learning to read. Accompanying this program are easy readers that gives the child confidence as their reading skills improve. The Headsprout reading program has a money back guarantee.
Hooked On Phonics: This is a is a popular learn-to-read phonics based program. This is also a learn/play program which helps children to learn without experiencing stress. Short lessons are followed by games that reinforce the learned skill. Hooked on Phonics not only teaches children phonics based learning, but also helps older students master reading.
Reading Mansion: Reading Mansion is a CD ROM based learning game that teaches “phonics, word skills, sentence mastery and following directions.” As the student plays the game and becomes more proficient in reading, the level of difficulty increases.
Leapfrog: Leapfrog makes great reading programs that will allow the child to read while playing. You can purchase books to go along with the Leap Pad toy such as Kindergarten Reading/Writing, and 1st grade Reading/Writing. You can also purchase “Learning Phonics with Leap for ages 3 and up that goes with the imagination desk. This is a coloring book program that teachers the child while they create. Easy Reader Phonics program Kit 1 and 2 uses Leap Pad Books, interactive Smart Cards and Activity Board, plus “Read on my Own” books.
Best method ever: Read to your kids. There is no better way to teach your child to read by reading to him. It does not take a rocket scientist to teach a child the alphabet and then to start pointing out sounds to each letter. If you do this and read to them, with them on your lap tracing your finger over each word, they will begin to understand how the sounds relate to the word. Some of the words they will learn using phonics skills. They will learn to recognize other words by sight. Once they are recognizing words, you will then want to supply some of the other programs mentioned above to fill in any holes they have missed, and strengthen their reading skills.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start with the 2006 homeschool blog in review!
* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?