Three Effective Homeschool Phonics Programs

Learning How to Read in the Homeschool Kindergarten

Aug 27, 2009

Choosing a homeschool reading program doesn't have to be a difficult task. Consider one of these popular picks with proven track records.

One of the first curriculum decisions a new homeschooler faces is which phonics program to use to teach a child how to read. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when considering the plethora of curriculum options. Several phonics programs stand apart for their effectiveness and accessibility to the home educator.

Sing, Spell, Read and Write Phonics Program

A favorite with many homeschoolers, Sing, Spell, Read, and Write [Pearson Education, 2001] is a comprehensive language arts program for children ages five through eight. The Kindergarten/Level 1 Combo Kit covers two years of lessons with controlled vocabulary storybooks, workbooks, games, and a phonics song CD.

Sing, Spell, Read, and Write teaches a child how to read using a variety of multisensory elements. Beginning readers go through systematic phonics readers, practice manuscript handwriting, and learn basic grammar and spelling skills. They listen to and sing along with catchy songs which teach phonics sounds. What sets this program apart is the use of entertaining games, an eye-catching progress chart, and a treasure chest of prizes to keep the beginning reader motivated.

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Engelmann, Haddox, and Bruner [Fireside,1986] is also a popular phonics program with homeschoolers. Based on the proven SRAs DISTAR reading program which has been used successfully in classrooms for years, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons uses step-by-step exercises starting out with short vowels, then short words, then graduating to humorous sentences.

All lessons are contained in one book, and are scripted for the parent to read aloud to the child so that there’s no guesswork. Although each of the 100 lessons is designed to take 20 minutes a day, some homeschoolers find breaking the reading practice sessions into shorter periods is more effective with their children.

Phonics Pathways: Clear Steps to Easy Reading and Perfect Spelling

Another all-in-one phonics instruction book is Phonics Pathways: Clear Steps to Easy Reading and Perfect Spelling by Dolores Hiskes [Jossey-Bass, 2005]. Phonics Pathways takes a no-nonsense approach, with early lessons starting with short vowels and simple consonant blends. Once each consonant-vowel combination is covered, it is immediately put into practice as the child learns to blend simple words first, read longer multi-syllable words next, and finally master phrases and sentences.

Although the lessons were designed for kids who are learning how to read for the first time, remedial readers have also found success using this program. In the event the child needs more practice after completing Phonics Pathways, he can move on to Hiskes’ Reading Pathways: Simple Exercises to Improve Reading Fluency [Jossey-Bass, 2007] to improve reading speed and gain confidence.

Choosing the Right Homeschool Phonics Program

Selecting the right phonics program for homeschooling often comes down to determining which approach works best for each child’s learning style. Whether he thrives on multisensory, hands-on instruction, enjoys short, engaging lessons, or prefers a down-to-earth practical approach, one of these proven phonics programs may be the key that unlocks the door to his reading success.

The copyright of the article Three Effective Homeschool Phonics Programs in Homeschooling is owned by Linda Hayase. Permission to republish Three Effective Homeschool Phonics Programs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.