This is going to be a multi-part review. I just began the Reading Horizons at home program called : Intensive Phonics Instructor. The program is for children ages 4-9. The promise is that these instructor materials can make it easy for parents to teach children all of the skills needed to read words of any length. It is supposed to work well for homeschooling beginning readers, struggling readers, and children with dyslexia. I’m using this program with my boys ages 6 and 8. While my youngest son is an excellent reader my oldest still struggles with phonics. He’s been holding his own and is at his age appropriate reading level, but at the bottom. He struggles so much and I would like to make things easier for him. I’m sure that some of this has to do with the fact that he has Aspergers Syndrome. He loves to read and is desperate to move forward. That was my motivation.
When I first received these materials I was very overwhelmed. I briefly went through them and wondered what I had gotten myself into. These are really teachers materials and I suppose I was looking for a quick fix. I took alot of time reading it through and watching the online webinars. Reading Horizons also offers a series of online webniars for free so you are never alone in this process. The webinars helped me understand the materials and the theory behind them. You can sign up for their monthly newsletter and receive updates on when new webinars become available.
So, how’s it going for us? So far so good. Both boys are excited that they can work together. The big difference between this program and others that I have tried is that it uses visual cues and and motion to enhance the learning. I think that is going to be a huge help for my son. They do a lot of work standing up and watching my face and hands moves. Want to try it for yourself? Keep checking for a giveaway coming soon! I’ll keep you posted on how my guys are doing. For more information on Reading Horizons visit: http://athome.readinghorizons.com
Jenn says
I am all over LOVING this…….