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At_His_Feet
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| Posted: Nov 07 2007 at 10:43pm | IP Logged
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I've decided to blow the budget and buy one of these programmes after doing some research.
However I don't have the opportunity to look at either in the flesh, as I'm in Australia and there are only 3 other Catholic hs'ers in my area and they don't have Sound Beginnings. Also I can't seem to find much on line about it. Lots on SWR, but not so much for SB.
So, would someone mind outline which they think is the better of the 2, and why?
I would like the easiest of the 2 to teach, as I have no experience in phonics.
Thanks so very much.
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Tricia
Mum to 3 boys 17, 15, and 10.
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Helen
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| Posted: Nov 08 2007 at 9:44am | IP Logged
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Tricia, I've never used Spell, Write and Read but I have used Sound Beginnings. I'll wait for someone else to offer a comparison.
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Ave Maria!
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Bookswithtea
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| Posted: Nov 08 2007 at 4:25pm | IP Logged
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Haven't seen Spell to Read and Write. I have used Sound Beginnings. If you like strict intensive phonics programs that require memorizing all the sounds every letter makes, then you will like it. Its well organized and easy to follow. MUCH easier to use than The Writing Road to Reading (MODG switches to this after using Sound Beginnings).
I intensely dislike teaching phonics this way, and have yet to find it necessary, so I really didn't like it and sold it online a couple of years ago.
Don't know if this helps or not...
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mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and  due 9/10
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KackyK
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| Posted: Nov 08 2007 at 9:30pm | IP Logged
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We used SSRW. I did it more regularly last year with my then 1st grade ds. He did really well. We had the preschool CD so he knew the songs already. So applying the old songs and new songs went smoothly. I think it is great and if you have a child that doesn't mind singing, this is a good program for you. I have however, decided not to use it with my current Kindergartener ds and won't use it next year either. This is because he has had some speech difficulties and trying to "sing" AND say the sound correctly is just way too much for him. So I would say that if your kiddo has any speech issues, it may not work out so well.
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KackyK
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italianalaskan
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| Posted: Nov 08 2007 at 10:04pm | IP Logged
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I have Spell to Read and Write. I love the way they teach phonics, but the lessons are too long and there is too much parent prep. and involvement.
So I just switch to the Sonday System. It's the same approach, but it's faster and everything is already planned for the teacher/parent.\
Simona
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Helen
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| Posted: Nov 09 2007 at 4:37am | IP Logged
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Sound Beginnings is written for homeschoolers so the program is easy to follow, imho. I can't say that I "like" to teach phonics this way but I've "needed" to teach reading this way. I've used 100 Easy Lessons, Little Angel Readers, The Writing Road to Reading and Phonics Pathways.
I love Phonics Pathways but my students haven't learned to read without breaking down reading to its most basic parts -- as in Sound Beginnings. (We have some learning issues to overcome.)I use Phonics Pathways as a reinforcer or for exercises for certain phonograms. As I mentioned in another thread, I've used Sound Beginnings for the last five years.
Here's the other thread: The Writing Road to Reading
My kids like Seton spelling work books. These are much less painful for the teacher  .
Tricia, can you take advantage of Cathswap in Australia?
Cathswap
Maybe you could find a program you like second hand from someone who didn't like it. 
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Ave Maria!
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AndreaG
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| Posted: Nov 09 2007 at 3:53pm | IP Logged
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I use Spell to Write and Read. I really like it now, but it took me a while to get comfortable with it. I think I'll have a better time using it again with my second child. My son likes learning spelling this way, although I did worry it was phonics overkill. I also like that there are suggestions for teaching grammar and other language arts topics along with the spelling lessons. It is very complete. The child builds there own textbook (learning log), so you can customize it to ability and interest. I think my favorite part is the sentences that you use to dictate the spelling words, they are famous quotes and very christian.
I haven'y seen Sound Beginnings so can't comment on that.
I would also add that I started Spell to Write and Read in 2cnd grade, b/c I didn't think my son was ready for it before then, so we use it for spelling, not to teach reading which he learned at age 4. For my next child I will use it to teach reading also and see how that goes.
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At_His_Feet
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| Posted: Nov 14 2007 at 5:52pm | IP Logged
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Thank you to all who replied.
After more thought and research I've decided to do with Seton spelling and a less intensive, less expensive phonics/reading prog. which I'll use with all (or at least my youngest) boys. It's The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading.
I think I was stressing about them not knowing enough phonics, but I reviewed who many words my eldest could spell, and I'm now feeling more relaxed. He's picked up more than I imagined despite not doing any spelling as such.
I'm just starting to learn the art of waiting a few weeks before I rush off and buy what I think will be the perfect curric.
I am a member of Cathswap, but I get very overwhelmed with what's available. Also, postage to Aust. from the US is VERY expensive now.
Thanks again,
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Tricia
Mum to 3 boys 17, 15, and 10.
Do whatever He tells you
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4Real Forums : Language Arts Come Alive
Topic: Sound Beginnings or Spell to Write & Read
