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Becky Parker
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Does anyone use LLATL for the younger years? I'm thinking of the "Blue Book" and the "Red Book". If so, I'm wondering if there is a need for additional phonics instruction in the Red Book. My ds struggles with reading and this program was recommended to me. He would be in the Red book, but I'm wondering if I should continue with ETC or something, or if that would be overkill.
Also, I have an up and coming reader and I thought I'd try the Blue Book with him. I'm interested in opinions about this program in general, as I have never used it.
Thanks!
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Becky
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sarahb
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I very much liked the blue book. It comes with so many little helps, like phonics cards and more. The little readers are very like the Bob books or any other phonics reader set. Its a nice solid package with a gentle feel.
Im not sure I can credit that or my child's own motivation but he was reading fairly fluently with in a couple months of beginning that program. And he LOVED doing it.
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Tami
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I used the blue book with several of my dc to teach reading, then went on to MCP phonics. Now this was several years ago, but it was ~wonderful~. My sons did very well with it!
I second what Sara said about solid but gentle. 
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When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
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Becky Parker
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The more I look at the blue book, the more I'm sure it will be the right fit for my ds who will be in 1st next year. I'm hoping for a little more feedback about the red book though. Has anyone used it and liked it, or didn't like it? This would be and alternative to PLL for my ds in 3rd. The Red book is really for 2nd but he is only at a 2nd grade reading level at this point, due to some learning problems.
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Becky
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Becky Parker
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Sarah,
You mentioned that the little readers are very much like Bob Books. Do you think it would be possible to use Bob Books instead? I already have the set.
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stellamaris
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Becky, I am using LLATL, The Red Book, for the first time ever this spring. I have second-grade twin boys, one of whom is special needs, so I waited to start it later in the year. I wanted a more structured program (than I had used previously)so I could be sure the special needs son was covering/understanding basic skills. They are really enjoying it, and even though the reading level is a little easy for them, it is a great review and solidification of everything we've learned. There is a lot more than just reading/phonics covered; essential skills such as sequencing, reasoning, reading for meaning, grammar, etc. are also covered. My special needs son has trouble with writing, so I write his answers in the book for him. He also likes to do the Blue Book activities with his younger brother (who's in Kindergarten, but doing 1st grade work...it's kind of confusing around here sometimes  ). Anyway, we are enjoying both levels, but we also supplement with other reading material. I am glad I waited to introduce it until a little later in the year.
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Becky Parker
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Thanks Caroline! Two more questions  ... Do you think it is necessary to add extra phonics, like Plaid or Explode the Code, or does the red book cover phonics in depth? He's had good phonetic instruction so far, but needs constant reminders of phonograms and rules.
Also, I understand LLATL is pretty mom intensive. (Actually, everything for this ds is right now!) Do you manage teaching two levels of it (the blue and the red) okay without going crazy?
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stellamaris
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We are doing more phonics using the Angel Readers. I think the LLATL has less practice with each concept than the Angel Readers and assumes the student already has a strong phonics background so that's why we do both. We do a kind of abbreviated version of Angel Readers (none of the crafts, occasionally limiting the workbook pages or skipping the optional lessons). We also use Explode the Code online. I'd say that LLATL has phonics review, but not a complete phonics program. It is totally mom intensive, but it doesn't take all that long. Also, we limit it to 15-20 minutes maximum a day, which means we don't always get through an entire "lesson", but the way the program is structured that's very easy to do. We just do what we can in the 15 mins. It's not too bad teaching two levels for me right now. As I said, my special needs son does both levels and my other son uses this time to work on independent stuff (like HWT, math work, silent reading, running wildly about the house..). My older child who is still schooling at home (the others are in college or out of the home already) is pretty much on her own, so that's not an issue. If I had one more elementary student, I don't know if this program would work for me unless I could combine levels somehow.
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Caroline
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Becky Parker
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Thanks! It sounds very similiar to the time I am spending now with these two, so I should be able to handle it. We have been using the Little Angel Readers so I will continue to do so. My older ds likes them and my younger one will be just starting in them next year. Phew, I think I've finally made my decision. Thanks for the help! Now for Math... 
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Bookswithtea
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[QUOTE=stellamaris] We also use Explode the Code online. QUOTE]
What's this? We've used the workbooks for years so I know the program, but what is available online?
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stellamaris
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There's an Explode the Code program (much more expensive, about $50 per student) that is online and interactive. It has the same types of workpages as the book, but more of them. There is also a tracking program which shows which unit the child is working on, what skills it covers, and the child's score on that unit. The reason we use it is because our special needs son can't really write at all, but the keyboard allows him to complete Explode the Code independently. It also gives much more repetition when needed. There is reinforcement by means of a "game" button that pops on when the student has completed a set number of units or length of time (you set). The game option has links to various online free mainly educational games, but some like Polly Pocket or Pacman. I think that you can disable this option (not sure about that).
Here'sthe link with more info. HTH!
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Caroline
Wife to dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
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Bookswithtea
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Well, that's interesting! I did all the writing with my oldest ds because he could handle the phonics but didn't have the motor skills for the handwriting at that age. I am going to keep this in mind when my next son is old enough to start ETC. Thanks!
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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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4Real Forums : Language Arts Come Alive
Topic: LLATL
