My son is 7, he went to preschool and K in the public school system. I decided not to send him back for 1st grade for many, many reasons but I found he barely knew his alphabet and letter sounds. We worked really hard on it and he improved but he still has a lot trouble. He seems to forget things he learned easily. Phonics have been impossible. We used McRuffy last year and it was a disastrous mess for us that left us both frustrated. I need a good phonics program for him and I just don't know which one too choose. He's frustrated and I'm embarrassed that I haven't been able to teach it to him properly .
Relax, it takes times sometimes for little ones to get it. I know easier said than done, but if you stress he'll feel that stress too. have you tried www.starfall.com ? How about www.literactive.com ? You have to register for the literactive site, but it is very very good- both are free! Maybe if you make it a game and not 'work' he may just come around faster, too.
I second starfall. It's game like so he might like it better. We have had good success with Explode the Code. I have the kids do two or three pages a day, or more if they are so inclined. It's pretty straight forward!
Yes, to all the above. Boys especially are just not ready to read until much later. My ds was a late reader.Yes, it's late, yes I sometimes felt guilty that I couldn't seem to teach him. But I had to remember that I had already taught two other kids how to read, and neither of them had any trouble. This kid just wasn't ready.Until now. The hardest thing is letting go of your preconceived notions of when they "should' be able to do this. Keep it light and easy, and in his own time he'll get it.
I will agree to with what's been said, I am not as familiar with as many hs materials, but starfall and ETC were great for my son, when I tutored him while he went to ps. Also he was 8 (and still is) when things fell into place for him as far as reading goes, so I feel it will be okay and don't worry too much! Boys need the extra time! =)
