This is my first year teaching first grade. My son just turned 7 and up to now he has been doing basic kindergarden and some reading programs (click and read and reading eggs.) We are using Abeka streaming this year and so far its been super frustrating for him. He struggles every day and is not keeping pace with the class. It seems like he can not remember much and I am finding myself getting frustrated with him. This is my third year homeschooling. My daughter learned to read in a private school then we brought her home for 2nd grade. It’s been much easier with her. I’m not sure what to do. Some days are good, some days are bad. Is it normal for when he looks at the word TUB to read it as BUT. I can tell him the sound t makes 6 times and he still doesn’t remember. I’m trying to not be stressed but i’m feeling it today. Help
Abeka is a big jump for some kids. It's probably better to start with K, because they're a little more advanced than some other programs. However, it could just be that (1) he's not ready, (2) it's not his learning style, or (3) a learning disability like dyslexia. Don't jump to the LD conclusion until everything else has been ruled out. Give him time, and approach it from a different angle. Maybe try something like All About Spelling or Explode the Code, or if you want to stick with Abeka, ask them if they'd be willing to trade 1st for K without charging you an arm & leg. If you move back to K, use discretion when telling him. Either don't tell him at all (if you think it would be a blow to his confidence), or explain that every publisher has their own idea of what a ____ grader should know, so the level on the cover doesn't really mean anything at all.
That's got to be frustrating for you both. I don't really have much advice, other than to say that my ds also had a lot of problems when it came to reading. We are still working on getting the kinks out and he's 17. I guess the thing I'm wondering about is if you can get out of the Abeka streaming. I don't know anything about it, I don't know if you quit if you can get your money back. I know it would be a pain because you'd have to order stuff. But my thinking is that one great reason for homeschooling is being able to go at the pace of the child. If he's having a hard time keeping up, it's probably not very fun for him or you. Gosh...I'm not sure what to do other than quit the Abeka streaming. But, I'm not sure if that's an option for you or not.
That was my first thought as well. Abeka is great but it's very 'schoolish' and that just doesn't fit some kids. It didn't fit my oldest son. 7 is still so young and he's a boy so maturity could be an issue. My 8 year old still has LOTS of trouble blending when he feels pressured. If he reads something to himself, alone in his room then comes out to tell me what he read, no problems. But if he has to read aloud to me it's a whole 'nother ballgame! LOL All of a sudden he can't read the 'cat' but alone in his room he can read the word 'snowflake'.... My son just started blending/reading this summer-up until then we just worked on basic phonics and rules. Also, have you had his eyes checked? Could be a tracking issue. Lindina (I think that's who has it) has a great link that explains eye issues and reading problems.
We are using the new "All about reading" from the same group that did "all about spelling". It is really good at teaching the kids to segment the words and then put the sounds together. My DS sometimes gets words reversed, but the program is structured well, and he's really learning a lot. We started the program with him when he could say the letter sounds and just beginning to sound out simple 3 letter words with trouble. Now he's putting it together and beginning to read more and more. Try to be patient though. Reading is like learning to walk. Once you've taught the letter sounds, and how to sound out, you just have to hold their hand until they start running. Kids get reading, some early, some later, but they get it when they're ready. (easy for me to say - sorry!) Anyway I love the All About Ready program. Blessings!
One thing I'm still having to do with my grandson, age 7, is to cover the word with my thumb and reveal it from left to right one letter or phoneme at a time for him to sound. Sometimes he still wants to start with the wrong letter when blending, even if he sounded it out well left-to-right. Gotta be a boy-maturity thing!
It could be that he is bord with the videos. Most boys are going to get distracted when watching something other than cartoons. I would personally try getting the teachers manuals off of eBay and teaching it yourself before throwing in the towel or backing up a grade. My second grade son would not do well with the streaming because he needs constant redirection and a one on one learning situation.
Do what works FOR HIM. One of the main reasons for homeschooling is that "one size does NOT fit all". If this doesn't fit him, find something that does.
