I was wondering about opinions on various phonics programs. I am looking at MCP, ETC, VP, SSRW, Alphabet Island, Alphaphonics, etc. Thanks!
We have enjoyed the MCP plaid phonics workbooks. They are colorful and my kids enjoyed them. I have my seven year old going through the ETC series starting at age five and I think it's been a big part of why he's reading. He think it's fun and enjoys the humor.
We use ETC and then a lot of reading with the occasional Starfall. My daughter loves ETC and in the last month we started on Beyond the Code a few days a week. We both like that she can do the books independently and the price is very reasonable!
We love ETC! Make sure to order the teacher's guide (covers two books) because it's well worth it, IMO. It's really simple, but it works like a charm for my kidlet.
Anyone use ETC online? I was curious about it for Alexis.... though they are about to embark on a reading frenzy because I have decided to be mean
I have not heard to many good things about the online version. I guess it really lacks compared to the books
MCP is a fantastic program. ETC is what we use because it's cheaper, and it's good too. We use Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading as our spine, and the ETC to supplement. I haven't seen MCP close enough (just really old stuff, or samples online) to know if it would stand alone or if it's mostly worksheets to supplement whatever teaching tool you might use. We use Starfall also, as a supplement, but really either of these programs is excellent and if you can swing it, I'd highly recommend the MCP. The old stuff I have (which is essentially the first two years of the current stuff, condensed, and missing a chapter LOL) is pure gold.
We love ETC, It has expanded my DD reading level and spelling ability My Older DS has just started this year with it and it makes him giggle and he is reading tons now too
hahaha, I don't know if there is or not! We all just get used to it eventually, but PLEASE don't hesitate to ask! MCP - Modern Curriculum Press ETC - Explode the Code VP - Veritas Press SSRW - Sing, Spell, Read, Write (I think..) Did I catch them all? There's a TON of abbreviations for curricula. If you see one (or many) you dont know, just ask! A list isn't a bad idea....
I'm also an ETC lover! We're finishing up BTC right now, and although I don't like it as much as I did ETC, it's pretty good as well. It mixes reading and comprehension. I was looking for something purely comprehension based. That's the only reason I don't really like it.
If you are going to use something like "Phonics Pathways" , "Alpha Phonics" "Play N Talk" "Professor Phonics" or other similar programs, there is a readiness program called "Get Ready for the Code" "Get Set for the Code" "Go for the Code" These are the primers to use before Explode the Code. They help to build prereading skills. I used these with my daughter before we started using "Play N Talk". We also did a lot of hands on acitvities, such as building the letters out of play doh or cookie doh, tracing the letters with a finger in corn meal in a pie pan, painting a letter with finger paint, etc. These are available to purchase at Christainbooks online site.
Well after many people recommending McRuffy phonics (over on the WTM board) I took the leap and am going to try it out. (I ordered today at noon and they shipped it out by 4, it will be here Tuesday I am so excited!) Also there is Horizons Phonics, but I heard it goes pretty fast paced. We were going to use it before we found McRuffy.
Joanna, I am wondering what you think of the McRuffy now? I am seriously considering it as well and would love to hear your thoughts.
Question about ETC Do you use this program on it's own or does it need to be supplemented with something else?
I've tried ETC workbooks and MCP phonics. I much prefer ETC. It seemed much more thorough. I only used one MCP workbook and didn't get any teacher's edition. ETC was just a better fit.
