Choosing the Right Homeschool Reading Curriculum Can Get Your Child Off To a Great Start

There is no magic bullet for learning to read as far as I can tell and right off the bat I'm going to recommend that you use several tools to get your child off on the right foot.

So what goes into a homeschool reading curriculum?

1. ABC readiness is crucial BEFORE you start a reading program.
2. After your child understands what sounds the ABC's represent you are ready to move on to sight words.
3. Flash cards work wonders as do very simple emergent readers like the Dick and Jane books of yesteryear.
4. Once Little Moe gets the hang of recognizing simple words, you must step in with phonics.

Do not confuse your little reader with spelling for several years yet. While some children will do fine with the three combined, this will throw many off track. So let spelling go until second or third grade at the earliest. Encourage it, of course, but do not hammer on the negatives.

Once simple phonics are mastered consonant blends can be introduced and this is just about the time you want to start looking for a more formal approach. I'll go through some good ones on the next few pages.

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