I am a homeschooler so I have taught my children to read and there are many programs out there for that purpose that are as good or better than Hooked on Phonics with much less cost. I would recommend one, but I don't know what your child already can read. My favorite and least expensive is just simple phonics workbooks called Explode the Code. These have levels up to about a 4th grade level. If your child is struggling with the phonics part of reading then that would be a good choice... there are many others, too, depending on difficulties. (Our local school district uses Explode the Code for children who are struggling with reading and they have a great success rate.) If sight words are slowing a child down the old fashioned series of Dick and Jane can build fluency, but they are often considered babyish by older learners as they start very basic.
Other popular programs are Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy lessons, Reading Reflex, Alphaphonics, and Phonics Pathways. All of these programs work, but obviously I have revealed my favorite already.
By the way, Sylvan is a great program, but it is expensive. I would try a less expensive and closer program first. If you want more info on curriculum private message me.
Reading is not that tough but it does require a child to use a lot of skills at once. For some decoding comes easily, for others less so, but it is very teachable. You daughter can learn to read and read well.
KRIS10LEE 12/6/06 9:50 A
Our school does have a tutoring program which she is already in but it is 10 minutes, 1 day a week and its during school so there are too many other distractions. Our library does not offer reading tutoring.
I should have mentioned that we live in a very small town and would have to drive 40 min. to get to our Sylvan Learning Center, college etc. Another problem I am facing is finding a tutor for Sat. (which Sylvan offers) other programs do not. My daughter needs help with phonics (sounding out) along with the other basics of reading. Anybody tried Hooked on Phonics? That is also something I am considering...
BUCKHOLDT 12/6/06 8:46 A
The libraries sometimes have reading programs too.
BUCKHOLDT 12/6/06 8:45 A
Do you live near a university? Does the school have a tutoring program? Is your daughter under her reading level? Beings you like to read, turn off the TV and read to her (at her level).
KRIS10LEE 12/5/06 3:40 P
anyone have any experience using this? My dd needs help with her reading and frankly I just plain don't know how to "teach" her or help her in the way that she needs. The upfront cost seems a little steep (although if it helps it would totally be worth it and you can't put a price on that) but the session costs don't so that is why I am considering it.
