My 5.5 yo DS is showing an interest in writing (not reading), but seems to be having some trouble distinguishing the sounds made by different letters. I answer his questions, and correct his errors, but it seems clear to me we need to something more structured to help him learn to write and read.
After some searching, I ran across the Writing Road to Reading by Ronalda Spalding (in its 5th edition) and thought it might be a good fit. It consists of drilling handwriting with phonemic awareness, together. Reading comes later. It evidently works well with dyslexic children. (I don't think DS is dyslexic, but he is also not exactly naturally inclined to language skills as his major strength).
The problem is, this method requires daily writing and phonemic awareness drilling, and learning 29 rules for spelling... and we are not great at routine. I work two days a week, we have an all-day co-op one day a week, and then crazy-fun Daddy is home on weekends, making it difficult to make a *daily* habit of doing any single subject. I realize I may need to do so - if not now, then soon - but for now, I am wondering if anyone used the Spalding Method successfully without being super-rigid about *daily* practice. Also - the book is geared toward the classroom, and it indicates that 2-3 hours a day are required for several years. If anyone used this at home, I want to know how much time it takes in a home setting. TIA for any info!!!!!
After some searching, I ran across the Writing Road to Reading by Ronalda Spalding (in its 5th edition) and thought it might be a good fit. It consists of drilling handwriting with phonemic awareness, together. Reading comes later. It evidently works well with dyslexic children. (I don't think DS is dyslexic, but he is also not exactly naturally inclined to language skills as his major strength).
The problem is, this method requires daily writing and phonemic awareness drilling, and learning 29 rules for spelling... and we are not great at routine. I work two days a week, we have an all-day co-op one day a week, and then crazy-fun Daddy is home on weekends, making it difficult to make a *daily* habit of doing any single subject. I realize I may need to do so - if not now, then soon - but for now, I am wondering if anyone used the Spalding Method successfully without being super-rigid about *daily* practice. Also - the book is geared toward the classroom, and it indicates that 2-3 hours a day are required for several years. If anyone used this at home, I want to know how much time it takes in a home setting. TIA for any info!!!!!
