Learning to read resources/curriculum for an energetic, right-brain, kinesthetic kindergartner

[deditus]

I am looking for reading curriculum for my nephew, who is struggling to learn to read, he's 6. While I do not particularly think it is a problem (I lean more towards delayed academics), his parents do and thus I want to help them learn to teach him in a way that is integrated with his learning style. This wouldn't be unsolicited advice, though, they asked me for help. He is very energetic and very smart. Loves physical challenges and building things and taking them apart. Doesn't sit still, loves to sing and dance.

[MamaRisa]

I would recommend using Greg & Steve's Sing & Read series.  They focus on music and movement, getting children to learn while they are having fun singing and dancing.  The series has books that correspond with their songs, and uses the idea that "if you can sing it you can read it."  This might be a good way to build reading confidence and make reading more fun.

http://www.amazon.com/Sing-Read-Steve-Readers-Variety/dp/1591984211

[Naomismom]

I've heard good things about Happy Phonics too.

[frugalmama]

Sounds just like my 4yo dd who learned to read this year. What worked for us:

Leap frog DVDS, paired with a Leappad with multiple books {Phonics packs for it help too but not needed}, and a Word Whammer if you can find one. Bedtime stories at night read by me.

The DVDs go from early phonics all the way through reading entire stories with early punctuation and "chunking", with lots of songs to help remember the rules. DD likes to watch them while jumping on her bed and sing the songs. The Leappad gives a tactile and audio reinforcement of each word - they touch the page with a pen attached to the leappad, it says the word and in some cases sounds it out. It also has games to help reinforce. Word Whammer hooks up to a TV and allows them to build 3 and 4 letter words, including working with silent E, with the included letter tiles, reinforcing the sound of each letter and the combined sounds, even if not a word. It rewards for words and has fun games as well.

My dd started the school year not reading at all, not even sounding out or really doing letter sounds. Now she reads on a late 1st / early 2nd grade level and we can't get her to stop!