Independent summer reading program/software for a 9 year old struggling reader? - Page 2

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Thanks, OOF - I'm feeling good about this thread but thanks for checking in.  I guess I am a little sensitive to the subject, probably because what I think DC needs and my overall parenting instincts are at odds over this issue.  I appreciate yours and everyone's suggestions.  Thanks the the series suggestions for older readers.  I feel like I know a lot of the series for younger readers but the ones you suggested (especially Skuldggery Pleasant) sound great for DC.  

I'm not especially optimistic about finding an affordable program for DC but this thread prompted me to go searching and because of that I found a link I really, really like (I posted it above).  

[LynnS6]

I have friends whose children did a summer program called the Institute of Reading Development: http://readingprograms.org/community-partners/

It was offered through our local university (and in a lot of different communities nationwide), and they have targeted skills that they address for different levels of readers.  So, for children your daughter's age, they recommend working on long-word decoding, fluency, comprehension and reading speed. I remember thinking the program was a bit pricey (~$500?) when our friends asked if we were interested, so you may not want to do it. But looking at their website might give you ideas of the kinds of things to try or to work on. (We didn't do it because our kids didn't need the extra help.)

[AAK]

Hey there!  I have only read the first 12 posts, so sorry if I repeat.  Here is what I would do based on the fact that reading reflex helped your dd a bunch.  

1.  Get All About Spelling (AAS)-- this is an Orton Gillingham spelling program.  It is easily done in the home, moves faster than Barton, and can be connected easily to reading.  We are actually using it with my moderately dyslexic dd.  Reading reflex helped her a bunch, but she continues to need explicit instruction.  We borrowed Barton from a friend and my dd found it painful.  I also thought that it was over the top for her.  No wonder it works so well for profoundly dyslexic kids!  While I know it would do the job, I thought it might kill my dds love for reading.  The best part (in regards to reading) about AAS is that it teaches the different syllable types.  For my dd, this is key to her decoding longer words.  It gives her a strategy to use.  They also have "readers" that go along with the spelling books.  They are cute stories, but probably below you dds reading level.  

2.  I agree with others that reading "easy" books really helps build fluency.  For my dd, that alone won't do the trick.  But doing it along with something like AAS is working well.

3.  I have my eye on the Rewards program.  I might use it with my dd in about 6 months if my dd still needs help with longer words. I don't know the cost yet, but it I hear about it a lot on the dyslexia support groups.   http://www.soprislearning.com/cs/Satellite?c=CLG_Content_C&childpagename=Sopris%2FSopris_Layout&cid=1277940944155&pagename=Sopris_Wrapper&rendermode=previewnoinsit

BTW:  you are focused on reading vs spelling so unless your dd actually needs a lot of help with spelling, I would kinda "cruise" through the AAS books.  For example, the first few lessons in level one are about separating sounds and learning the sound/letter connection.  Your dd would probably be fine with a "quick review" of that because it was covered well in reading reflex.  While the lessons are simple, you can probably do a couple/day.  When you get to a challenging one--or one that you think will really help unlock the reading code, slow down and focus on it for a bit.  The lessons are short a quick--about 15-20 minutes a day for most of them.

Amy

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Thanks AAK, lots of good info in your post.  If you don't mind me asking - what materials did you buy for AAS?  I was looking for them second hand and they seem to sell for more than the cost new on the AAS site.  I'm fine with new (especially if it's cheaper!) but it's got me worrying that I am maybe not buying the complete package needed for my DC.  

Can you look at this order and let me know if this is all that is needed to get started with Level 1?  

Basic Interactive Kit  [remove]	Basic Interactive Kit		$29.95 /each
All About Spelling Level 1  [remove]	Includes teacher's book and one student Material Packet		$29.95 /each

Thanks, mama!  

[AAK]

Originally Posted by IdentityCrisisMama 

Thanks AAK, lots of good info in your post.  If you don't mind me asking - what materials did you buy for AAS?  I was looking for them second hand and they seem to sell for more than the cost new on the AAS site.  I'm fine with new (especially if it's cheaper!) but it's got me worrying that I am maybe not buying the complete package needed for my DC.  

Can you look at this order and let me know if this is all that is needed to get started with Level 1?  

Basic Interactive Kit  [remove]	Basic Interactive Kit		$29.95 /each
All About Spelling Level 1  [remove]	Includes teacher's book and one student Material Packet		$29.95 /each

Thanks, mama!  

That is exactly what I ordered for level one.  The only other thing I use is a cheap cookie sheet as a magnet board.  After level one, each level is about $40.  And, as you have seen--resale is good on this product.  Just don't sell the "Basic Interactive Kit" until you are completely done with the program, you use it with all the levels.

Amy

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Cool, thanks!  FYI, I decided to order a copy of one of the Rewards books.  It also looks interesting to me and it was only $14ppd.  

[AAK]

Originally Posted by IdentityCrisisMama 

Cool, thanks!  FYI, I decided to order a copy of one of the Rewards books.  It also looks interesting to me and it was only $14ppd.  

If you think about it, could you post a review/update after using Rewards.  I am really curious about it.

Amy

[IdentityCrisisMama]

I will AAK.  Unfortunately, I ordered the "kids kit" and now think I may also need the teacher's guide, which is about $100.  Grrr...  If I end up making it work I'll post a review for sure.