reading lessons

I spend between 45 and 60 minutes a day 

doing reading lessons.

Jeremiah really struggled last year

so we didn't push it.

Consequently he's still learning to read.

I'd decided long ago that I was okay with my kids being late readers.

That's one of the beauties of home schooling;

if a child isn't ready - we can wait

and learning can be much less stressful.

We use the book Teach Your Childto Read in 100 Easy Lessons.

Honestly

I don't like the program.

I use it, because, for some reason

it works.

I tried to use my own 'program' based on 

Mommy, Teach me to Read

and it just wasn't clicking.

When I pulled out -groaning all the while - 100 Lessons

things starting clicking.

Slowly

but clicking all the same.

Anyways.

None of that is my point.

What I sat down to say is - I've added a small component

to an already effective program 

and it has really helped.

Flashcards.

When we begin a lesson

we run through the flashcards

(letters written just like the stupid book has them)

of all the sounds Jeremiah has been introduced to.

This seems to help us move through the lessons more quickly.

The real bonus I've noticed is with the younger ones.

They get the flashcard as soon as it's been added for Jeremiah

but it's 2 - 4 weeks before Josiah and Lily will be

introduced to the sound in our reading book.

(Jeremiah is about 12 lessons ahead of Josiah

who is about 10-12 lessons ahead of Lily)

so that

by the time they reach a new sound in their book

they are already quite familiar with it.

Lexi even gets in on the action

and calls out the sounds she can remember

'eeee' being her favorite.

Speaking of The Beastie,

 she no longer hates homeschooling - which is a huge blessing!

And

speaking of reading lessons

I've got a little girl waiting on the couch for hers

right now.