For OPG Users...

[Einen]

Do you do the optional activities? I've completely left them out. We're just beginning consonant blends.

[Sasha]

No, we don't.

[Beth in Central TX]

We don't either.

[Jennifer in NH]

I use them if I think my dc will like them. Most of them we skip.

[ABQmom]

We never used them either.

[Valerie in Chicago]

I even got the letter tiles and metal boards. But DD was distracted by them to the point that nothing got done. So we do our thing, then move on. Happy with the program overall, though!

[tess in the burbs]

but then again we already did 100EL and are using OPG as reinforcement of advanced phonics, so my son hears the rule and reads the words. He only reads the sentences if he can't say the words after hearing the rule.

[Cornerstone Classical]

My dd (5) loves to do the letter tiles on the magnetic board. She pretends the letters/sounds are the "ingredients" then she uses an imaginary stirring stick to put the letters together (in a "bowl")--she always says "stir, stir, stir" and then she sounds out the word to read it.
She uses the flash cards too--she stands on the coffee table like she's giving a speech and "reherses" them.
I don't care either way but she is enjoying them and it makes her feel "smart" so I let her---of course! hehe!