Which LA / Reading program is best for a child with language &comprehension delay?

[blessedmom3]

My child is 5 and has a mild language&comprehension delay . He just started to read cvc words. Which program is best to use with him?
I am a newish homeschooler and there is so much to choose !

From what I've been looking at , CLE learn to read and Pathways readers seem to be a good choice. Any input on these or others?

I already use Earobics but I need a phonics/reading program.

[LisaTheresa]

I used Funnix (www.funnix.com) with my son (who has the issues you described) and it was excellent. It is a direct instruction program which has a proven success rate for children with learning issues. It is computerized and colorful, but it is definitely not independent. You sit there with your child and do it together. He was reading way ahead of grade level by the time we finished Funnix 1 and 2.

Now, he is in 4th grade and he is using CLE LA, which is going well, and IEW for writing, which is a perfect fit for him. He is using another direct-instruction program for spelling called Spelling Mastery and it has helped both his reading and spelling. Prior to using Spelling Mastery, we did SWR for a couple of years and I thought it was an excellent program, but I burned out on it. I also think Shurley English is a great choice for grammar (and probably what I would use if I didn't need something my son can do independently).

I would also highly, highly recommend listening to tons of audiobooks whenever possible. There is a program called Visualizing and Verbalizing that my son did when he was 5 that greatly increased his listening comprehension. Prior to this program, my son would not listen to audiobooks. They just upset him. Partway through it, he began enjoying them for the first time and I think being able to listen like that has helped him a lot.

Lisa

[blessedmom3]

Thanks Lisa . Funnix looks great but I cannot afford it . IS there anything cheaper ?
I am off to look at Visualizing and Verbalizing ! My son really has a comprehension issue . He doesn't enjoy listening to audiobooks or to me reading books unles is a short one with lots of pictures like the ones for toddlers .

[Stacy in NJ]

Funnix was written by Sig Englemann's son. Englemann wrote 100 EZ lessons and pretty much invented the di (direct instruction) approach. Funnix and 100 Easy Lessons use similar strategies. Take a look at 100 EZ but keep in mind that you'll probably need to slow down, repeat lessons, and make some flash cards for review.

HTH, Stacy

[Ottakee]

I just LOVE the I See Sam reading books for kids learning to read. You can get them from www.3rsplus.com or www.iseesam.com http://www.teacherweb.com/CA/PomeloDriveElementary/Mrssakamoto/printap2.stm is a place you can see the first 2 sets for free---these are the K level books.

They are phonics based but teach sounds in a big different order (researched based as to why they do this). They give lots of practice with each new sound/word before adding more. The pictures are really cute in the books but the kids MUST read the words to get the story--no guessing from the pictures.

Once my girls got a great start on reading with these then I added some CLE and Pathway readers. I LOVE CLE but don't think their learn to read program is best for struggling kids.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[6turtles]

I used Funnix (www.funnix.com) with my son (who has the issues you described) and it was excellent. It is a direct instruction program which has a proven success rate for children with learning issues. It is computerized and colorful, but it is definitely not independent. You sit there with your child and do it together. He was reading way ahead of grade level by the time we finished Funnix 1 and 2.

Now, he is in 4th grade and he is using CLE LA, which is going well, and IEW for writing, which is a perfect fit for him. He is using another direct-instruction program for spelling called Spelling Mastery and it has helped both his reading and spelling. Prior to using Spelling Mastery, we did SWR for a couple of years and I thought it was an excellent program, but I burned out on it. I also think Shurley English is a great choice for grammar (and probably what I would use if I didn't need something my son can do independently).

I would also highly, highly recommend listening to tons of audiobooks whenever possible. There is a program called Visualizing and Verbalizing that my son did when he was 5 that greatly increased his listening comprehension. Prior to this program, my son would not listen to audiobooks. They just upset him. Partway through it, he began enjoying them for the first time and I think being able to listen like that has helped him a lot.

Lisa
I am new to this forum and have some questions. I also have a 4th grader. We are dealing with lots of language delays- reading comprehension, language processing, vocabulary, spelling, writing, etc. He has been through a lot of testing and have received a diagnosis of APD. I am homeschooling for the 1st year. I am interested in trying Visualizing & Verbalizing (considering doing it myself-- not sure if their is someone local that is trained). I am looking for someone to help me figure out exactly what programs I should be using with him.

Currently using: Saxon Math, Wordly Wise (2nd/3rd grade level), 1st Language Lessons, Language! (a program thru Sopris West), Fast ForWord Language. I am reading grade-level literature aloud to him and we are working on vocabulary, character mapping, plot, figurative language, etc. We just finished HOLES (great story!!!)

Questions:
Would IEW be a good program for him? Or too advanced at this stage? Or Writing with ease?
What other Language / Reading programs would be good for him?

THANK YOU! Emily

[siloam]

In general I would recommend you use an Orton/Gillingham program, of which there are many. Barton Reading, Wilson Reading, Preventing Academic Failure, Recipe for Reading, S.P.I.R.E., Horizons Reading...that is all I can remember this morning, but there are more. I list Barton first because it uses the most multi-sensory and memory techniques and is the most user friendly as it comes with videos demonstrating how to teach it and it is totally scripted, but it is also the most expensive. Most users have to sell one level to finance the next.

Heather

[LisaTheresa]

I am new to this forum and have some questions. I also have a 4th grader. We are dealing with lots of language delays- reading comprehension, language processing, vocabulary, spelling, writing, etc. He has been through a lot of testing and have received a diagnosis of APD. I am homeschooling for the 1st year. I am interested in trying Visualizing & Verbalizing (considering doing it myself-- not sure if their is someone local that is trained). I am looking for someone to help me figure out exactly what programs I should be using with him.

Currently using: Saxon Math, Wordly Wise (2nd/3rd grade level), 1st Language Lessons, Language! (a program thru Sopris West), Fast ForWord Language. I am reading grade-level literature aloud to him and we are working on vocabulary, character mapping, plot, figurative language, etc. We just finished HOLES (great story!!!)

Questions:
Would IEW be a good program for him? Or too advanced at this stage? Or Writing with ease?
What other Language / Reading programs would be good for him?

THANK YOU! Emily

Emily -

I think IEW is a great choice for kids with these types of issues. My 4th grade son is taking an IEW class this year and I am so pleased with how it is going. This program is just perfect for him.

If you are interested in Visualizing and Verbalizing, there is another more parent-friendly program called IdeaChain that you can use at home. You can get training in order to do V/V, but I believe IdeaChain is fully scripted for a parent to use at home.

I am using Spelling Through Morphographs by SRA, which has helped my son with both his reading and his spelling. I recently noticed that the Apples and Pears spelling program looks similar to STM.

Lisa