Which learn to read program is best for comprehension?

[blessedmom3]

My 5 yo started to read . He is fluent in CVC, CCV and CVCC words . We are using a few programs for that as it is going very slowly and I am not decided which one to continue with .
I am using :
Sing Spell Read and Write (readers and TM only)
Adventures in Phonics (for handwriting&phonics practice) with CLP readers
Hooked on phonics (he loves the readers , the progression chart and the 'stars' )
Sometimes Phonics Pathways

He has a comprehension problem . When we read even short stories , he has a hard time answering questions. He also has a speech delay . Not sure what the dg is but the doctor said it's not autism , although I suspect he is a little in the spectrum.

So which program would be better suited for him ?
From all the programs I am using , only SSRW has comprehension questions . Maybe I should stick with that.
I would like to kill two rabbits in one :-teach reading and comprehension at the same time . I am looking at Rod&Staff and I like the samples . Anyone using it?

[Ottakee]

A very easy to use and effective program is the I See Sam readers. www.3rsplus.com and www.iseesam.com They have comprehension questions, word lists, new sounds, etc. right in the books. Kids seem to like these better than workbooks, etc. You can also get charts, coloring pages, etc. to go with the books for free (print from online links).

[merry gardens]

My 5 yo started to read . He is fluent in CVC, CCV and CVCC words . We are using a few programs for that as it is going very slowly and I am not decided which one to continue with .
I am using :
Sing Spell Read and Write (readers and TM only)
Adventures in Phonics (for handwriting&phonics practice) with CLP readers
Hooked on phonics (he loves the readers , the progression chart and the 'stars' )
Sometimes Phonics Pathways

He has a comprehension problem . When we read even short stories , he has a hard time answering questions. He also has a speech delay . Not sure what the dg is but the doctor said it's not autism , although I suspect he is a little in the spectrum.

So which program would be better suited for him ?
From all the programs I am using , only SSRW has comprehension questions . Maybe I should stick with that.
I would like to kill two rabbits in one :-teach reading and comprehension at the same time . I am looking at Rod&Staff and I like the samples . Anyone using it?
I'm just finishing reading the Visualizing and Verbalizing manual by Nancy Bell. http://www.ganderpublishing.com/Visualizing-and-Verbalizing-Teachers-Manual-2nd-Edition.html Comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading. Comprehension encompasses a variety of reading skills (from de-coding to vocabulary to sight words) brought all together to equal more than just the sum of the individual parts. Many supposed "reading comprehension" components only ask questions to test if a child comprehends, rather than teaching a child how to comprehend what they read. If your son has a difficult time answering reading comprehension questions, you might look into techniques to teach him how to comprehend.

The V/V manual offers some insight and suggestions that you could include in other reading programs. I have been working hard to teach my son with dyslexia how to read. He's beginning to de-code and read much better, but I picked up the Visualizing and Verbalizing manual because I felt we were still missing something. In the V/V manual, I found information and teaching techniques that I have never seen in any other reading or reading comprehension program.

[blessedmom3]

wOW , THANKS ! I really like the samples . But it is so expensive and my library doesn't carry it :001_huh:

Does the book come with pictures cards like it shows in the sample ( the one with the boy sitting ) or do I have to provide my own pics/books ? I like having a scripted program. I have a hard time coming with my own questions ...

[mtcougar832]

I managed to get it with interlibrary loan, and like it enough to order it. It does give step by step lessons, several for each step (at least the first edition does) and there are pictures in the back, but you will need to copy and color them yourself. I just printed off some coloring pages and colored them. I did order one of the books - the V/V stories - but I haven't received it yet.

I'm thinking of it as a big, multi-level, non-consumable school book. Taking that into account, $60 isn't so bad.

[kathkath]

Regardless of what program you go with, I would get this
http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Meaning-Debbie-Miller/dp/1571103074/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269822150&sr=1-1

and spend time doing activities and talking through books that you read aloud to him. More than just choosing a program, much can be done with taking a picture walk trhough a book prior to reading, stopping every few pages as you read to make predictions, and going back to check accuracy of the predictions. You just have to make it clear that if his ideas aren't the same as those in the book that his prediction isn't *wrong.* That just means if he was the author he may have written it differently. Making and checking predictions does wonders for engaging the reader and improves comprehension regardless of whether or not predictions are accurate. Debbie Miller goes over other comprehension strategies too.

If you pick up this book it will guide you in whatever text you pick up--whether it be part of a reading program or just a bedtime story.

[blessedmom3]

Thanks for the suggestions , I just put them on my holding list at the library :001_smile:

[Reya]

Answering reading comprehension questions is a separate skill from comprehension itself. So he may be understanding but not able to answer the questions.