If you used Adventures in Phonics...

[Susie in MS]

~~Did you also use Noah Webster's Reading Handbook or any other handbook?
~~What does the Noah Webster Handbook do that Adventures wkbk does not do?
~~Are there any more sight words taught besides a, the, and to listed in the front of the first reader? I have not been able to find them.
~~How old was your child when you started this program?

I really like the way each lesson is short and easy to teach. It does not scare me like some phonics programs. The reason I asked about the Handbook is that when I read Cathy Duffy review she said that the program is not complete by itself, that you need the handbook or some other program that teaches blending. It made me wonder as I see nothing stated to that effect in the Adventures TM or on any other website, including CLP's. Although they do sell the book.

[Calming Tea]

I can help. We used the K book only though...

~~Did you also use Noah Webster's Reading Handbook or any other handbook?
No. For whatever reason, they really sell it with their first grade program.

~~What does the Noah Webster Handbook do that Adventures wkbk does not do?
It just has a page with a sound, and that sound with a vowel, and then with a list of words, with review words from previous sounds at the bottom. It's great for review and reinforcement.

~~Are there any more sight words taught besides a, the, and to listed in the front of the first reader? I have not been able to find them.
No. In fact after being dead set against sight words, I started using sight words with my son this year and his reading finally took off. His reading is finally not a chore...not every kid would need this. My son is visual spatial and it did wonders for him. But there are not many sight words in AIP. However the Kindergarten Readers introduce sight words now and then.
~~How old was your child when you started this program?
4.5. Shoulda waited.

As far as being easy to teach, I totally agree. I will be starting it a second time around with my up and coming K'er next year (90-10, not this year 08-09)...

As far as needing the Handbook, yes I think it can help. However you have to figure out when to use it, as the TM would not say when. But- it's only about 6.00 so rather than wonder and stress over, it I say just get the handbook and use it or save it for next year if it seems superfluous. If you do use it, it would really help you. My son hated the book so it wasn't worth it.

[Susie in MS]

Hi CT!
This helps a LOT! I remembered that you used AiP and was hoping you would reply. :D Thanks muchly!