Explode the Code...

[Pata]

I am thinking about just using Explode the Code with no extra spelling work. We will finish book 3 this year and I am going to use 4, 5, 6, next year. This year we have done some spelling lists sporadically using words similar to the ETC we are doing and every time dd gets them all right on the pre-test. So I'm wondering if it's worth spending the money on SWO or just wait until next year? Does anyone just use ETC for spelling and phonics? TIA

[Jennefer@SSA]

I love ETC. I know it's not for everyone but it has worked beautifully for my ds6. We started when he was 4 with Get Ready, Get Set and Go for the Code. I will start using it again soon with ds3.

About Spelling. I would finish the series before starting SWO. If you just *want* to do spelling, generate a list of words using the rule of that week and have your dc do an activity each day to go along with the word list. We didn't do this because just working through the program alone has been enough to build solid spelling and reading skills in my son.

My personal opinion, I would spend the extra time, effort and money you would spend on SWO reading to your child and having him/her read to you. Between immersing your children in great books and giving them a solid foundation in phonics, formal spelling can wait!

Just my .02 but I hope it helps!

[Pata]

Thanks--

This is what I was thinking and feeling, I just needed reassurance that I wasn't doing permanent damage! We love ETC also and it's good to know that it's enough. And I agree with you, at this age I would like to put the effort into reading, I just didn't want her to fall behind in spelling.

[Jenny in Atl]

I waited with both of mine till after we finished ETC to do spelling. I find the more a child writes the better they spell, including me. :eek: So late 2nd/3rd grade is the prefect time to start.

[Jennefer@SSA]

It's good to have that reassurance from time to time!

Blessings

[OneRoomHomeSchool]

We're using ETC...what I do for spelling is that the day after he finishes a lesson...I take those words and let him write them from dictation. That's it. :D

If he makes a mistake, we correct immediately and then say the word, and write it again.