Explode the Code 3

If you are looking for a workbook based phonics program, this is a good one. I personally love the phonics approach to reading, and this program is definitely that. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other phonics programs on the market.

However, as a homeschooler, this is not my first pick in phonics programs. I personally think the more teacher intensive programs that use the Spalding method are stronger. In our homeschool we have so many teacher intensive subjects that I needed something more workbook based that my kids could work independently on and then review with me. This foots the bill and I have been pleased with our progress. For a non-homeschooler who is looking to supplement outside of school, I think this is a perfect program. It is very user friendly and the work pages do not take a ton of time to complete. I do not recommend this as a sole spelling program as it does not focus on spelling rules, only phonics rules.

Book 3 starts to incorporate the long vowel rules and assumes the child is familiar with consonant blends and the short vowel sounds in small words. My favorite aspect of this book is that it gives the child opportunity to be "tricked", allowing the teacher/parent to assess a thorough understanding of the rule. For example, it may have the word `cute' with directions for the child to circle the appropriate picture to match, and then have pictures of a "cute" animal in addition to scissors cutting. The first half of the book is primarily dedicated to teaching the silent `e' at the end of the word makes the first vowel say its name. The second half starts on vowel digraphs, e.g. `ee', `ea', etc. The hand drawn pictures can be a downside as there have been several instances where it took my help determining what the picture was trying to portray. There is a moderate amount of writing involved as some worksheets require nothing more than circling and others require writing and spelling full words.

These books really work and they are so cute your child can't help but get the point. I have used a wide variety of phonics programs for my daughter who turned out to have an auditory processing disorder and I always return to Explode the Code.

The progressive phonics introduction, the engaging little drawings, the repetitive tasks, the systematic skill progression, among other educational objectives, all boil down to one fact ~ THIS WORKS! I've tried several other methods to assist my special child in spelling and reading. While these workbooks are marketed more as a supplement to a reading program, nothing has been more influential in my daughter actually GETTING IT! She is always eager to pull out her Explode the Code book first. The progess is consistently steady. My friend's child who is not learning challenged feels the same enthusiam. The publisher of this series also produces the wonderful Wordly Wise 3000 workbooks which are equally successful and well-received by my students.

Explode the Code is an excellent phonics based program for teaching your child to read. It's fun and EASY. I looked into many different books (Teaching Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, etc) and have found this to be the simplest by far! My 5 year old homeschooled daughter is now starting Book 3. She began with Books A, B, & C when she was 4 years old. This series, combined with reading to her all the time, is the only reading training she has received. She loves reading and is doing an excellent job at it.

Excellent. I have used the Explode the Code series with four of my children. It is simple to use for parent and child. The amount of work is not burdensome. The humour captivates the imagination and keeps us from being bored. I think it also tickles the funny bone of the brain and help stimulates memory.
The cost is extremely reasonable.
We have used book 1 for grade 1 very, very slowly. The children have then been able to manage two books per year (6 pages a week). They have begun reading part way through grade 2.
To create a love of books, read to them!!!!