Hooked on Phonics...My soapbox...

Okay - the one thing I like about blogging is having the forum to brag on my babies. So let this be one of many to come!

LOOK AT MADISON'S PAPER!!! There is more on the back - but I didn't want to bore you. I am so proud!!

I have long been an advocate of phonics based curriculum's. No we didn't use the Hooked on Phonics program, but I have always taught phonics to my girls while they were learning the alphabet. Many argue that site words are the best way to prepare a child to read, I firmly disagree. If the child has a firm grasp on phonics then site words will be a breeze along with many other words. Madison has been reading up a storm for a while now, I know that it is largely due to her understanding of phonics. Now I will admit she is not perfect. While learning the books of the New Testament she had no problem reading the words Philemon or Ephesians, but did stumble a bit on the word James. I am not sure why - but she's got it now.

Reading is SO important. If you can read than many things are possible. It saddens me that there are Kindergarten children that barely know their alphabet, and can't even tell you the sounds that the letters make. Recently I was asking Morgan to tell me a sound that a letter made. She asked "why mom, are you writing a letter?" "no" I said "I just want to know" She says "but why, do you see it (the letter) somewhere?". After a few of these questions I learned that Morgan will produce information if there is an immediate need. If no purpose is indicated, than please do not bother her. She is a busy woman after all!