Learning to read is a pivotal part of growing up. Once you can read, you can really learn anything! The world of books can be full of imagination and wonder as we meet famous people from history, or learn about different artists and inventors. I am sure everyone would agree that learning to read is one of the most important academic skills a child needs to learn. But what is the best way to teach a child to read?
The answer really depends on the child. Some children thrive on memorizing site words as a basis for reading. Others rely strictly on phonics, and a lot of people tend to blend both methods together. Some children pick up reading very quickly wile others struggle for years until one day it finally clicks.
There are numerous methods out there that may work for your child, one product that has helped some of our children in the early reading stages is the Explode the Code workbook series.
Explode the Code
Explode the Code is a set of phonics workbooks that are broken down into sections
- Get Ready
- Get Set
- Go For the Code
- Explode the Code, 1-8
The first three books lay the foundation for learning to read. Your child is introduced to the consonants, and completes different activities including; matching activities, same and different activities, and tracing. There are also pre-writing activities to help develop fine motor skills. Your child will receive phonics and writing instruction at the same time. When they have finished these three books they should be ready to begin the Explode the Code Series.
There are 8 Explode the Code books (from #1 to #8) and 7 half levels. (1 ½ to 7 ½). The half levels are extra practice of the concepts that were taught in the previous book. If your child finds the books easy, they won't need to work through the half levels.
Book 1 starts with reviewing the consonants and introducing short vowel sounds. As your child works through each level they get progressively more difficult. Eventually topics like compound words and prefixes and suffixes are addressed.
These books really teach more than phonics. They help with spelling, vocabulary, and penmanship as well. The lessons are short yet effective. Funny sentences and kid friendly drawings will keep your child eager to learn.
When your child has finished the 8 books in the Explode the Code series they will have a good grasp on phonics!
Beyond the Code
The Beyond the Code section consists of 4 books, each one goes along with a book from the Explode the Code series. They contain additional practice on word families and blending based on the stories found in the Explode the Code books. These are very helpful! Adding these to your lessons can really round out your language arts needs.
One of the biggest benefits of all of the Explode the Code books is the price. You won't find many other programs with materials that are so inexpensive. They are a very affordable way to teach your child to read! I usually just order mine from the list on Amazon.
Learning to read should be a fun experience. Explode the Code allows your child to learn at their own pace and to enjoy the process!
What are you using to teach your children to read?
Micah Shadle says
With using beyond the code where did you find they fit in. My son just finished explode the code book 2 and was wondering if he’s ready to do beyond the code 1 or 2. He’s a very good reader and is about to be 7yrs old.
Katie Hornor says
I just did it after Explode the code book 2.