Reading Instruction Resources

If you are specifically looking for phonics materials, please see TJ's Phonics page

A few (personal) thoughts on teaching how to read.....

Teaching a child to read can seem like a daunting task if you've never done it before, and sometimes even if you've already taught several to read. It also is one of the most rewarding accomplishments that I have felt, masha Allah.  Reading is really one of the keys to lifelong learning and giving a child that gift is a blessing, masha Allah.

There are many schools of thought as far as teaching reading goes.  It may take you some time to find what's right for you and your child.  When approaching reading, I basically look at the process as this (in a nutshell--my opinion)

1.Teach child the alphabet (names and sounds)

2.Teach child high frequency words

3.Teach child phonetic principles (sounds of ee, sh, etc)--(See Phonics Page)

4.Expose your child to new vocabulary

5.Once student is reading fluently, focus more on comprehension of material.

The alphabet is generally taught between ages 3 - 5. See TJ's Alphabet Page for resources).

Phonics is generally taught from K-2 (See TJ's Phonics Page)

What about spelling?  

I think spelling be taught from the moment your child begins to memorize high frequency words or during phonics lessons.   See TJ's spelling page for a listing of spelling resources and activities.

The most important thing I have found is that patience (sabr) is very important through it all.  There will be times when it seems like your student just isn't getting something and then the next day, kapow, something clicks and they are reading like never before. There will be times when your student seems to get something the first day and then forgets it the very next day. This is common. (constant revision is key).

So on to the resources that I have compiled or made. I ask Allah to aid you in your journey to giving your child the precious gift of reading.............

Free Downloadable Readers

(from the late 1800s-early 1900s)

from Project Gutenberg

(www.gutenberg.net)

    New National First Reader

    New National Fourth Reader

    McGuffey's Eclectic Primer

    McGuffey's First Reader

    McGuffey's Second Reader

    McGuffey's Fourth Reader

I've got a nice list of free online reading sources (Islamic and non Islamic) in the library

Society for Quality Education's Stairway to Reading

Starfall

Literactive

Literactive is a provider of reading material for pre-school, kindergarten and grade 1 students  online.

Subscription Reading Programs

Reading A - Z

Currently around $79 for a one year's individual's subscription. I think it is well worth it. One of the few programs I have purchased over the years. I didn't really use the lessons but with the subscription, you get access to over 2,200 books for grades Pre-K - 6 (from sight word books to phonics books to general reading for upper elementary, worksheets, lessons, and other learning aids.

 

 

 

 

Have you tried other reading programs that worked for you? Please help other homeschoolers by posting a review to list here. Email TJ. Reviews can be listed as anonymous.