A Phonics and Reading Curriculum that Works For Us

I have owned a few different reading and phonics curriculum books, but the book that has really worked for us is called Phonics Pathways: Clear Steps to Easy Reading and Perfect Spelling. Here's why:

It begins very simple with the short vowels and gradually adds the consonants to make very simple short vowel words and continues all the way up to complex words in sentences. The progression feels so natural. We move slowly and repeat as often as needed.

It encourages both copy work and dictation and has games to play to reinforce what is being taught.

It includes spelling rules. These rules have been wonderful as my son needs very explicit phonics instruction. We memorize the rules and review them daily.

It is made for all ages and skill levels, so, I can use it with my four year old who is learning to read as well as my 9 year old who needs a little more instruction. They also have a book called Reading Pathways that focuses on reading fluency. 

The lessons are very short. It encourages only 5 - 15 minutes per day. This is doable for me, a busy mom of 4! Each page even has quotable words of encouragement given by a truly wise bookworm named Dewey.