AlphaPhonics
Author: Sam Blumenfeld
Publisher: The Paradigm Company
For more information or to order: www.homeschoolingfromtheheart.com

AlphaPhonics is a straight forward, no frills phonics program with a no-frills price to match! This classic, proven method utilizes short, easy-to-understand lessons that require very little teacher preparation. The pages are designed to help the child focus on the words and so provide no pictures to distract. All letters are written in calligraphy style, in large print.

This is a step-by-step, intensive program consisting of 128 lessons. A teacher’s manual is included in the back of the book which explains the program and gives tips for presenting the material in each lesson. I will admit that I do not find myself referring to the teacher’s section very often since the lesson progression is so easy to follow and understand. One of the things I like about this program is how quickly reading confidence is built! The linguistic, word-family approach has the child reading words from Lesson 1 and simple sentences by the third lesson. Lessons typically take approximately 20 minutes. One vowel is presented at a time, and skills are developed by studying all the possible word families of that vowel before moving to the next vowel. Some of the word families contain "nonsense" words, which at first I didn’t like. As we continued to progress, I came to understand why those words were included. Many of those "nonsense" words will most likely be encountered as syllables in longer words that the child will need to decode as his reading progresses.

AlphaPhonics provides extensive word lists and practice sentences to reinforce basic skills. As the child becomes more advanced, library books may be used for supplemental reading practice.  The word lists and sentences can be used for spelling and handwriting practice, so separate spelling or handwriting programs are not necessary. Many children are ready to read before they are ready to write. Writing is not required for the child to progress with this program. I know of many children, including my own who learned to read with this program without doing spelling or writing.  

As with any phonics program, you should be sensitive to your child’s readiness and take it slow and easy. Take time to review as needed before moving on to the next lesson. If your child seems to reach a plateau where he/she is just not "getting it", then set the book aside and take a break. Many children need time to assimilate what they’re learning. For some, a few weeks off allows them time to mature and for the proverbial "light" to come on :-)

Making the Grade: A
Cost: $29.95
Value for Your Homeschool Dollar: 10
"There are lots of more expensive "bells and whistles" programs out there, some kids may need the extra games that those programs provide, but AlphaPhonics proves that simple is often times better."