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06.02.08, 10:14 AM New York City
91 replies
Has anyone used the "How To Teach Your Baby To Read" system on your preschooler/entering K child? Did it help? TIA [ Reply | Watch | Flag ]
New York City 06.02.08, 10:14 AM Flag
 

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I am doing the "How to Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons" by Engelman. Is this the book you mean? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:16 AM Flag
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No, there is a system by Glenn Domain. The book is actually called "How To Teach Your Baby to Read", kit comes with book and word, phrase, sentence cards. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:18 AM Flag
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let the teachers teach your kids to read. good grief [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:18 AM Flag
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ITA. This push - shove, actually - to make dc read earlier and earlier is out of control. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:22 AM Flag
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except than many Hunter K accepts know how to read. this is a sad fact. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:30 AM Flag
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yes, many kids in Hunter or G&Ts or what not know how to read. Many do not. No Kindergarten expects your kid to read or write. or do math. or speak 20 languages fluently. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:33 AM Flag
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You obviously don't have a dc at Hunter. Most of them don't enter K as true readers. A few are reading fluently, some are emergent readers and many are not reading at all. And some dc are still not reading by the end of K. Hunter admin and teachers will be the first to tell you not to worry if a dc isn't reading in K. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:33 AM Flag
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true. it's really a developmental thing and has nothing to do with intelligence. 5 to 7 is normal age range for learning to read [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:36 AM Flag
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OP here, thank you. Hoping that post would not get hijacked on reading - just wanted to know if anyone had used this program. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:37 AM Flag
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Have you looked at the book? How much do you know about the "method"? Do you realize it's essentially just drilling dc with flash cards? I can't think of a faster, more reliable way to kill most dc's interest in learning to read. Maybe there are some dc who enjoy that kind of learning. If yours is one of them, go for it I guess. Personally, I'd just keep reading to dc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:45 AM Flag
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No, I don't know anything about it at all actually - that's is why I posted. Did you use it? Thanks for the info. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:47 AM Flag
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We didn't use it, but I have a relative who did. She had mixed results; her dc wasn't really into it but did mange to memorize a great number of words by sight. It wasn't reading, though. To recognize the words and say them out loud is not the same as reading with comprehension. She tried to turn me and DH onto the system by showing us a promotional video put out by the people who invented the method - they have a whole program, not just for reading. They do math, music, science facts, and so on. It was disturbing. These dc were like trained monkeys. I don't mean to offend, but that's all I could think of as I watched the video. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:55 AM Flag
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I think its weird for babies too - but not thinking about it for a baby. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:01 AM Flag
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I think it's weird for any young dc. The method really emphasizes rote memorization with little attention paid to context or broader concepts. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:07 AM Flag
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are you serious? first you learn to read the words, then you learn context and "broader concepts". [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:13 AM Flag
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I guess you're not familiar with Whole Language method of teaching reading [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:15 AM Flag
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no, phonics. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:19 AM Flag
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whole language is what is being taught, at least it was when dd was in elem school [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:25 AM Flag
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Yes, I'm serious. I'm not talking just about their approach to reading, but their method in a more general sense. What's the use of having a 3 yo who's been drilled and can recite the periodic table by memory but who doesn't understand what elements or atoms are? It's pointless and takes time away from developmentally appropriate activities. It's the same idea with reading. To read with comprehension the dc needs to do more than just say the words on the flashcard. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 01:50 PM Flag
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you are talking to a wall here [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 02:10 PM Flag
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Why would you do this? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:22 AM Flag
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see below [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:32 AM Flag
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Parenting Inc. has an interesting chapter on this - basically thinks it is bunk although people swear by it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:25 AM Flag
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I have a child who missed the deadline for private. Keeping in preschool, but saw this for sale (used) and was thinking about getting it. Just wanted to know if anyone had used it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:29 AM Flag
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just read to your kid. that will do more to facilitate reading when s/he is ready than anything else. if s/he's truly precocious in this regard, s/he'll learn on their own [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:35 AM Flag
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np. Exactly. The few dc who show up at K reading fluently at a 3rd or 4th grade level didn't learn it from flashcards. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:38 AM Flag
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This is not true for all kids--some kids need explicit instruction despite being read to a lot. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 03:30 PM Flag
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np. The poster was talking about naturally precocious readers. Obviously not all dc fall into that category, and many will need more explicit instruction. The point is there's no need to stage a reading intervention with a preschool-age dc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 04:35 PM Flag
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why, for goodness sake, does your 4 or 5yo need to be able to read? why? If you kid wants it she or he will do it all on his or her own. Just like one of my kids. The others learned it in elementary school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:32 AM Flag
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try six year old. summer boy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:33 AM Flag
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I'm the one w/ the Teach Your Child to Read book. My ds also missed the cut-off. He can sound out easy words now, and has learned a few words on his own (pizza, lol). I'm doing this w/ no pressure because he has mastered easy phonics and I want to help him feel better about himself in K (he is ADD and I know school will be hard for him). I'm not being an "overbearing" parent. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:37 AM Flag
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I think you make two major mistakes. 1) you assume that most kids will be able to read and your kid will be the odd one out. 2) you want your kid to start out as one of the top students for whatever reason. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:39 AM Flag
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I'm not this responder, I'm the OP actually and it looks like you are assuming a great deal about her to me. But, soooooooo not looking for a reading fight today. Its 20.00 - I think I'll buy it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:40 AM Flag
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I don't think you ever disclosed why you need this kit for your child. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:42 AM Flag
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I'm the OP not the responder. No one "needs" a kit. I came across this book and kit - my child is showing signs of reading, is stuck in a preschool environment next year due to idiotic cutoffs for summer boys in nyc. I "wanted" to know if anyone had used this before and what it was like. That's all. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:46 AM Flag
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np: check out headsprout.com - it's a little $ (about $100 for 40 lessons), but it's a really cool online reading tutorial. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:49 AM Flag
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This one is only $20.00 (used) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:52 AM Flag
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I tell you what. My kid showed those signs also. Our preschool was useless in this regard. So we just kept on doing what we were doing and kept reading to her. Gradually she figured everything out by herself. There is really nothing you have to do on your side to support your child's learning efforts. Let her lead the way. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:54 AM Flag
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not every child will react, behave, think and learn like yours. you know that right? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad it worked out well, its always good to share, but don't think that because something works for you its across the line the right thing for everyone. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:57 AM Flag
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If it doesn't work out that way your kid is not really ready for it. Why can't you just live with that? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:58 AM Flag
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How do you know my child won't learn to read the very first day? What do you mean why can't I live with that? What an odd thing to say. Are you just being argumentative? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:02 AM Flag
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Why don't you just leave your kid to be a kid? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:07 AM Flag
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np, we thought about that but decided we should potty train and teach table manners and all of that stuff. Society frowns on people who don't learn something in childhood :) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:09 AM Flag
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but society does not care if your 4 or 5 yo can read or not [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 02:11 PM Flag
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np. Sure society cares. I have a dc who spontaneously began reading at a very early age, and while I’m sure there were some people who assumed I’d drilled dc and viewed me negatively, most people absolutely gushed over dc’s ability. And I have to admit there’s something validating about that as a parent even though it frequently made me uncomfortable too. And I think for some parents that social validation is at the heart of wanting to teach dc to read as early as possible. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 06:07 PM Flag
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I assure you my child will never be one of the top students in any school he attends. He is plenty intelligent but his "issues" will be obstacle to his school performance. I am trying to help him not be so very far behind, and he truly benefits from one on one interaction. I know that most kids won't be reading in K, but I do know that most other kids will be attend to the lesson better than he will. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:45 AM Flag
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That's cool. But don't you think you should wait until then? Supplement him while he is learning it in school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:52 AM Flag
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not really. I can only see benefits from what I'm doing w/ him. It's not just a reading lesson, it also a lesson in focusing to tasks at hand (something he struggles greatly with). The Teach Your Child to Read book has short lessons, phonic based, pretty standard stuff. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:58 AM Flag
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I really don't understand why you think your kid needs to know how to read before he enters K. This is definitely more about you than it is about him. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:01 AM Flag
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NP, for crying out loud, she just told you it was more than just reading, it was focusing on a task. Did you not read her post prior to responding? Where did you get your psych degree? The school owes you a refund. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:04 AM Flag
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agree [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:04 AM Flag
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well then I think that's a problem w/ pigeon holing kids by grade levels. He is showing signs of reading readiness now at age 5.7. The reading lesson is something he enjoys, so why not? If it helps him feel better about himself I'm all for it. He has fine motor delays and knows it because he can't do what other kids can. But he can keep up w/ the reading lessons, so it's a little ego boost for him. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:08 AM Flag
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whatever you say, but you do you know what system your school will be teaching. or you sure you won't be using 2 different methods and just end up confusing and frustrating ds instead. it's perfectly normal for kids to be 7 before they learn to read [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:39 AM Flag
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??? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:37 AM Flag
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his agemates in public school WILL be learning to read at exactly the same time. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:10 AM Flag
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Um. Doesnt everyone need to learn how to read? You know, STOP signs, etc? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:35 AM Flag
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np. Wow, your reading comprehension could certainly use some improvement. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:36 AM Flag
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huh? of course. but not at that age. Btw, there is more to a stop sign than the word STOP. A kid doesn't learn to read the sign. It knows what the entire sign stands for. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:37 AM Flag
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BTW - sign reading in NYC is a fun way to work on reading. My dad (DS's grandfather) always does this when he is over. They read construction site signs, menus, store closings, etc. on their adventures through the streets. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:55 AM Flag
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My sis teaches 1st grade in the burbs and she hates when parents have tried to force reading too early. She much prefers to teach the kids to read, in the appropriate way instead of some overbearing parent teaching it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:33 AM Flag
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I think that is funny, teachers said the same thing 20 years ago when I begged my mom to teach me. They told her she would teach me wrong. As if there is a wrong way. Too funny. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:35 AM Flag
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a little simplistic [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:41 AM Flag
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What is wrong with simplicity? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:49 AM Flag
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nothing is wrong with simplicity, but your view on this subject is simplistic, not taking into account variables that were not a part of your own experience [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:52 AM Flag
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Whatever, she taught me and life is good. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:54 AM Flag
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I think you are all crazy. I work so will not be teaching my child HOWEVER, am totally jealous of any of you SAHMs who can do this and teach your children. Reading is aweome and the earlier the better. Everyone saying otherwise is just too lazy or guilt-ridden to take the time. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:43 AM Flag
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how old is your dc? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:48 AM Flag
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OP here, and thanks for the post in a sea of critical ones. I had no intention of starting a reading post, but I guess people just can't help themsevles. I asked a pretty simple direct question. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:51 AM Flag
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welcome. have at it. wish you cuold teach my two little ones as well!!:) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:53 AM Flag
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send em over! I'd be happy to. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:55 AM Flag
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guess their moms skipped the reading "comprehension" part (hehheee) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:53 AM Flag
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I can only assume your children are not school age or they never struggled with learning to read, because you couldn't be more wrong [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:53 AM Flag
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Yes. If you have a "special" child, you should probably ask your doctor how best to handle. Couldnt agree more. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:55 AM Flag
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doctor? like ped? are you serious? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:58 AM Flag
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doesn't really even have to be "special." it's a continuum and it's developmental. dd had problems early on, but once she got it, she was off like a rocket. she's now an honors student with distinction. but she didn't need more pressure from me when she was struggling to read in 1st and 2nd grade. We got extra help from the school [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:01 AM Flag
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This is not a competition!!!!! Your child will learn eventually. That is what elementary school is for. And don't give me that "too lazy" BS. Reading to your child every night before bed and whenever she wants to be read to takes up a lot of time. Going to the library, the book store, etc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:57 AM Flag
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Sensitive on the too lazy bit? You are posting online right now instead of teaching your child to read right now. You should have guilt!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 10:59 AM Flag
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weirdo [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:02 AM Flag
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np: assume much? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:03 AM Flag
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now now. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:05 AM Flag
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OP here, I would say thanks all - but you guys really did hijack my post for no known reason. But, I will say, have a nice day. Its beautiful outside - we are headed out now. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:07 AM Flag
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Oh, and thanks to the one poster who did share infor on the book. I honestly appreciate it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:08 AM Flag
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don't forget to drill phonetics on the way out! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:08 AM Flag
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oh you know you're all giddy over it [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:09 AM Flag
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I think it's unfair for people to assume that kids who know how to read before age 5yo or 4yo were drilled at home. My dc learned to read without me drilling anything. Dc played with Leapfrog toys and starfall - I didn't push dc to do these, dc loved to - and learned to read. I resent people assuming that I drilled dc. No, some kids just pick it up on their own and there are so many toys out there (tv shows and online games) that they're exposed to it. Kids who are really interested will pick it up earlier than others who are not so interested. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:16 AM Flag
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One persons child is 5.7 and the other said 6 (but I think she meant by the time she starts teaching. I think people missed the ages of these children [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:21 AM Flag
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um, no [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:28 AM Flag
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oh I don't think that at all. I've known kids who learned really early and kids who struggled. And I don't think there are many here who would argue with what you've said. that kids will learn when they are ready, whether they are 4 or 6 or somewhere in between [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 11:27 AM Flag
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I don't see anyone in this thread making that assumption. But OP asked about a specific program for explicitly teaching young dc to read, starting from the time they're infants. This particular program is all about drilling the dc, using flash cards, the whole bit. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 04:41 PM Flag
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This is how my mom taught me to read, and I was reading the newspaper at two and a half. I've heard different kids respond differently, though. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 04:31 PM Flag
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Why rush this shit? Seriously? Just enjoy your kids and step off. And aren't there any books that you would rather be reading? Some novels? anything? Your kids will want to learn to read when they see the grown-ups in their lives taking enjoyment from reading. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.02.08, 05:19 PM Flag
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