Overwhelmed

Yesterday's meeting with Dr. C. was overwhelming, to say the least. I went there to borrow some of the Seeing Stars program until we can obtain our own. Not only did she give me a ton of things for Seeing Stars (unfortunately, we still have to purchase some decoding books and a box set), she also gave me other phonics literature. She briefly instructed me on how to teach Jared these things, while continuing to add more books and paperwork to my stack of things. Whew! I was fascinated by the tips and tricks she was sharing.

The goal is to give Jared tricks to help him read. For example, he'll need to know that a C before I, E, or Y generally has an S sound. I also got a list of letter "brothers" and "cousins"... you know, stuff that I have never heard of but wish I had back when I was in school. She also showed me how to eventually teach harder, longer words by holding a flash card with the word, next to his face (in his peripheral vision). He would spell the letters frontwards and backwards over and over again until the word is memorized - frontwards and backwards! Then he'd automatically know how to spell. It didn't seem to make sense to me, because we're trying to get Jared to NOT spell things backwards. She told me stories of how this method has helped people of all ages learn to read. Bizarre strategy, but I believe her!

I hardly know where to begin. There are so many aspects of Seeing Stars that are great. He'll be memorizing a thousand words on flashcards first, along with some sounds and syllable cards. In addition to this, Dr. C. wants us to purchase the Phonics Museum, by Veritas Press. It's a classical style curriculum, that is known for being very "artsy". I've read good things about it, but I don't care for museums or many things that are classical or artsy, so this may be a little stiff for me. I know, I know. I shouldn't admit this, but it's the truth. Maybe this could be the curriculum that Jared uses with the tutor this summer.

 

Along with those curricula, I need to purchase 30 phonics practice readers, by Modern Curriculum Press. These are the kind of books I grew up reading. They are supposed to be very good for kids who learn like Jared does. Wow! This is just the beginning! She mentioned at least 4 more curricula to buy after he finishes Phonics Museum and Seeing Stars. In addition to being astonished by the costs of merely beginning this process, I'm definitely overwhelmed by the amount of time and information!

From the end of the earth will I cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and fainting; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 (AB)