We’re not quite at the Learning to Read Stage at our house yet but we’re getting close. My little bookworm has finally noticed that there are letters on the page and they make mommy say something. Occasionally he’ll point to a word and asks what it says. I figure at 2 1/2 that’s about as much as I can hope for. (Ok, truth be told, it excites me to no end.) Therefore I am now on the prowl for phonics readers.
When I was growing up, I remember learning how to read with ABeka Readers. (Anyone else remember those?) I’m likely going to grab some of those for use with my children but I also had to take a look at Usborne’s Phonics Readers. (You can buy the complete set of them from Usborne, value packs of four, or individual titles.)
A sample from Shark in the Park would be:
Pup is in the park.
“There’s a shark in the park!” Pup barks.
Pup wakes Fat Cat.
She meows, “Why did you bark?”
“There’s a shark in the park!” Pup barks.
The illustrations are some of Usborne’s finest. They are attractive to my son because they look rather cartoonish yet the animals are all very cute and cuddly. We read Goose on the Loose, Ted in a Red Bed and Shark in the Park and enjoyed them all very much. As I read I follow the words with my finger and point out letters that I know he can already identify. Slowly but surely, and with a little bit of effort, we’ll break into the world of reading. For now these books are just fun to us but if you and your kids are really working on your phonics lessons, Usborne Phonics Readers are a good diversion and special treat.
Happy Reading!
Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.
I picked up Shark In The Park last year at a homeschool convention when my boys were doing a unit on sharks. My little one loves it! I’m definitely going to look into getting more. 🙂
We’re at that stage now (as you know, Carrie), so I’ll definitely keep my eyes open for these!
Great reminders of great things that worked for us as children, thanks for sharing.
I have a great party planned, hope you can attend.
Gymathtics LIVE Event is going virtual! – Saturday, April 25, 2009, 2-5pm
Exploramania is having a Gymathtics LIVE Event in Tampa but wants to invite everyone who cannot physically attend to attend virtually through the Internet. There will be games, prizes, demonstrations, and live photos from the event from 2-5pm on April 25th all streaming through the Internet celebrating Math & Exercise with Gymathtics. This is a GREAT family activity for some safe family FUN. Those participating through the Internet will have added perks by utilizing Social Networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and Twitter during the event. Even better, everyone can enter for giveaways, including the Gymathtics DVD, starting TODAY! Share this with your friends and family.
For instructions on how to participate online, visit Exploramania’s Blog at http://www.Exploramania.Blogspot.com.
Seeing a child learn to read IS so exciting. These books look great. I used similar types of books with Amanda and Kyle, and they are helpful.
We’ve enjoyed these books, too. Frog on a log was one of the first books Camden read.
I love all their books. My daughter is only 2 but we have several “that’s not my…” books which help with colors and textures!
I LOVE Usborne books of all types. I think they’re such high quality!
One of our family’s favorite phonic readers is Sam Sheep Can’t Sleep.
(We love alliterations, too!)
You can also get this as a baby board book!