Phonics and Sight Words

When I was a little girl, I learned to read by sight words. Dick and Jane was all the rage. When I entered third grade at a different school, they expected me to know phonics. I was so upset that I didn’t know what they were talking about. I was a great reader, but didn’t have a background in phonics. I had to catch up in a hurry in order to complete my worksheets correctly.

Since reading is a vital skill and a necessary component of learning other subject matters, repeated practice is necessary. A healthy blend of phonics and sight words seems to work for most kids.

Back to School Plans

Do you need a battle plan to get ready for back to homeshool? I find that a checklist of some sort goes a long way with me. I tend to work off an agenda or calendar. If you do too, then maybe the following will help you as you get ready for a new year of schooling.

• Ask the kids what they are interested in learning this year. By letting them pick a few of the things they are going to learn, you have conquered lots of the un-motivation you sometimes experience..
• Clean and organize the main study area in the house.
• Discover your child’s learning style and adapt your teaching style to match it.
• Read curriculum reviews before you shop for yours.
• Begin gathering your curriculum or building your own. Try to buy used curriculum when you can.
• Make sure your library cards are not lost.
• Think about extra-curricular activities your children might want to participate in.
• Formulate a list of possible field trips.
• Shop garage sales for board games, flash cards, art supplies, books, and yes, even used curriculum. I see it at yard sales all the time.
• Go over your chore charts for the kids and make revisions where needed.
• Set up a tentative schedule.
• Relax and breathe!