By Educators Publishing Service (EPS)·Language Arts · Phonics · Reading
9 video reviews: 4 positive · 1 mixed · 2 critical
Across these reviews, Explode the Code is almost never anyone's main reading curriculum — and reviewers are fine with that. The consistent picture is of an affordable, independent phonics workbook that families run alongside a primary program (All About Reading, The Good and the Beautiful, Abeka) to cement the rules: kids divide words, match pictures, and write words on their own while mom teaches someone else. The fans are genuine. One mom of a dyslexic child says it's been especially helpful for reinforcing phonics mastery and notes most people miss that the teacher guide can expand it into a full reading program; another calls it her daughter's favorite workbook and praises the built-in review and writing practice; two recommend the *Get Ready for the Code* primer series for preschool and early kindergarten. But the same trait that makes it easy — every lesson follows the same format for each new phonics rule — is exactly what sours others. One reviewer found whole notebooks of it so repetitive her kids started to dread it, calling it busywork she'd never rebuy; another watched her easygoing first grader flat-out hate it even though an older sibling had loved it; two more quietly drifted away or found it unnecessary next to their main curriculum. The honest read: a cheap, useful supplement whose repetition is a feature for kids who crave predictability and a dealbreaker for kids who crave variety — and by reviewers' own account, not a standalone for struggling readers.
Synthesized from 9 independent video reviews — every claim sourced from what real homeschool parents said on camera.
Families who want a cheap, open-and-go phonics workbook a child can do independently to reinforce a main reading program — especially kids who thrive on repetition and review.
Kids who get bored by doing the same lesson format over and over, and parents looking for a complete standalone reading curriculum for a struggling reader.
EXPLODE THE CODE from FORMER TEACHER | Phonics Homeschool Curriculum Review | FLIP-THROUGH #explodethecode #homeschoolcurriculum #phonicsprogram I wanted to share with you our personal experience using Explode the Code and why we ended up moving away from using it. Don't miss out! Subscribe and join us in finding your balance in motherhood! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- With 9 kids between our two families (ranging from infant up to middle school), we are just two mamas who are striving for balance in motherhood while juggling all the responsibilities that come along with being a Christian mother, wife, and homemaker. We are so excited to share with you the tips and tricks we have learned over the years! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOLLOW THE BALANCED MOM! ♡ Y O U T U B E : https://www.youtube.com/thebalancedmom ♡ I N S T A G R A M : http://www.instagram.com/tthebalanced_mom ♡ F A C E B O O K : http://www.facebook.com/beabalancedmom ♡ E M A I L : beabalancedmom@gmail.com ---Check out some of our other videos--- ♡HOME DECLUTTERING & ORGANIZING ♡ Pantry Organization: https://youtu.be/J-VMqCMXHYw Organizing your home with boxes: https://youtu.be/XJqaEDXExxU Laundry Routine and Tips: https://youtu.be/Op842hT5JXo Car Clean and Hacks: https://youtu.be/0DhbcmbVjdM A Tidy House with Kids: https://youtu.be/r7koNWwzS9E No More Paper Clutter: https://youtu.be/HZoAb9orSwcr Each of our laundry systems: https://youtu.be/aWKxMhZKizE ♡PARENTING♡ Reward Systems for Kids: https://youtu.be/7wYu2HlbDME ♡MOTHERHOOD♡ Only Mom Advice You Will Ever Need: https://youtu.be/DG05mKoO9oU Would You Rather... Mom Edition: https://youtu.be/Izr-3CkO9YU Never Have I Ever - Mom Edition: https://youtu.be/-9mB7ASAVP0 ♡HOMESCHOOL♡ Reading Lesson vs Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons: https://youtu.be/ejCjgHEDdNk Homeschooling for Beginners: https://youtu.be/1dsizDXUZjk Homeschool Essentials: https://youtu.be/VH6N7z3Kh_I Teaching the Alphabet: https://youtu.be/965m8msG7mA
2ND GRADE CURRICULUM HAUL! | HOMESCHOOL 2019/20 WITH FLIP THROUGH We are ready for another school year this fall, homeschooling our children! Today I have a curriculum haul for our daughter who will be entering grade 2. Do you have a second grader? Deanna’s video: https://youtu.be/wgns9PRdVDM Hi everyone! My name is Julie, and I'm a mama to FIVE now! My kids are 8, 7, 5, 3, and newborn. I post videos every Monday that are either mommy tips, favourites, homeschool curriculum reviews, birth/postpartum tips, hauls, or some other kind of 'mommy' video! I also post vlogs most Fridays. Thank you for checking out my channel, and I hope you subscribe so you can keep up on my videos! I love to keep in contact with those who watch my videos to find out what's going on in your life, so please comment below. I always read your comments! :) If you want to shop some of my favourite curriculum, read aloud books, and more, visit my affiliate link at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/shop/mamatofive Get cash back on groceries with the Checkout 51 app: https://checkout51.app.link/17kDLe9oSR Find me on Instagram: @mama.to.five Contact me at: mamatofouryt@gmail.com
All About Reading Review | Level 1 What does Jenny think about the very popular All About Reading phonics curriculum?📕📗 Stacey did a review of All About Reading last year, which finally convinced Jenny to buy it and use it. Does this curriculum fit into Jenny’s Charlotte Mason-style of homeschooling? And does it even work? 🤔 Also, Jenny gives some tips on how to save money on this extensive curriculum when purchasing it for multiple kids. Happy Homeschooling, Jenny and Stacey - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SUBSCRIBE: https://bit.ly/3feQfJv - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - TIME CODES 0:00 Intro 0:26 All About Reading Overview 0:57 What do you need to buy? 2:09 Jenny's Thoughts on All About Reading 3:16 How Jenny uses All About Reading 5:27 Vol. 1 Reader Flip Through 6:41 Activity Book Flip Through 8:11 Level 1 Teacher's Manual Flip Through 9:32 Final Thoughts - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO All About Reading Level 1 Curriculum: https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading-level-1/?gclid=CjwKCAjwzruGBhBAEiwAUqMR8Gah1kSUl_p3ApeUC8U449VXStxhcDTRB4LjitaU773P5t2EDoy8GBoCdlYQAvD_BwE #KidsLearningforLife - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FILM UNIT STUDIES Watch a movie and learn together as a family! Our Film Unit Studies each center around a specific featured film and are designed for kids K-6th. Use our Film Unit Studies to accompany your existing curriculum, or pull them out on a rainy day as an easy way to keep the learning going. Cover a variety of subject areas with little-to-no preparation, and have fun learning alongside your kids! Click for more info. 👇🏽 https://www.kidslearningforlife.com/film - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CONNECT WITH US: 📸 I N S T A G R A M ➜ https://www.instagram.com/kidslearningforlife 📘 F A C E B O O K ➜ https://www.facebook.com/kidslearningforlife 📌 P I N T E R E S T ➜ https://www.pinterest.com/kidslearningfor ☀️ F B G R O U P ➜ https://www.facebook.com/groups/310282423486439 🌱 B L O G ➜ https://www.kidslearningforlife.com 🎤 P O D C A S T ➜ https://www.kidslearningforlife.com/category/podcasts/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AFFILIATE NOTICE: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DISCLAIMER: This video is not made for children 13 and under. The target audience for this video is adults interested in homeschooling.
Favorite Reading Programs for Learning to Read || Homeschool Reading Curriculum Favorite Reading Programs for Learning to Read || Homeschool Reading Curriculum Learning to Read: https://christianlight.org/curriculum/by-grade/grade-1/learning-to-read All About Reading (affiliate link): https://www.allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=2039 Shop My Amazon Favorites (affiliate)! https://www.amazon.com/shop/penniesandsalt Hi! I'm Megan, a homeschool mom to 6 little ones and wife to Jon. We are a Christian family who truly loves the Lord and aims to disciple our children in His ways. On my channel you will find all things homemaking and homeschooling. I hope that you will join me on this journey through motherhood! **CONNECT WITH ME** Find Me On Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/pennies_and_salt_megan/ Email For Questions, Pray Requests, or Collaborations at: budgetmommy2@gmail.com *Music provided by subscription with Epidemic Sound* **FTC Disclaimer: This video is intended for adults and may contain affiliate links. #homeschool #reading #homeschoolfavorites #curriculum
Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Picks | 2026-2027 LET’S CONNECT: 🩵Instagram: the_mindful_homeschooler 💛Etsy Store: https://mindfulhomeschooler.etsy.com Kindergarten Homeschool Schedule: https://youtu.be/zFGH4R4JqO4 Math: Math with Confidence - K: - Teacher Guide: https://amzn.to/4trWsrt - Student Workbook: https://amzn.to/4e52sBT ELA: - Explode the Code 1: https://amzn.to/4e52v0x - Kick Start Kindergarten - Handwriting without Tears: https://amzn.to/3PIbjzA The BirdsNest Schoolhouse video on Handwriting without Tears: https://youtu.be/h-L2dbAcNaE?si=uLluta66b-Hhari- - Exploring the World Through Story: https://stonesouppress.com/curriculum/exploring-the-world-through-story/ - How & Why Stories: https://amzn.to/3Oi5qbQ - Aesop’s Fables for Children: https://amzn.to/4vgDhmg - DK Our World in Pictures: Countries of the World: https://amzn.to/3PMmibf Social Studies: Me on the Map by Little School of Smiths: https://littleschoolofsmiths.com/product/meonthemap/ - Me on the Map: https://amzn.to/4sduOxq - DK: Children Just Like Me: https://amzn.to/41zqRs9 Community Helpers Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Helpers-UNIT-PreK-to-2nd-Grade-13859861?msockid=3e1c62877a566eac00bd76b97bec6fb6 Flip through on Community Helpers: Community Helpers Unit | Pre-K to 1st Grade | Overview & Flip Through with Special Guest! https://youtu.be/cYYST0MtJuQ Science: - Science Curriculum: A Year Through the Seasons: https://mindfulhomeschooler.etsy.com/listing/4480769052 Flip through on science curriculum: https://youtu.be/4kgTwX3C4cU?si=cIsnc7lCe_YQAOGr - Awesome Autumn: https://amzn.to/4dp2KDv - Wonderful Winter: https://amzn.to/41axW25 - Spectacular Spring: https://amzn.to/48e53Ws - My Big Book of Outdoors: https://amzn.to/4mbsJjW - Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments: https://amzn.to/41NgIbb - Poetry: Outside Your Window: First Book of Nature: https://amzn.to/4bRj8LR - Heartwood Hotel: A True Home: https://amzn.to/3QlEmZN - Heartwood Hotel: The Greatest Gift: https://amzn.to/41P6k2A - Heartwood Hotel: Better Together: https://amzn.to/3Oi5TL8 - Heartwood Hotel: Home Again - https://amzn.to/48dt9AG Mental Health: - Peaceful Like a Panda: https://amzn.to/4sWv1pY - Breathe Like a Bear cards: https://amzn.to/4m9wu9T - I Am Books: https://amzn.to/3O6WTZh - Eeboo cards: I Heard Your Feelings - https://amzn.to/4tl3ga8 - Eeboo cards: What Do I Do? - https://amzn.to/4sbF2hB - Eeboo cards: Good Manners - https://amzn.to/41eGVPK - My Very Own Gratitude Journal: https://www.etsy.com/listing/690941809/preschool-gratitude-journal Electives: - Elmo Asks Why: A First Encyclopedia: https://amzn.to/4tvmnP3 - The Monthly Planner: https://amzn.to/3Q41eNk - Paper Crafts for Kids: https://amzn.to/4sTOaZq Hi! My name is Nicole and I am just a mom who loves to talk about all things homeschool as well as sharing how I manage homeschooling, a part-time job and life in general! I currently have an 11 year old daughter in 6th grade and a son doing pre-k. FTC Disclosure: This video is NOT sponsored. All opinions are entirely my own, and every product featured was purchased by me. Some links in this description may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep this channel going — thank you so much guys! 💛
1st grade homeschool curriculum review - math, reading, handwriting, language arts and spelling We're wrapping up another homeschool year, and I wanted to share my end of the year review for my 1st grader's individual curriculum. This will include language arts (spelling, grammar, reading, writing) and math. She did participate in group subjects, but I'm sharing that in another video! We definitely had to make some adjustments this year in almost every subject, but once we had the kinks worked out and fined tuned a bit, the year flowed smoothly and went great! Curriculum choices for next year... 2nd grade: https://youtu.be/eFiw_QRfvDw 4th grade: https://youtu.be/YTePTeKJLjs 6th grade: https://youtu.be/pP8GPOleUR0 History: https://youtu.be/oOcRhfhSPMs Science: https://youtu.be/9btV-M5JNcI Morning Basket: https://youtu.be/2BOi0Rk53_s ____________________________________________ 🌟 Creative Fabrica All Access Pass - 10 FREE downloads or 1 month free trial and just $9 a month (cancel at any time!) - https://www.creativefabrica.com/promo/7003/0P652-FGHIJKLMNO/ref/2975647 🌟 50% off subscription to Night Zookeeper: https://bit.ly/3IDYZsu 🌟 Teacher Club Card - 5 digital downloads per week/260 for the year - all for $2.99! https://www.creativefabrica.com/teachers/ref/2975647 🌟 Our Favorite History Curriculum: https://www.bfbooks.com/?tap_a=30494-e48ebf&tap_s=2807022-a3d2e2 🌟 15% off Knowledge Crate: https://www.knowledgecrates.com/thepracticalhomeschooler Use Code: THEPRACTICALHOMESCHOOLER for 15% off! ____________________________________ Thanks for subscribing, and if not, that's ok too! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepractica... Email: ThePracticalHomeschooler@gmail.com Fellow YouTubers - Increase your SEO rankings with TubeBuddy (50% off if you have less than 1,000 subscribers): https://www.tubebuddy.com/ThePracticalHomeschooler *This contains an affiliate link which helps my channel at no extra cost to you! homeschool curriculum review, homeschool review, homeschool mom, 1st grade curriculum review, the good and the beautiful, first grade curriculum, homeschool curriculum picks, homeschool curriculum, homeschool curriculum 1st grade, abeka language arts, the good and the beautiful language arts, abeka readers
Homeschool Reading Curriculum Review | Sharing Our Experience + My Heart Through Challenges Homeschool Reading Curriculum choices have changed for each of my kids. They are all so unique, and I've used several different resources as I've taught three different children how to read. For some, it's been a breeze - others have had to work much harder. I hope this video encourages you and provides you with multiple resource options to look into that might be good for you and your family. “DEAR DRAGON…” SERIES https://www.thriftbooks.com/series/dear-dragon-series/53706/?srsltid=AfmBOor92w0a8xOio9gNbQNa94HnXiI_Wd835xUpJNhiynaYtGzx2L2s ALPHABET WORKBOOK https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-WorksheetsCurriculum-Letter-of-the-Week-6277509 ALPHABET WORKBOOK LOOK THROUGH https://youtu.be/maUZvtoPBOA?si=s-mHLz5tWoZJzS1E ABC SEE HEAR DO https://amzn.to/47xcw3i ABC SEE HEAR DO LOOK THROUGH https://youtu.be/GBRkqSQcHEo?si=3Q-CMvzQqPCCt8ks LOGIC OF ENGLISH LOOK THROUGH https://youtu.be/hhR4gtEpH7s?si=_6l5J4YGW76rMV2u LOGIC OF ENGLISH REVIEW BLOG POST https://simplylearningtogether.com/logic-of-english-foundations-a-review/ READING PYRAMIDS LOOK THROUGH https://youtu.be/o2L_Zxt6x3Y?si=tHP2voyP8ZlZmI6g PHONICS PATHWAYS LOOK THROUGH https://youtu.be/mGcdAY32A5s?si=UanSpwP-N-KAxVl4 TREASURE HUNT READING BOOK https://amzn.to/4lAkdcH TREASURE HUNT READING LOOK THROUGH https://youtu.be/WA47JNWKPKk?si=zCX8dS_azU9yyLeF TREASURE HUNT READING WEBSITE – FREE VIDEOS https://treasurehunt.prenda.co SHARPEN READING (ABECEDARIAN) LOOK THROUGH https://youtu.be/co7M8DY1opE?si=ieSMOwaaFjAqlxe9 SHARPEN READING WEBSITE https://www.sharpen.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopeDWX65XZ-xPILUjWDp09BqU75KPQZEPMKlCqlrZAXJmMyATfa READING BOOSTER CARDS: https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/pages/reading-booster-program?srsltid=AfmBOops_t2iJxVbk3VIG-k4Ot-t4qrqmcRnJcogHKHyM3sH4lscQm0U MATH CURRICULA REVIEW VIDEO https://youtu.be/xB6O32zbK8w?si=KPeJ6ALbI-Aqu67N This post or the comments may contain affiliate links. #homeschoolreading #readingcurriculum #teachingreading CHAPTERS 00:00 – 2:41 Intro 2:42 – 3:30 Dear Dragon Series 3:31 – 7:56 Teaching Struggling Readers 7:57 – 11:49 ABC See Hear Do 11:50 – 18:03 Logic of English 18:04 – 22:25 Reading Pathways/Phonics Pathways 22:26 – 24:13 Treasure Hunt Reading 24:14 – 28:47 Sharpen Reading 28:48 – 33:14 TGTB Reading Booster Cards 33:15 – 36:01 Final Thoughts
Kindergarten Curriculum (Flip Through & Review!) | The Good & the Beautiful, Explode the Code, etc. 8th grade curriculum vid: https://youtu.be/WNQ7qZFgKQA 7th grade curriculum vid: https://youtu.be/fwg3AjL2Sk4 4th grade curriculum vid: https://youtu.be/_hesBhXTWIE
Best Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers (What Actually Works) Looking for the best homeschool reading curriculum for struggling readers? In this video, I walk through the homeschool reading programs that actually work for children who are behind in reading, including kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. If your child is struggling to read, choosing curriculum can feel overwhelming. Many homeschool parents try multiple programs before finding one that fits their child’s learning style. In this video I explain how to choose a homeschool reading curriculum based on your child’s learning needs and share some of the most commonly used programs for struggling readers. Curriculum mentioned in this video: • All About Reading https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading/ • Logic of English https://logicofenglish.com/ • Barton Reading & Spelling https://bartonreading.com/ • Explode the Code https://www.epslearning.com/products/explode-the-code-overview • Reading Eggs https://readingeggs.com/bing/pmax-florida/?msclkid=4acf2fa2181b12dfd5814612fcd9d3a4 • Touch-type, Read, and Spell https://www.readandspell.com/us/ This channel focuses on helping homeschool parents teach children with learning differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, and other struggling learners. If you are homeschooling a struggling learner and need practical guidance, make sure to subscribe for weekly videos. #homeschoolreading #strugglingreaders #homeschoolcurriculum Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 0:49 Why Do Students Struggle 2:05 Best curriculum for Multisensory Learners 4:00 Best curriculum for Analytical Learners 5:25 Best curriculum for Severe Reading Struggles 7:20 Best curriculum for Older Students 7:50 Best curriculum for Resistant Readers 8:20 Best curriculum for students who need repetition and review ________________________________________________________________________________ 💙💛💙💛Are you homeschooling a child with a unique ability? 💙💛💙💛 Download my FREE "Roadmap to Homeschooling a Child with Special Needs" workbook here: https://leilani-melendez.kit.com/9342b8160e ________________________________________________________________________________ 💚My FAVORITE Curriculum 💚 IEW: https://iew.com/?ref=LEILANIMELENDEZ Generations: https://generations.idevaffiliate.com/79.html No Consumed Ministry: https://store.notconsumed.com?aff=442 Homeschool Spanish Academy: https://www.spanish.academy/schedule-free-class/?utm_source=affiliate_marketing&utm_campaign=leilani _________________________________________________________________ 💕I would love to keep in Touch!! 💕 ❤ Website ❤ https://leilanimelendez.com Learn More About Leilani and How She Can Speak At Your Next Event: https://www.leilanimelendez.com/speaking 💛💙Get 3 FREE Chapters from My New Book!! 💛💙 FREEDOM TO LEARN: https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/292114/sites/77436184879432754/4jGKGF ♥ SUBSCRIBE TO CHANNEL ♥ https://www.youtube.com/c/livingwitheve?sub_confirmation=1 ♥ FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA ♥ https://www.facebook.com/LivingWithEve https://www.instagram.com/living_with_eve/ ♥ Get my PRESCHOOL & SPECIAL NEEDS CURRICULUM♥ https://www.leilanimelendez.com/category/all-products ♥ BUSINESS, COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS ♥ leilani@leilanimelendez.com ♥ FLORIDA HOMESCHOOL PORTFOLIOS, CONSULTATIONS OR TESTING ♥ Register for an Appointment Online: https://www.leilanimelendez.com/book-online Please email me at: Leilanimelendez5@gmail.com **FTC DISCLAIMER: **This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. If I partner with a company I will always disclose it here. This video is NOT sponsored** ***This video is for adults, not kids.
“we love explode the code this is especially I use it with all of my children but it has especially been helpful for reinforcing the phonics Mastery with my child who does have dyslexia”
“We loved it a lot. That was her favorite workbook to work out of and it's great. It's a great supplement. Now, I would say that Explode the Code, for those that are struggling readers, it's not good as a standalone.”
“even though it was independent work it felt so repetitive i mean doing one whole notebook is super repetitive imagine doing it again a second year and then a third year and it just becomes really tedious for them that they started to dread it”
“we tried to do explode the code because I had another daughter who did that and loved it that was a terrible mess not that explode the code is bad it's just specifically for her”
“i do still use bob books and explode the code in tandem with this curriculum and it seems to work really well to reinforce concepts that all about reading is teaching them”
“I don't know if I'm just not consistent enough with her with explode the code but it's been fine I don't think it's necessary on top of the good and the Beautiful”
Reviews tell you what worked for someone else's kid. A 5-minute profile tells you what's likely to work for yours — matched across 1,307 programs, free, no signup needed to see your top picks.
Most reviewers use it as a supplement, not a standalone — independent workbook practice alongside a main program like All About Reading, The Good and the Beautiful, or Abeka. One reviewer who works with struggling readers says flatly it's not good as a standalone for them. The exception: one mom points out the often-overlooked teacher guide adds fluency, comprehension, and differentiation activities that can turn it into a fairly thorough full program.
The main series runs from level 1 up to level 8, and reviewers note the levels don't correspond to grades — a child can do four levels in one year or two, pacing by ability. For preschool and early kindergarten there's the Get Ready / Get Set / Go for the Code primer series, which two reviewers used to solidify letter sounds before formal reading. One mom used levels 3 and 4 with her second grader.
Yes — that's the main reason reviewers buy it. Each lesson follows a predictable format a child can work through alone while the parent teaches other kids: dividing words, matching pictures to words, writing words, yes/no questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and finally writing the word unassisted. One reviewer valued exactly that, though she eventually decided it was more busywork than real progress for her kids.
Reviewers say it helps as reinforcement. One mom uses it with all her children and found it especially helpful for cementing phonics mastery with her dyslexic child; another recommends it for kids who need lots of review or have working-memory struggles, since writing the words adds a multisensory element. Both agree it should sit alongside a primary reading program and plenty of read-aloud time, not replace them.
Repetition. Every lesson uses the same activity sequence for each new phonics rule, and one reviewer found entire notebooks of it so tedious her kids started to dread it — it was the one curriculum she wouldn't buy again. Another mom's first grader hated it even though an older sibling had loved it. Reviewers agree it depends on the kid: some thrive on knowing exactly what to expect, others need variety.
It's phonics-first, but reviewers note the workbooks double as writing practice — kids physically write words throughout each lesson — and one reviewer said it mixes in a little spelling too. One mom schedules it on alternating days with a handwriting program for that reason.