Explode the Code Review

by Christa
(Bath, MI, USA)

Product: Explode the Code
Subject: Phonics
Levels Used: Primer-3
Dates Used: 2007-2009

Likes: This program taught my oldest daughter, M, now 8, to read independently at age 7. (She began with book 2 at age 6). My youngest daughter, L, is not reading yet at age 6. She completed the three primers last year and has just started Book 1. It is very helpful to us that the directions are simple, sometimes even written in rebus format, so she does not need to read well to understand what to do (absolutely necessary when teaching multiple children at multiple levels - so they don't get off track waiting for personal instruction).

L hates to write (fine motor control issues) and the limited amount of writing (we do one page per day) is all she can manage. I appreciate that the Explode the Code books have no busywork. The option for more practice is given with the #x 1/2 books. M needed this between 2 & 3 - that is where the lightbulb went on for her and she began applying what she had learned outside of just "doing phonics".

Dislikes: My children wish that at least some of the pictures were in color - personally, I'm happier with the cheaper cost of b&w.