Explode the Code 1, 2, 3

by Laura G on 2013-03-13
I am now using this on my second child. Despite the differences between the two kids I've used it on so far, it has worked well for both of them, and I love how it uses the common sense exercises and goofy drawings to teach them phonics. We will definitely use it again.

by Tracey L on 2012-03-30
We are in our 3rd year homeschooling (1st year with Sonlight). Absolutely love Sonlight's comprehensive program. My daughter seems to flow through the curricula rather than "hop" from one subject to another. I was recommended the Explode the Code series by my veteran homeschooling sister-in-law. My daughter can navigate through the instructions and lessons rather easily after the initial lessons were explained. These are the first books she reaches for when beginning our school days!!

by Stephen E on 2011-09-28
These books are excellent. Here's why: * They teach kids to think though how a word would be spelled, rather than requiring them to memorize spelling words. (Phonics vs. sight reading.) * The layout is uncluttered and the process is simple enough for my child to use independently. * Though the workbooks' cost is significant, they provide such a solid foundation for reading and writing that I believe it is worth the investment. (A child who can read well will become an adult who can learn anything. A child who can write well will become an adult who communicates well.) * This program can stand alone for language arts--just add a handwriting program. We use ETC and then have the kids write letters, stories, cards, etc. to reinforce what they learn. We also have informal "spelling bees" on a whim for fun. Try ETC. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

by KAREN M on 2010-08-23
Love the ETC books! My children find them engaging and their reading/writing skills have improved dramatically! Child #3 starts this year!

by COURTNEY H on 2010-07-13
I am completely amazed with these books! Correlated perfectly with Readers 1 (which we used with Core K). Helped my daughter tremendously in understanding the concepts. And she enjoyed coloring all the icons after finishing her work! Thank you, Explode the Code!!!

by AMANDA P on 2010-05-06
These books have been the best reinforcement for my dd 5. They go nicely with the Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading. I bought them not knowing if we would use/like them and they have been really great! My dd's reading comprehension has increased through these books! Get them!!

by LINDA P on 2010-04-15
These books are amazing. My son just turned 6 years old last week and he is now able to spell ANY 3 letter short vowel word correctly after using book 1 for only a month. We are on page 46 today, which is not quite halfway throught the first book!!

by Rhonda J on 2010-04-06
These books are excellent. In my opinion, they should be considered a required part of the curriculum, rather than optional. These book contain humorous lessons to help make learning fun. They are black and white, which helps keep children from being too distracted. The books also include writing (printing) and make a good supplement to a writing program. The lessons and exercises are well-designed to reinforce learning in a variety of ways. Some of the graphics were hard to figure out at first look, but by checking out the other pages in the lessons, it was easy to figure out the word the image was supposed to represent. These books are a stand along phonics program on their own.

by EMMY P on 2009-02-16
We love the books! My daughter enjoys each and every activity.

by LAURIE R on 2008-12-11
I love this series, especially with ESL students! It not only helps with spelling, but also reinforces word meaning for phonetically similar words.