Explode the Code 1 1/2

Got these as extra phonics practice for my (homeschooled) kindergartner. We also use this same brand for my second grader. I love how simple yet effective the exercises are. Engaging and funny, even if the illustrations are occasionally vague. Bonus: after completing a few pages with your child, they will probably be able to complete the book alone. This is because the exercises are of the same type and have the same format throughout all of the books. My daughter usually completes a couple of pages per day in about ten minutes. Great resource for the price!

This program was recommended by the tutor my children have for their dyslexia. It has been great. I know other homeschoolers who use it as well and are pleased. Very simple and straightforward. Good phonics workbook.

I used this for years as an elementary school teacher. It is THE best for teaching phonics.

My daughter really enjoyed going through this book. We have one short vowel left, and I have already ordered the other books in this series. My only suggestion for the makers of this series is to add a couple of drills that I found effective with my daughter. While she can pronounce the sounds of letters, she had a hard time putting them together to make words. Creating two-letter drills for the short a and short i (did not need it for the other letters once she grasped the concept) was what was needed to help her make this connection. I'm thinking that there are other little children out there with this trouble. (e.g. ba, ca, da, ...) and then put different consonants at the end of each (e.g. bad, bass, bam, bat, ...)

These phonics workbooks are tried and tested. I used them with my children. So when my granddaughter was ready to learn to read, I was thrilled to see they are still in print!

We homeschool and this has been a great supplement for my son who has struggled some with reading. He enjoys days that we use it.

This is an awesome phonics workbook. My daughter loves the silly drawings and can’t wait to see what’s on the next pages. She is supposed to enter kindergarten this Fall... but covid has us homeschooling. I bought the Explode the Code level 2 to start her for lessons (she just turned 6 and can read simple words/books) but wanted to get this as a refresher/practice before we get into level 2. It helps with writing practice and some pages are more involved (writing a sentence) and some are less which I love. This can be done mostly independently... so if you have another child to tend to or breakfast, or work etc, you can sit and supervise occasionally as they compete a couple pages.

I had read a review that said to skip the 1.5 book if your kid did well or found the 1 easy. My daughter cruised through 1 so I went back and forth on whether or not to do 1.5 but decided it couldn't hurt. I'm glad I got it. It's a little different but not enough to make it a big leap or repetitive enough to make it boring or too easy. I like for my daughter to be successful and feel almost as if she can do it on her own, while giving her just enough challenge that she stays interested and keeps learning and progressing. So this book is perfect for us. -- as far as explode the code in general, I really love these books! The pictures could use improvement but my daughter 96% of the time can see what they are right off the bat and I never have a problem.

💜

my little one love the book