Explode the Code is a phonics based program I consider invaluable in helping my daughter learn to read!
The series starts with three Primers, all introducing the child to the consonants sounds and written letters. Then the series moves on to the vowels and basic phonics patterns in Book 1 and Book 2. The best thing was that my daughter loved doing it! First thing in the morning, she would ask for her Explode the Code book.
This program did not require any prep on my part. All I needed to do was read any new letter sounds out loud, or read her “listening sentences” for her to write down. And of course, celebrate the learning!
We started with the Primers in kindergarten. Some families choose to do these in the preschool years. The primer workbooks are entitled Get Ready, Get Set, and Go for the Code. These books, full of child drawn illustrations, really caught my daughter’s eyes. Meanwhile, she was learning all the lower case letters and sounds.
The primers prepared her for the first official book in the series, Explode the Code, Book 1. Each lesson followed the same format with the fun child illustrations. My daughter quickly became independent in her work. Through reading, spelling, writing and copying, she prepared herself for early readers. She was so proud of herself.
Explode the Code then goes on to Book 2. (There are also additional workbooks labeled 1/2, such as Book 1 & ½ for extra practice). Following the same consistent pattern, the series progressed to more advanced phonics, such as consonant blends and phonetic patterns, preparing the child for intermediate reading. The consistent format and layout of the lessons helped make the learning easy.
As we continued in the series, with Book 3, Book 4, etc, my daughter strengthened her phonics skills and her reading. These more advanced books included breaking words into syllables, diagraphs, three letter blends, diphthongs, etc. These concepts were all laid out in an easily understandable manner and could still be done independently.
The Explode the Code offers a series through Book 8. We chose to work through Book 5, which, in my opinion, gave my daughter a solid foundation in phonics. She also became a good speller. I would highly recommend Explode the Code for any family looking for a well thought out and FUN phonics program.
Where to find Explode the Code: For more information, please visit Explode the Code online or view the entire line of workbooks here.
~Written by Betsy, an experienced homeschooler who likes waldorf-inspired approaches and uses unit studies in her homeschool.
Betsy lives near Puget Sound with her dear husband of 29 years, her teenage daughter, and their two cats. Betsy is a waldorf-inspired homeschooler who loves unit studies and art. In her free time, she enjoys writing, cooking, growing veggies, and doing photography with her daughter. Betsy has been homeschooling for almost 11 years now, and loves to teach writing and help her daughter become all she was meant to be! Betsy offers Homeschool Consulting for families who would like support on their homeschool journey. She is happy to discuss any questions, or homeschool how to's, etc. For more information, please visit her Facebook.
We have been using Explode the Code Online this year and my first grader loves it! It gives him his own computer time and it makes the material come to life.
The teacher’s section shows me his progress and compares his work to others doing the same program. It’s great in that it assesses his progress and tailors his lessons.
It is a little expensive for a program that can’t be handed down to little brother, but we caught it on a deal on Homeschool Buyers Co-op.
Thank you for reviewing the primers. I will be considering a gentle curriculum for my 4 year old in the upcoming school year, and I think he will enjoy this!