Product: Logic of English, Essentials
By: Denise Eide
Published by: Pedia Learning
Ages: 7 to Adult for remedial readers
Use: Struggling or remedial readers
Homeschool Method: Any
Cost: Varies as you will created your own Essentials Kit. Products are available in print or by PDF download.
Basic Costs:
- Teachers Manual: $95 (full program in print) $75 (full program PDF)
- Student Workbook in Cursive or Manuscript: $25 (full in print) $15 (full PDF)
- Spelling Journal: $8.00 for PDF or print
- Basic Phonogram Flash Cards: $18.00 (Listed as a supplement but I think you won’t want to miss it.)
Features:
Program covers
- Phonemic Awareness
- Systematic Phonics
- Reading
- Spelling
- Vocabulary Development
- Grammar
- Fluency
- Writing
My Two Cents:
I decided to be brutally honest. I want nothing more than to sit here and relay to you my experience with Logic of English in a simple fashion. Yet, there are times I cannot gather the words about a product. I want to give you the proper rundown so you can make the decision for yourself. I sat in front of my computer screen many times to write this and just could not focus on the mundane details. I am far too excited for that. So, I have decided to sit down with you and talk to you about how the Logic of English has changed how I view the English language, how I teach, and how my daughter approaches reading.
If you ever visited Moms of Dyslexics or Under the Golden Apple Tree, my personal blogs, you know my story. My 7 year old daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia at the end of her first grade year. As her teacher, it was apparent to me that something was different about how she approached reading. I couldn’t put my finger on it and honestly didn’t think it was dyslexia. After doing some research, I decided to have her tested by a reading specialist who then confirmed she did have a different way of learning called dyslexia. I do not accept that dyslexia is a dysfunction but a difference. Since that time I have tried a few programs and most are very good. In fact, I have a top three but Logic of English has secured the top spot.
When I first opened the teacher’s manual I smiled to myself and sighed with relief. Most programs feel overwhelming and beg to be delved into on a late night when you won’t be disturbed. Not this program, at least not for me. I read through the entire teacher’s manual in one evening while the kids played and my husband worked on the computer. I would stop every few pages and announce the brilliance of the curriculum. It was logical. Simply logical. It was organized in a fashion that said, “you can teach your child to read.” Excitement grew and tears of relief flirted with spilling on my face as I prepared to host lesson 1 the next morning. Yet, I was hesitant The program teaches phonics, grammar, and spelling. The well laid plans appeared to be too advanced for my 7 year old who struggled with kindergarten reading books. Feeling a twinge of dejection, I picked up my iPad and clicked over the site. I wondered if I needed something else and I read:
The Logic of English® Essentials combines the science of reading with the art of teaching. By providing strong teacher supports Logic of English Essentials promotes instructional consistency whether a teacher is a trained specialist or new to teaching.
Clear, streamlined lessons combined with numerous optional activities empower teachers to determine the pacing of the lessons. TheLogic of English Essentials provides a holistic approach to mastering written English by integrating:
- Phonemic Awareness
- Systematic Phonics
- Reading
- Spelling
- Vocabulary Development
- Grammar
- Fluency
- Writing
I was caught by “holistic”, “science of reading”, “art of teaching” and “streamlined lessons”. What catches your attention? I decided to teach the first lesson without reservation or cutting out parts I thought would be too much for my child.
I am more than thrilled to report the lesson was a huge success. In fact, every lesson since has been a huge success. For the first time my child was able to not only take a spelling test but she passed! She only missed one word! Work I thought would be too hard for her came naturally. Now, that was what amazed me the most. The program broke through and made sense to her.
The program is not fancy, colorful, or gimmicky. It is pure, simple, and focuses on teaching not entertaining. You will not find “fun” looking worksheets or cute characters. You will find a method that works. My child needed a program that didn’t overwhelm or overstimulate with visual elements. Her colorful mind responded with focus to black and white pages and phonogram cards.
Logic of English just makes sense. The program is easy to teach even for someone approaching a struggling reader for the first time. You and your child will not be overwhelmed. Quite the contrary, for the first time you both will enjoy learning the science of reading.