The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading is a popular and trusted phonics-based reading program for
homeschool families. Newly revised with updated content, clearer formatting,
and a two-book format, it gives ordinary parents the confidence and tools
needed to successfully teach their children to read. No special training
required!
This straightforward, scripted program teaches reading
through systematic phonics instruction, starting with short vowels and
progressing step-by-step through blends, digraphs, long vowels, silent letters,
multi-syllable words, and more. Lessons are clear, easy to follow, and include
helpful explanations of phonics rules so parents truly understand what they are
teaching.
Key Features:
Fully
scripted lessons that require no prior teaching experience
Two-book
format: separate Instructor Guide and Student Book
Logical
progression from basic sounds to advanced reading skills
Built-in
review and optional enrichment activities
Flexible
pacing ideal for ages 4-7
Program Components:
Instructor
Guide (559 pages): Complete lesson plans, teaching tips, phonics
explanations, answer keys, and guidance for beginners and remedial readers
Student
Book (335 pages): All reading practice pages, words, sentences,
rhymes, and short stories
Optional Resources:
320
pre-printed flashcards
Audio
Companion CD for correct pronunciation of sounds through rhymes and songs
The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading is an
excellent choice for homeschool families who want a thorough, no-nonsense,
phonics-first program that produces strong, confident readers. Its clear
structure and parent-friendly approach have made it a longtime favorite among
homeschoolers.
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.