Phonics Based Reading Program Comparison II All About Reading vs. Logic of English vs. Abeka

[@beckybrown5395]

Thank you! I learned to read using Abeka (many years ago!) at a Christian School. This is helping me see that it's not just my personal use bias, but that it really is still a solid way to learn to read.

[@christywestover628]

100 Easy Lessons is very effective also, combined with Explode the Code. Inexpensive. Painless and they are ready a week in. I highly recommend it.

[@gracewalton5479]

100 Easy Lessons is not comprehensive, at the end you find out that there are gaps you are supposed to fill in yourself. I know it works for a lot of people, but I wish it had been explained to me that it doesn't teach the complete scope of information necessary to read fluently before I had spent a whole year on it with my kid. Now I'm looking for a whole new program to help us, which is super discouraging.

[@EatPrayCrunch1]

Great overview! All 3 programs sound really solid. Logic of English has been a game changer for my struggling reader. I do find they throw in the option for review at the end of each lesson with a list of games and practice activities. But it is optional for the kids need the extra practice in memorizing the phonograms, and not drill and kill for the kids who pick it up quickly.

[@sciencemama]

I remember the list of review suggestions! Haha, I would be able to handle that better now .. I'm not sure why I always felt the need to keep going!

[@readingbliss2954]

I used LOE for my son in Kinder-1st grade for A-C. By the time we got to D, he could read so it just kind of fell to the wayside. I keep it just in case we need to finish D but so far, so good. He’s 8 and has started reading chapter books independently. Logic of English was such a life saver bc it gave us exactly what my son needed- Logic and rules. It not only helped with his reading, but his spelling too. We went right into spelling bc of LOE and I realized that he needed a spelling program with the same type of logic and rules he needed for reading. Because of that, he is turning into an excellent speller and hasn’t struggled with reading since we found LOE. My daughter is in PreK and I have been priming her to read with LOE since she turned 3 by teaching her the phonetic sounds. My hope is she will be able to fly through level A and B and start C in kindergarten since she seems intuitive about letters/learning and I’m familiar with the program already. I watched this video bc I was considering whether or not All About Reading might be a better option for her, but your video really helped clarify some things since I have never used AAR and refresh my memory on LOE. I plan to stay with LOE. Thank you so much!

[@cristinagomez335]

Thank you so much for doing this. And it totally made sense. It's funny, the syllabic way you described that Abeka teaches how to blend is very similar to how we are taught to read in spanish. MA-ME-MI-MO-MU, and like that with every consonant.

[@amsandlin]

This is how we learned in the Philippines too! Ba-Be-Bi-Bo-Bu! 😂👍

[@Kiki-vb3sb]

So useful even years later!! Thanks for doing this. I have been debating all 3. I have LOE A, we are currently using AAR pre-reading, but I am heavily thinking of Abeka K4 or K5 (not sure which level to start). I like the detailed comparisons between them all, especially from someone who has experience using them.

[@sciencemama]

I'm so glad it was useful ... I feel like I'm always looking for videos like this, so I try to make them when I can :)

[@Spanish4Katy]

I am going to be starting LOE Foundations C with my first grader next week. We really enjoyed level A and B. One thing I did think during level A was that the expectation for kids to blend was rather fast. My daughter did just fine with it because she had been reading in Spanish since she was four years old and was already easily reading simple CVC words in English. I had taught her using the Montessori scope and sequence for reading, starting strictly with sound games long before I ever had her sounding out letter sounds. If we hadn't had that solid foundation thanks to Montessori, I think LOE could have been a struggle at the beginning. So for anyone wanting to do LOE, I love it and highly recommend. But I would suggest first playing sound games and teaching kids to really hear and isolate initial, ending, and middle sounds of words. I think that makes jumping into blending so much easier. I also had my daughter "write" with a moveable alphabet BEFORE reading, and that is also super helpful. I only taught her short vowel sounds and it really helped ease her into reading in English. And then I let LOE teach all those variations with short, long, broad, etc. It's a great program. But I think prepping the child ahead made it work better for us. I will be doing the same Montessori lessons with my 4 yr old twins this year. And then next year start LOE.

[@sciencemama]

Great advice, thank you for sharing!

[@Mamasimple]

What Montessori resources would you recommend to do before LOE? Thanks in advance!

[@nayelitalavera2720]

I have to agree with you, I did the same thing with my 1st daughter. We started with a different reading program before LOE so level A was very easy so "I kepy reminding her this is just a review, I know you already know this". Now with my 4 year old I try doing LOE Level A and it's to much for her. So I'm going to starting teaching her the sounds first and once she gets it then introduce her again with LOE.

[@Spanish4Katy]

@@Mamasimple I used the book Montessori Read and Write by Lynn Lawrence. She makes it very clear and easy.

[@ariannaandrade4528]

I really appreciate your comment, my daughter read Spanish, is 6 years, knows short vowels sounds and I don’t know how teach all the others sounds.

[@nicolentwiga7049]

Last year, you talked about the way abeka did the initial blends and it helped us so much. My daughter jsut could not put them together with AAR (i seriously dont know if we would have made it past that lesson lol) and just teaching her them as one sound helped immensely! We got AAR again for this year because it worked but as soon as I brought it out my daughter got a huge attitude and said "not this again". We went ahead and downloaded the new The Good and the Beautiful to try out since it was free. She is loving the phonics booster cards already and I like that the concepts are spiraled through for review in the main course. I've had so much anxiety over it all, but I try to remind myself, if it doesn't work we just find something else. I can always fill in "gaps" with AAR.

[@sciencemama]

So glad you found something that works! It can be so hard to find the right fit.

[@steffa648]

Hands down the best is Abeka phonics in my opinion. I have used it for both my sons st 5 years old and it is amazing how quickly they learned to read! It works!

[@sciencemama]

Couldn’t agree more!!

[@Dreblueskies]

@@sciencemama Would love an update video. I need to make up my mind 🙂🙈

[@Dreblueskies]

What all did you buy for it?

[@escuelitadiscoverwonder9699]

Very thorough! Thank you! You explained it so well. This is why I leaned towards a diy/ All About Reading style approach. I finally made the jump to actually purchase it because I could see the deep approach being helpful for my girl who may be struggling with dyslexia. I may be wrong, but I also appreciated connecting the sight words with the sounds they just learned and the rule breakers.

[@emilykinison9025]

I was considering LOE a couple of years ago and stumbled upon your review videos and thus channel as a result. LOE worked brilliantly with my son. He was READY and worked through four levels in a single year. It was an amazing fit for both of us- he is a strong reader as a result! I am so thankful for finding your videos/LOE. My next kiddo has been asking to start level A for a year. He’s four now so we will dip our toes in slowly. I know given his personality it will be a bit of a different experience. We will see :)

[@sciencemama]

I love hearing that! I’m glad it works so well for your son 😊

[@velvetme22]

We did logic of English a and B and then straight into a back a grade one for phonics. I really liked using logic of English for the basic sonograms before teaching any actual reading, it’s just a better overall foundation because they introduced all the sounds and additional sonograms that other programs wait for

[@sciencemama]

I LOVE that idea, and it has honestly never occurred to me! That way you just skip all of K4 and K5 Abeka.

[@GA-ju3kp]

Your reviews are so thorough and helpful. Thank you!

[@AlwaysBooked]

We are currently blending AAR and TGTB. Revisiting these videos is so helpful!

[@sciencemama]

Ahh, so glad it was helpful! I can see how those 2 programs would complement each other :)

[@GardenMinistry.]

Great review of three great programs! Thank you for sharing this. We are team Abeka here haha☺️ We've been using their Arithmetic, Spelling, Writing, and Language for Pr-ek, Kinder, and 1st grade this year. The improvement is just so apparent, so I won't be changing it any time soon. We definitely tailor the lessons and amount that we do, so that it's not too overwhelming and actually quite enjoyable. We definitely still hit all the important topics this way. We pull out what we need from our workbooks weekly into a binder, and add learning word/math games to our lessons to enrich lessond. I think that's the secret to making it work. We also try to buy as many Abeka "parts" second hand, so we are only spending half the price for the lessons. We are still very eclectic though, our History and Science this year is from Masterbooks, and we use something else for catechism/bible. And lots and lots of library books, preferably "living books", on all topics.

[@sciencemama]

Love hearing how you are tailoring Abeka and making it work for your family!

[@carlidoepke5131]

We are nearing the end of AAR level 1. We have liked it, and I'm happy enough to keep using it. (Though, sometimes I wish there were not so many different physical components to it!) I went to buy the next All About Reading level, so I could have it prepped...but it is just SOOOO expensive. So I'm looking into some more alternative options. Also, with how expensive it it, I am flabbergasted ath the fact that you have to tear apart all the flash cards and everything. Maybe that's me being picky, but I couldn't believe all the work I had to do after spending that amount of money on something!

[@sciencemama]

It is expense! But I do like that it is completely re-usable for other kiddos, it's nice not to have to pick up student workbooks!! I hope you find what you need!

[@Mary.E.H]

Thank you so much for this thorough review. We were between Abeka, LOE, and LLATL. We currently use TGATB. I like it, but their LA feels too "fluffy" for my mathematical/logical learner. I also realized I'm not a fan of memorizing sight words as a method of teaching. You've sold me on LOE for my oldest. Thanks again!

[@sciencemama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@madocyrix]

It seems like you mastered the three. I used LOE with many kids and found myself doing too much work to write exercises and finally had a complete workbook.

[@StaceyYoder]

Love comparison videos. I loved that you've used them and can share.

[@sarahmogus9464]

One thing I don’t like about AAR is that they say some words aren’t decodable and use them as sight words (they call them leap words). But in LOE, it proves how they are. But both have their place for each child. We did LOE for my eldest son and he loved it so much. So much so, that his testimony became an advertisement for them. He cried when he was done. But he was already reading before he started it. He taught himself to read at age 3. So we basically did it to actually teach him the phonograms for spelling purposes since he was never “taught” them. That being said, I felt like there wasn’t as much reading as I had hoped (but maybe that’s because he was already reading and so the reading in there seemed so few, but if someone was just learning it is probably enough). We had to read books on the side. Which was fine because my son always has a book in his nose. For my second son, we are doing AAR. The reason I’m not doing LOE is because of where he’s at. I felt like the lessons in AAR could be broke down more easily to cater to him. Like he knows so much from LOE already as I taught him the alphabet with all the sounds, and he can read a bit. But he had mild hearing loss for the first 15 months of his life and has some speech development that is being worked on. Although I do use LOE blending and segmenting a lot because it is super helpful for him. He is also super active. So I use the really active games from LOE along with the cut out games from AAR because he needs that. But besides the games in LOE, the rest of the lesson would be very “boring” for his personality (whereas my oldest loved everything in LOE). I needed to sort of switch it up with more. So I guess I sort of use the tools and knowledge I know from LOE and mix it with AAR (especially when it comes to the “leap” /site words). Both are great programs in my opinion.

[@sciencemama]

Yes, exactly ... I love how you broke down the differences!

[@RosieLulu912]

I have tried to use LOE but I prefer AAR better… the teachers manual is so easy to follow the instructions: my daughter loves the Reader Book and the games, which are WAY more simple and fun the the games from LOE.

[@babybellalovesbeagle]

Thank you for letting me know. My son is 7 years old and autistic I want to make sure it is not too hard for him. HOw old is your child that is using the AAR? ty

[@amandab.6815]

I also like to mention that AAR teaches vocabulary and reading comprehension as well. It introduces new words or places in the pre-story warm up as new vocabulary words, and it has the questions to ask about the story. So it is reading, but also those other components as a bonus. I have been a little surprised how long it takes to get to long vowels in AAR. I actually taught my child all the phonogram sounds at once in the beginning of AAR, even though they suggest just teaching the first. All the sounds are spoken in the phonogram sounds app, so it was just a natural thing we did. But I have informally taught the long vowel sounds because my child has tried to read those words, but the curriculum hasn't gotten there yet (we are about 1/4 through Level 2).

[@sciencemama]

You are right, I forgot about those aspects of AAR, thank you for mentioning it!

[@homeschoollifemom]

The extended wait to introducing the long vowels in AAR is one reason why I’m considering LOE for my next child. My son is having a terrible time remembering that the vowels can makes other sounds besides their short sound.

[@elizabeth0265]

These types of videos are so helpful thank you!

[@sciencemama]

You're very welcome!

[@chandrafreeman9234]

Great comparison video!

[@BrookeLeedy]

My son is 4 1/2 almost 5 and I’m trying to choose between LOE foundations A Set and Abeka (not sure if he’d need K4 or K5) he’s knows all the basic letters sounds (other than the extras of some letters) and he’s a busy body. He’s already blending three letter words himself. What is your advice? He’s my only child so I can take my time with lessons if need be. Thanks in advance!

[@sciencemama]

I would say he would probably be good to go into K5 Abeka!

[@TheLittleGameOfLearning]

Thank you for this!

[@papuakacie]

This was excellent. We have dyslexia in our house, and LOE moved too quickly towards assuming fluency. We now use AAR. I find both programs do not have enough word review for the amount of repetition needed for those who struggle with working memory.

[@sciencemama]

Exactly, I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that felt both programs need more review! I hope AAR helps your kiddos!

[@homeschoollifemom]

I have dyslexia in my house too and using AAR and it seems to be very slow progress (up to 4 days for a lesson in level 2 working for 20 mins a day) and can’t keep up with learning all the word cards. Do you have any tips? I’m feeling very unsure if this program is actually ‘working’ or helping my child or if I should be exploring other options.

[@cmarti6984]

Consider eye therapy. My son took a whole week to get through a lesson for AAR. A year after eye therapy, it now takes him 15-20 mins to complete a lesson. We tend to do 3 lessons a week now which feels crazy to say considering how slow progress use to be. I appreciate how explicit AAR is. Just finished level 2 and he’s 9.5, if that helps.

[@yasmeensierra6474]

Great video thank you.

[@sciencemama]

You're very welcome!

[@meganteh5244]

Excellent reviews. Curious to know what your thoughts are on the Spalding method?

[@sciencemama]

I've heard of it but haven't used it!

[@stephaniezarrella4250]

Very helpful! Thank you for this! We have been doing LOE (A & B) for the last two years. I’ve really enjoyed it and also have learned a lot along with my son. You’re right that the lessons are packed but they are engaging which has been helpful for my squirmy boy! I can’t remember if you mentioned it or not but have you tried level C yet? I’m trying to decide if I want to continue using this curriculum or switch to something else. I just want to make sure I’m teaching him everything he needs to know for his grade level. 😅

[@sciencemama]

We got about halfway through C before it became too much for him ... but I still love the program!

[@missrayishat]

We were using THATB but I’m thinking of switching to LOE. My son is starting to ask lots of questions about rule breaking words.

[@sciencemama]

LOE is a wonderful program!

[@roseylove1543]

Thank you for it this comparison. Have you taken a look at the new Good and Beautiful language arts level K? And if you have, how would that compare to these programs? 😊

[@sciencemama]

I’ve looked into TGTB but I’ve never tried them!

[@simplycece]

I know you’re technically starting from scratch with your twins, but if you knew what you knew now (as a teacher), would you have started your first child out with Abeka or would you have gone with your original choices and just modified them as needed?

[@sciencemama]

That is a hard question because I can really get behind how Logic of English teaches. I feel like if my kids weren't quite so close in age and if the it was just one and not two - I think I would give Logic of English another try. But, I have realized my bandwidth and know that I can't take on too much and it is just simpler to stay with the same program for all the kids. Although, I would consider it if one of the twins starts struggling with Abeka.

[@simplycece]

@@sciencemama The bandwidth thing makes a lot of sense, but good to know. Thanks for that response!

[@laurenscotto2074]

I'm nearing the end of AAR 2 and trying to decide if I should go with AAR 3 or just read a ton of books with my son and just point out the new sounds of he doesn't know them (which is what we currently do and he picks up the new words fairly well). I feel like I remember you had a video awhile ago where you stop at 2 as well then just go to readers. Did you find this works well for your family?

[@sciencemama]

Yep we stopped at 2 because it really clicked for him - we did keep going with Abeka but mostly for phonics review and language.

[@MissJks29]

I am looking for more of a phonics curr over sight words for my soon to be 1st grader. We were looking at the logic of english but I am now concerned he will be confused and needing to re-learn things from our previous curr. I also dont know what level I would put him in, on the reading level he's at least at a B but will he not understand stuff if he skips the way they teach phonics in A? Or will he be frustrated in A re learning everything we spent the last 2 years learning? Help!

[@micaelarobinson9229]

I have been using LOE A & B. I really love the program but I feel like I just need a little more review. We do the games, the high-frequency words, and the sound book with songs. The program is almost perfect but I need just a little more spiral work for retention. If I wanted to add just some elements of Abeka would you recommend it? I was thinking of the K5 readers and the handbook for reading? Also, she is in 1st grade now and I'm thinking of getting LOE C but if I did switch to Abeka what grade level would be better K5 or grade 1?

[@sciencemama]

Hi! I'm not sure if adding Abeka would be worth it because they just teach the phonograms in such different orders and using different techniques. I would say if you love LOE and just need more spiral, I might try just slowing down and using more of the programs manipulatives!

[@micaelarobinson9229]

Thank you. You are probably right. I think that’s a great suggestion.

[@cruzfam2894]

thanks for this video. did you get to use logic of English online? i am considering it level c online for my 7 year old.

[@sciencemama]

No, we didn’t use the online option.

[@melissapalmer6448]

Hi! Love your videos and appreciate your input! I’m beginning our families homeschool journey next year and as a fellow twin mom, I’m wondering- do you have an honest recommendation of which curriculum would be most manageable. I will be homeschooling a 1st grader and also have a 3 yr old and 1 yr old twins.

[@sciencemama]

I would say of the 3 programs, AAR is probably the easiest for the teacher! I would recommend setting up the student binder ahead of time and then you don't have to do any cutting on the day of.

[@AppointedFeasts]

I thought I had decided on AAR... now I'm leaning towards Abeka! My daughter LOVES worksheets. Question though... why do you prefer Abeka's k4 program over AAR's pre-reading program? I'm now considering starting my 4 year old with AAR pre-reading, doing Abeka k5 for kindergarten and beyond, and then adding in AAS in first grade.

[@sciencemama]

I think AAR pre-reading is great and honestly we are only using K4 because we have the program and it is simpler to keep all 4 kids on the same program! Also we sold pre-reading, so I didn’t want to buy it again 🤣

[@Mairzydotes007]

Hi! I was thinking of doing Sonlight’s language arts Kindergarten for my daughter. Do you know which strategy is closest to Sonlight’s? I think it’s phonics uses explode the code but I’m not sure after that. I guess my question is which reading curriculum do you think sonlight is most similar to out of the 3 u just mentioned.

[@sciencemama]

That is a hard question, I'm honestly not sure if any of these programs is similar to how SL teaches reading in LA. We never used the reading sections of Sonlight's LA ... we just used readers and the rest of the subjects. I know of a lot of moms who pair SL with All About Reading, but that is usually after their kids have started struggling with the SL reading instructions.

[@Mairzydotes007]

@@sciencemama this helps thank you for getting back to me. Yes I couldn’t figure out how they taught reading just looking at the website. I’ll keep looking.

[@CarolinaOats]

How do you supplement btw AAR & Abeka? I bought everything you have talked about in previous videos..so I’m about to start and I’m trying to figure out how to plan all of this? I’m also new to sonlight HBL so I’m like how do I begin and how long do I didn’t on each thing?

[@sciencemama]

It can be a bit overwhelming- first you need to decide which program (AAR or Abeka) that will be your primary program and then supplement with the other one. We used Abeka and supplemented with AAR. I think I discuss more details in my video about combining the two! As for Sonlight, it depends … I like to do a lot of my SL reading over food! My schedule video is coming out next Monday, so you can see a bit more on how we do it. But, you might just need to try out a few things to see what works for your family! You can do it!!

[@themodernhomemaker]

so I’ve been going back and forth between AAR and LOE and have no idea which one to start with. Which would you recommend first for a first time homeschool mom teaching reading?

[@sciencemama]

Oh man, that is so hard - both are so good! I would say if you feel like you have a kiddo that is really ready and excited to read LOE would be great. But if they are a little hesitant maybe AAR!

[@hgilder04]

I love your videos but where did you get your bookshelves? Ha!

[@sciencemama]

IKEA! I think they are called Hemnes.

[@vanessae19]

Would you suggest doing Abeka K4 and then move on to Logic of English Foundations A? I ask because I already bought logic of English and I’m wondering if it will be too advanced for a 3 1/2-4 year old to start out with.

[@sciencemama]

Honestly, I would just start with LOE at a REALLY slow pace and take big breaks when they need it!

[@vanessae19]

@@sciencemama ok, Thank you so much! You are my absolute favorite KZbin Homeschool Mom! I love all of your videos and you have provided so many great suggestions.

[@Dreblueskies]

I am leaning towards Abeka but it’s so overwhelming 🤦🏻‍♀️ What all did you buy for Abeka?

[@sciencemama]

It can be super overwhelming! I made a flip through/resource video for Abeka K5 and Grade 1. You will be able to see what all I picked up. I use it all, but you could get away with less - I just like having all the stuff 🤣

[@Dreblueskies]

@@sciencemama Oh thank you!! For book lovers like us it’s too fun to get it all of course then I feel buried 😂

[@babybellalovesbeagle]

What is your overall favorite?

[@sciencemama]

Honestly, Abeka! But it really depends on your kiddos :)

[@babybellalovesbeagle]

@@sciencemama thanks

[@homeschool.pray.repeat]

I like abeka phonics. But what do you do if they still need assistance and phonetic review come 3rd grade?

[@sciencemama]

I think if they still need support, you could easily bring back out all the special sounds charts and flashcards :)

[@VanessaWeaver-k7c]

Can you review Christian Light Education sometime?

[@sciencemama]

I wish I could, I've never used it!

[@CozyCruiserr]

12:40 is my favorite part of the video 😂 💕

[@sciencemama]

Haha, I had to go back to that part to see what you were talking about !

[@homeschoollifemom]

Do you feel like LOE and AAR are close enough that if one does or doesn’t work for you child the other one would be the same? Or similar enough that if you have one it’s kind of a waste of money to buy the other one to try with another child?

[@sciencemama]

It depends on the reasons why one of the programs aren’t working. LOE went too fast for my son and so AAR was exactly what he needed and he liked that they were both phonics based, so it wasn’t too much of a change!

[@homeschoollifemom]

@@sciencemama okay. AAR is too fast for my dyslexic child so sounds like LOE definitely wouldn’t work!

[@annikasam726]

Where and how can I get the complete Abeka reading package or program

[@sciencemama]

I usually order off of christianbook.com only because they will run sales on shipping! You can always order off of the Abeka website!

[@laboome531]

My twins (6 this week) are really struggling with all about reading. We were previously doing reading eggs and phoenemic awareness activities, but we started AAR Level 1 last week and they are struggling to get past lesson 2. They just don't seem to care about the activities and are struggling with blending even though they know all of the sounds in the word. I don't know whether to take a break to give them some more time or try something else.

[@sandraruiz4737]

They may just need extra practice. Reading eggs is completely different and isn’t it online? Sometimes we skip over games and then just read the story. But if they keep forgetting the teams we stay as long as we need to in a lesson.

[@sciencemama]

My daughter really struggled at the beginning of AAR lvl 1 last year as well (she was 6). I stopped for a few weeks and found some blending resources on Teachers pay teachers that really helped her be able to get past those early lessons!

[@kayleighjohnson3612]

Thanks for the breakdown! I have a little guy 1/2 way through AAR Pre-Reading right now, and when he’s finished I’m leaning toward Logic of English because I think that approach will fit his personality best (he’s very logical or a little guy). I think he’s also a visual learner, though, so I’m considering using 100 Easy Lessons, but not necessarily to completion, just to see if their approach helps him learn to get blending down (other approaches haven’t gone anywhere, but it may just be that he’s still too little.)

[@sciencemama]

LOE is a solid program!!

[@CarolynPrunkl]

leap frog teches phonics