What You Need To Know About All About Reading || Homeschool Reading

[@MommaonMission]

I love that 20 minute time limit!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes it changed everything for us when we did it that way

[@sarahbanda155]

First time homeschooling momma here with a kid in kinder. Thank you for being so thorough. This is expensive material but you put me at ease. I appreciate your video ❤

[@LifeintheMundane]

I’m so glad this helped

[@ItsAWanderfulLife]

I love that you and the curriculum address the question "what do I go to next?!?!". That's a big question with a new homeschooler like me lol

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes I agree

[@RussellsLovingLife]

I reuse my curriculums and just ordered new worksheets.

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes that’s totally an option as well. The advantage of AAR worksheets is that non of them are consumable so no need to write on any of them.

[@sz6753]

The binder advice is the best!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Thanks

[@kedrewashington3203]

Thanks to this video is how I found out about the giveaways they have each month. I actually won the November giveaway. I was shocked because I never win. Thank you!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Thats awesome!!!

[@PenniesAndSalt]

What a cute thing that they draw on the box! Love it!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes, it’s such a fun idea

[@AndreaSorial]

I know this is old, but this inspired me to restart AAR and ditch all the other stuff AND even thought I'm halfway through, I'm starting your organization method. Thank you for this video!!

[@LifeintheMundane]

So happy this could help

[@mommyonthemove25]

Aww that's so sweet that they do that. Their favorite drawing, such a fun treat for them. Very thoughtful

[@LifeintheMundane]

It really is!

[@ninilovenana]

I just came from your teaching textbooks and ive signed up to try the free trial. and now im looking for something for my child dyslexia.. its like you have all the videos I need!!

[@LifeintheMundane]

I am so glad these videos are helping.

[@JoyfulNoiseLearning]

We LOVE All About Reading! Can't wait to learn from the resource Queen!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Hope you enjoy it.

[@dr.suezettealoysiaandcarla1664]

super cute sign in the background! nice video and share

[@LifeintheMundane]

Thank you 🤗

[@mama-at-home]

We just started it (three lessons in level 1) and already love it!

[@LifeintheMundane]

oh I am so glad to hear that

[@Littlefireflyboutique]

Omg this is exactly what I needed! My 5yr old just finished level 3! I was debating on skipping level 4, but now I’ll give it a go

[@LifeintheMundane]

So glad this could help

[@HomeschoolStudyHub]

@@Littlefireflyboutique that is incredible. How long did it take for each level

[@Littlefireflyboutique]

I don’t remember now how long it took us, but we ended up doing a lesson a day for the most part. Think we started when she was 4 with level 1. My son started level 1 7 weeks ago and we are on lesson 22.

[@CVoid20]

I love how you explained this!!! This is going to be our 2nd year homeschooling and I am in between "All About Reading" and "Dianne Craft" for one of your boys. I am leaning more towards "All About Reading" because the "20 minutes a day" is something I think he can handle. Anything over that, he checks out mentally and is ready to move on.

[@ladyhunter9104]

Haha! They DO have a sale this month! 10% off June 2022

[@LifeintheMundane]

Thanks for sharing! It’s true that in the past year since I made this video that they have started running sales from time to time which I think is awesome! At the time of making this video though it was official company policy that they didn’t do sales but I’m so excited to see them offer some specials now.

[@brigitabaumgardner207]

I just got my level 1 box in. This video is so helpful. Opening the box is a bit overwhelming looking over everything that I need to put together seems like a lot. You make it look doable.

[@LifeintheMundane]

I’m glad it was helpful. Yes it can look overwhelming but I promise it’s worth it and once you get the hang of it it’s doable.

[@michelledouglas4953]

Girl, I have to remind myself that it's all about reading because I was not up to the reading task. They have a video for all the note pages at the front that's what I used.

[@ashleymiller7897]

Love All About Reading and All About Spelling!

[@LifeintheMundane]

It is a fantastic program.

[@RockSimmer-gal4God]

The box art is awesome!!!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes it is

[@RussellsLovingLife]

I love that they customize the box! That is so much fun!

[@LifeintheMundane]

I agree

[@EricaLucasLoves]

We got our box with a unicorn and dinosaur this week! Loved that tip. Thanks!!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Oh yeah that is so awesome!!!

[@HomeSweetHomeschoolLife]

I love the special touch of the box art.

[@LifeintheMundane]

Me too. It is such a fun touch.

[@sha-toinaswint2152]

Love this. All facts. This is all I have used with my boys and I used it just as you stated and it pays off. It’s one of my all time favorite curricula.

[@LifeintheMundane]

I agree it is so good.

[@amyeolivero6239]

This was the best video I have found on All About Reading and I have watched a whole lot. Thank you for your thoroughness! It was so helpful.

[@LifeintheMundane]

Aww thank you. I’m glad it could be of help

[@emymiller5057]

I had to discover all these great tips on my own. Thank you for putting this together!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Your welcome

[@MindyourMatters]

All about reading! I’m going to have to look into it! Thanks for the 10-things and tips

[@LifeintheMundane]

Glad I could introduce them to you

[@simplejoyfilledliving]

Love the box art! What a neat idea!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes I agree it’s super fun.

[@schindel6307]

I see there is an early bird sale for 10% off storewide for June 2024! Thank you for all of these informative videos.

[@LifeintheMundane]

You are so welcome

[@amandab.6815]

Wow, this was incredibly helpful! Thank you so much!

[@LifeintheMundane]

So glad it helped

[@MommaonMission]

The box are secret is so cool!!

[@LifeintheMundane]

I agree

[@LivingWithEve]

Katie, we have to talk. All About Reading was my default. I left but now I am thinking let’s think about it it again.

[@LifeintheMundane]

It is a great program

[@suzanneash5539]

Great tips!! I will be using AAR this fall with my 2nd grader. We are really looking forward to it.

[@LifeintheMundane]

That is wonderful! Have fun with it.

[@PenniesAndSalt]

So many great tips Katie! ❤️ I’m really considering ordering this for Marcus for after he finishes his reading program this year.

[@LifeintheMundane]

It’s definitely a solid program with zero holes 🕳

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Loving the direction of your channel! You are a resource queen!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Haha. I’m enjoying it for sure.

[@SevenInAll]

That box art is so fun! This sounds like a really thorough and good program. We are ALL about re-using curriculum from one kid to the next...I have literally used some of the same resources my mom originally got for my sister who is now 19...with Cyrus! Re-using in the second generation!! :)

[@LifeintheMundane]

That’s awesome

[@keshiagreen5084]

Sss

[@keshiagreen5084]

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[@keshiagreen5084]

B Dnet3;5 i . a De 😢sweat 😅

[@amymarie3218]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@LifeintheMundane]

So happy it could help.

[@ChalkboardCreativeHomeschool]

We love love love AAR and AAS! This curriculum is outstanding and I recommend it to everyone!! Your tips are FANTASTIC!! Love that comment on the website tip for a drawing on the box!!!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Thanks so much!

[@michelleeaton2302]

Super helpful and to the point. Thank you for the info

[@LifeintheMundane]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AdamLoL]

Hey friend❤ nice video man i enjoyed it very much good luck on youtube

[@LifeintheMundane]

Thanks for the visit

[@LivingWithEve]

I love your honesty. I’ve cheated too, lately though I have been more on top of the directions of the lesson plan.

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes it’s so easy to cut corners on directions but most curriculums work better when you don’t.

[@FieldsFullHouse]

You are convincing me to get this program!

[@LifeintheMundane]

It is a really good program for sure.

[@mommyonthemove25]

So many great tips, this was awesome

[@LifeintheMundane]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alexandriamihalcik9202]

So helpful! Thank you.

[@LifeintheMundane]

So glad it was helpful

[@TheCoulterCoop]

Love this video! And we love AAR! We did pre-reading and we’re doing to level 1 this upcoming year

[@LifeintheMundane]

That’s awesome. I hope you have a great time.

[@katiejon17]

Fantastic video - thank you!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Happy it helped. Thanks so much for watching.

[@jerilyn-ourhomeschooltable]

I didn’t even think about saving the student materials when we did Level 1, but luckily I figured that out in Level 2-4. I keep mine organized very similarly to you! Great video! Definitely agree about just doing 20 min a day! My daughter was a very quick learner with reading once we got going, but if she had been more reluctant I would have definitely stuck to that. 👍🏻😊

[@LifeintheMundane]

Thanks for watching

[@gaelle6700]

Thanks so much for this info!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Happy to help

[@allyh193]

Love these tips! I do have a struggling reader that dislikes reading greatly. He seems to understand longer words but rushes through short words and guesses them. He tested into the fourth level barely but I have the third level currently. Should I start him on maybe halfway through the third level and then start him on the fourth level next year? He’s also been doing all about spelling and doing amazingly well with that.

[@LifeintheMundane]

I feel like when in doubt it’s better to start on a easier level for the child to make sure there are no gaps and build their confidence. You can always go through it quickly if it’s to easy.

[@jjgems5909]

May I ask how old was your son at the time? My son tested into level four but he’s only in 1st grade, and we haven’t learned about onomatopoeia and a bunch of the concepts yet lol

[@mamahomesteads3514]

This was such an awesome video. Thank you so so much! Looking forward to starting level one this year 😊

[@LifeintheMundane]

You're so welcome! I am glad it helped.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

The custom box art is cool! I’m ordering the pre reader and level 1 for this coming year

[@LifeintheMundane]

That’s awesome

[@holywarriorforthekingdom613]

Awesome video.

[@LifeintheMundane]

Thank you

[@mommyonthemove25]

20 minutes? That seems doable. Idk why I thought it took longer than that. It seemed very teacher intensive. But 20 minutes is not bad

[@LifeintheMundane]

I think a lot of people make it longer bc they assume it all has to be done at once.

[@denisewolfe9915]

Thank you so much for this!!! What size binder do you need?

[@LifeintheMundane]

I use a 2-3inch binder

[@denisewolfe9915]

Thank you!

[@samiam777]

My daughter is struggling with reading, she thinks it's punishment when ever we start. I just got her placement test and she is not ready for second grade according to the teacher. She's supposed to go into second in August. I feel like i failed at home school

[@LifeintheMundane]

Don’t feel like that. Kids are ready for reading at different stages and some need more time or repetition then others.

[@butterflybuff3175]

You may like treasure hunt reading. Look into it and is very affordable. I believe you cAn even download it for free.

[@isaiahkorson7347]

Would you still stick to 20 minutes if you’re teaching two kids together? What would that look like? Also, would you have to buy to activity books, or would they share? Their ages would be 5 and 7.

[@LifeintheMundane]

I don’t personally recommend teaching them together as reading levels and speed vary so much child to child. Personally I would give each of them 20 min lessons each. I know it’s mode work but it ensures they both can go at their pace. You can always start out together if needed but I would just encourage you to split them if one is struggling or going a little faster then the other. I only by one activity book and I put it in sleeve protectors so I can reuse it for each child.

[@vitaliyagoncharenko5688]

Have you ever tried simply Charlotte mason arithmetic curriculum for math? It sounds so promising…

[@LifeintheMundane]

I have not. We personally love math with confidence for the younger years, and then either teaching textbooks or horizons for the older years.

[@hannahc1072]

We don’t paste anything down, so we can use the student sheets with every kiddo.

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes we don’t paste anything easier. I love that we can reuse them

[@lauraedling3084]

I have a 4th grader that is a struggling reader, especially when it is aloud, BUT she loves to read to herself at night! She will read and entire age appropriate chapter book! Would you recommend this program and where do you think you would start if it was one of your kiddos. Thank you for the tips btw!!! Cant wait to order and the kids see the special picture on the box!

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes I think it could be helpful. I would definitely recommend taking the assessment test on the website as it can help you figure out the best fit. If you feel she is between levels I would say to do the lower one. It’s better for it to be easier then to be super overwhelming. We want them to experience as many wins as possible with our struggling readers.

[@lauraedling3084]

@@LifeintheMundane thank you so much for taking the time to respond and give your advice from one school mom to another!!!!

[@LifeintheMundane]

@@lauraedling3084 Always happy to help

[@carinthiamontana7069]

Dear Katie Last time a had a question about AAR you were so kind to write me back. I would like to ask another question today. I am at Level 2 with my daughter. The beginning of the book was easy for her, we did one lesson per day (at level 1 we needed at least two days for one lesson). But now it seems we have hit a wall. This was our fifth day trying to read the story ‚broken robot‘. She has difficulty understanding the story and is totally confused by the different types of syllables. Have you experienced anything like that? I am thinking that perhaps she isn’t developmentally ready and that we should pause for half a year.

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes I have experienced this before. Sometimes taking a break from moving forward in the program is a good idea but I would recommend taking the time off to just play games with the reading cards from the past. And review on a fun way some of the past concepts. Maybe start back in a January after Christmas?

[@carinthiamontana7069]

Thank you for sharing your experience!! I really appreciate your advice ❤

[@LifeintheMundane]

@@carinthiamontana7069 Anytime! And if I ever miss a comment because I occassonially do please feel free to shoot me and email.

[@carinthiamontana7069]

@@LifeintheMundane Back :). I followed your advice and we started again after Christmas. My daughter now understands the stories and we are making rapid progress ♥️. Thank you, you truly know what you are talking about!

[@LifeintheMundane]

@@carinthiamontana7069 Oh I am so glad to hear the break helped! Keep up the good work.

[@user-vg8ez9cu6u]

This looks great, but CAN THE KIDS REMEMBER ALL OF THOSE RULES at 5, 6 and 7????? That's the one question I haven't heard anyone ask or answer. Also, does All About Reading Level 3 or 4 cover Polysyllables? Or will I still need a supplement like Wise Owl Polysyllables.

[@LifeintheMundane]

I think that is a very wise question to ask and one that depends heavily on your specific child. Can 5,6,and 7 year old remember the rules yes absolutely because they repeats them constantly however at which of those ages will your child be ready to start varies widely. For instance I didn’t start most of my kids on AAR until age 6 or 7 and I don’t regret that at all. However I know many people who started their kids at age 5 and they thrived so I think it just depends on the child. The program does do a great job reviewing these rules and has lots of free printable visuals you can get to help your child remember as well. As far as poly syllable words, by the time your child completes level 4 they will have had lots of practice breaking down 2-4 syllable words. So would you still want to use outside resources after you were done to reinforce that skill? I think it just depends on the need of your child. Mine just finished level 4 and is not requiring any additional work on it at this time.

[@user-vg8ez9cu6u]

@@LifeintheMundane wow! Thank you for responding and being so thorough. I trust what you say and have admired your style of homeschool and content. I will go ahead and move forward with the AAR series. I was deliberating between that and The Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading (which teaches all the phonetic rules within the exercises WITHOUT explicitly asking the parent to teach them to the child and have the child memorize them.) Thank you so much for your help. Be Blessed this school year!

[@LifeintheMundane]

@@user-vg8ez9cu6u So glad this helped. I hope you have a great homeschool year.

[@jogirl837]

I’ve really been wondering about level 4...

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yeah and I don't remember if I mentioned it here but I am thankful that it also teaches kids how to read words that are inspired by other languages that may not follow english rules that has been very helpful.

[@brooklynzf1nest]

This is so helpful! I know AAR is super comprehensive (my twins just finished the pre reading program & will be starting level 1 soon). We loved it (and ziggy!) That said, do you think it’s overkill to do 1-2 pages of explode the code along with this?

[@LifeintheMundane]

I don’t think it is overkill. One of the advantages of explode the code is there is some great writing practice which is not included in AAR and is typically something they can do a bit independently so it can be really helpful. That being said if doing both becomes overwhelming to you or your child feel free to drop it.

[@crystalsard]

Great information here. As they get a little older in like level 3 or 4, do you do a separate grammar curriculum along with this or solely do AAR?

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes I start grammar Galaxy with my younger students and then transition them to Fix it grammar from IEW

[@norajones947]

New homeschooling mom. What is a good curriculum to put aside AAR for K? For spelling, grammar, etc?

[@LifeintheMundane]

For kindergarten I recommend focusing on reading primarily. Usually we don’t start formal spelling and grammar to they are a bit older. Now what I do like to do in kindergarten is a gentle introduction to spelling so you can practice spelling words that you come across but there isn’t really a need for a formal curriculum at that age.

[@ambercharlesworth8804]

I am thinking about switching from TGAB to this for reading. But I am wondering about all the other areas that TGAB covers and are not covered with AAR. What curriculum do you use for spelling, grammar, writing, and ect.?

[@LifeintheMundane]

We like All about Spelling, IEW for writting and grammar

[@ReiverGrad14]

Question for All about reading.... do you have to use it for years or just until your dyslexic child learns to read? It's not single mom budget friendly.

[@LifeintheMundane]

I completely understand, the price tag can be really hard. To answer your question for most kids with dyslexia they will need to go through all 4 levels but it might be possible to stop after level 3 if you just can't afford level 4 depending on the level of dyslexia. Unfortunately when having kids with dyslexia a speciality program or a tutor is often needed and while this is not super cheap I find that it is one of the cheaper options out there. Many tutors charge significantly more for their services, and programs like Barton are very pricey as well. I know that's probably not the answer you wanted but if your plugged into your local homeschool community you could possibly ask around and see if someone has a level you could borrow or buy for cheaper.

[@carinthiamontana7069]

I have a question. We are nearing the end of AAR 1. It worked great so far but now it is starting to get confusing. Suddenly new sounds are being introduced for a, i, c, u, ch, e, o, y all at the same time with no practice words. I don’t know what to do with that….

[@LifeintheMundane]

They are just starting to introduce those second sounds and then they will spend more time reviewing and practicing them in level 2. It’s almost just like a preview of what’s to come in level 2.

[@carinthiamontana7069]

@@LifeintheMundane That is good to know, thank you for writing back to me!

[@marygibson2518]

I’m curious to know if you guys have moved/typically move through more than one level in a year. I know every learner is individual, but on average, out of curiosity. We have pre-reading and level 1. I’m wondering if it would be common to do, say level 1 and 2 in a year? I’d rather buy everything now versus later.

[@LifeintheMundane]

I have never been able to do two full levels in a year and for the most part one year has equaled one level for us.

[@nikkihellenbrand7034]

Do you also do All About Spelling?

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes I do

[@elizabethking2313]

My daughter is entering into 2nd grade and we are transitioning to homeschooling from public. She is struggling in the areas of reading and spelling and I’ve been really stuck between using AAR/AAS or Logic of English. My draw to LOG is that it is a comprehensive program. What do you recommend adding to AAR/AAS for handwriting and grammar?

[@LifeintheMundane]

Honestly for handwriting I personally don’t use an official program I prefer to just have my kids do copy work and copy passages from books or poems etc. I also use free printables or handwriting once they have the basics down. For Grammar in 2nd grade I really like Grammar Galaxy it’s a light approach but really all that I think is needed in 2nd grade. Here is a video on that of it helps kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3e0e5Wbr8eIqMk

[@elizabethking2313]

@@LifeintheMundane thank you! I appreciate you taking time to respond. ☺️

[@susangarcia4651]

My twins are actually reading very very well.... but I'm looking for a curriculum because my learning coach wants me to have an actual curriculum. There are so many out there (language arts) it's so overwhelming. Since my kids are really good readers, would you recommend this curriculum? They do need help with writing (spelling) though....

[@LifeintheMundane]

What age/grade are your twins?

[@susangarcia4651]

@@LifeintheMundane they are in 2nd grade and they just turned 8.

[@LifeintheMundane]

@@susangarcia4651 I would have them take a placement test on the All About Reading website to find the right placement. If they are beyond this curriculum maybe look into Christian Light Education.

[@susangarcia4651]

@@LifeintheMundane I will do that, thank you.😊

[@srayec.7741]

Do you use both this and Dianne Craft right brain books?

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes and no I use this for most of my kids but for my son with severe dyslexia and auditory processing we used Dianne Craft. So I use both but not at the same time

[@queeniebee237]

What size coil binders did you use for the teacher's manual? Thank you

[@LifeintheMundane]

I’m not sure 🤔 Office Depot did it for me

[@Whitney_Sews]

My daughter is 6 and has gone through 4 of the 5 old Hooked on Phonics boxes. I'm afraid she's forgetting older concepts and relying on having most of those words memorized since she talked me into starting the program with her so young. Wondering if going through All About Reading would help her and if so do you think we could jump in mid way and be ok? Also do you have any experience with All About Spelling? I'm looking at it for her as well to teach spelling, but wondering if it would help her reading as well.

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes I would just recommend taking the placement test first but I know people who have jumped in midway with no problems. As far as All about spelling we use that as well. I don’t know that it will really help with reading as decoding words for reading and building them for spelling are two different skills but it is a great spelling curriculum.

[@Whitney_Sews]

@@LifeintheMundane Thank you!

[@Mamaofblessings]

Hi there, just wondering whether you could use AAR Level 4 if your child has not used the other AAR levels? I did the placement test and she got level 4 but I'm not sure whether it is written in a way that it would be too confusing to come in at level 4

[@LifeintheMundane]

That’s a great question, I would reach out to all about learning’s customer support (they are amazing) and ask. I think it would be ok but I’ve never personally done that so I would just hate to give inaccurate advice

[@Nakiyo11]

Thank you for this review I know I commented on another post b4 I saw this one. I'm going to give this a try. I wanted to know how was you able to see if your children were dyslexic? I am wanting to get my daughter tested but not sure we're.

[@LifeintheMundane]

What state are you located in? I can help you find a place. Also feel free to email me at [e-mail] and I can send you some more ideas

[@chechan87]

My son will be in 2nd grade this fall and I am considering All about Reading as part of his curriculum. Do you think this curriculum will be sufficient to cover language arts? I guess I dont want to overwhelm him with different curriculums because there are so many different ones that cover different components of language arts and I'm not sure how to go about choosing which ones to do. Any suggestions?

[@LifeintheMundane]

AAR covers reading and reading comprehension. It does not cover spelling, writing, or grammar. I personally don’t start my kids on writing or grammar until they are a little older but I know for some they prefer to start younger. We start all about spelling 1 AFTER finishing All about reading 1.

[@sddfiddler15]

We have been using AAR pre-reading and part of level 1 for kindergarten. My daughter is struggling and just hates doing the fluency sheets. Any tips or tricks? I really love AAR, but am almost ready to stop and try something else so she finds that love for reading.

[@LifeintheMundane]

Totally get that. Are you sticking to the 20min rule of lessons never going longer then 20min?

[@sddfiddler15]

@@LifeintheMundane Yes. Trying to, I should try setting the timer. 😆 She goes on rabbit trails, its hard to keep her on track with it. It doesn't "hold" her attention...

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yeah that can be so so hard. Setting a timer helps but the other thing is your daughter is on the younger side and there is a huge jump between pre reading and level 1 it may be wise to take a break for a little bit and revisit later in the year if it’s to hard.

[@AHeartForHomeEducation]

My son will be starting kindergarten in the fall as a late five year old. Right now he doesn’t have letter recognition or know any sounds. Should I start with pre-reading kit or does level 1 cover those things? Have you used the pre-reading kit?

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes I would recommend starting with pre reading then. Level 1 moves really fast for just learning your letters and sounds

[@spedmomtherapist535]

I have a question. I am using Happy Cheetah with my oldest dyslexic child and planned on using it with my preschooler when he’s ready. Why did you not do Happy Cheetah with all your kids?

[@LifeintheMundane]

So I started all my kids on All About Reading and for most of my kids they did great but my son was struggling. We have since found out that he is severely dyslexic and it wasn't until last summer that I discovered Happy Cheetah (it was a brand new program and did not exist when we started reading instruction) so we switched him over and he was doing really well and then God provided an amazing tutor who specializes in working with kids who have dyslexia so we switched to that. I love both AAR and Happy Cheetah for different reasons and I am of the opinion if it isn't broken don't fix it so since it was working for my other kids I just kept them in it and it has been great. When it comes to my two preschoolers I honestly don't know which program I will go with because they are both so good and so solid. A lot of that will depended on their needs and personalities when we get to reading age. I hope this is helpful and not to confusing but to sum it up we practice personalized parenting where we recognize what works for one kid may not work for another so we don't always find one great curriculum and stick with it for all the kids we take it on a kid by kid basis and seek to find what works for them.

[@spedmomtherapist535]

@@LifeintheMundane makes sense! Thank you for the quick reply

[@LifeintheMundane]

@@spedmomtherapist535 Happy to help whenever I can

[@spedmomtherapist535]

@@LifeintheMundane Hi! Are you still using Happy Cheetah?

[@LifeintheMundane]

@@spedmomtherapist535 I stopped using it for my oldest just because he started tutoring for his dyslexia and it would be too much for him to do both but I still love the program. My daughter however is using it this fall. Still love the program.

[@momofmany6619]

Do we need to buy the Reading/File Folder Games for Level 1? My daughter is using Explode the Code Book 3, but I think she could benefit from AAR 1. I have 5 children - I’m willing to do the games if needed, but she’s not one who wants to sit a very long time.

[@LifeintheMundane]

The file folder games are 100% optional. I would suggest not skipping the games that are included in the curriculum itself but the file folder games with Ziggy are just for extra practice.

[@momofmany6619]

@@LifeintheMundane ok, perfect! We can definitely do the games included in the curriculum. Thank you!

[@RebekahYoko-tr4hf]

Does all about reading have any grammar included? Should I get another curriculum for grammar?

[@LifeintheMundane]

It does not. Depending on the age you will want to add grammar.

[@tankthecharisma]

What are you going to use when you are done with Level 4?

[@LifeintheMundane]

At the point that they finish AAR 4 they are ready to read to learn and don't need to learn to read anymore (for the most part). So we just go into assigning readers to my kids and ask comprehension questions. I focus more on spelling and grammar at that point. I hope that helps. I am planning to do a follow up video soon on ideas of what you could do after AAR 4 but this is what has worked well for our family.

[@ayersfamhomelife]

I jus pulled my 3rd and 5th grader from public school. I have prereading for my 3 year old and he loves it. I got AAS 1 for my older boys but haven’t used it yet. I really want AAR. They placed for level 4. Is it ok to start there? My oldest is dyslexic and really struggles with spelling.

[@LifeintheMundane]

I would personally start at level 3 vs level 4 but there is still much to be gleaned in level 4. AAR has great customer service too so you can also give them a call and they can help you make the right decision on which to get.

[@amandacrawley9123]

Is this a stand alone ELA or an add on to use with your other ELA curriculum?

[@LifeintheMundane]

This is a full comprehensive Reading program only it is not supplemental but it also does not include spelling, grammar, writing, etc

[@ashleysmoak]

My youngest did level 1 last year now moving into level 2 AAR. We have started level 1 AAS. How do you teach them both at the same time?

[@LifeintheMundane]

20 min timers for each lesson

[@mmlrichey]

What writing program do you use in conjuction with All about Reading?

[@LifeintheMundane]

IEW (institutes for excellence in writing) is what we used for some of our kiddos.

[@cgcruz129]

I have an 11 year that struggles with reading and spelling, it’s pretty bad. What level do you recommend to order for her?? I’m lost

[@LifeintheMundane]

I personally suggest starting at 1 to fill in any gaps and to build confidence you can go through it quickly if they can handle it. They do have a placement test online though

[@SDaulton]

Where did you get your teacher guide spiral bound and may I ask how much it cost you? I’ve been wanting to do mine! 😊

[@LifeintheMundane]

I got it done at Office Depot. I think it was around $5-$7

[@kristawilliams6480]

Would you suggest starting with the pre-reading? I was thinking of level 1 for kindergarten but now I’m not sure.

[@LifeintheMundane]

So how is your child with rhyming and can they identify all of their letters and their sounds? If not then I would start in pre-reading. If they are very solid with both rhyming and letter sounds then you could move into level 1 but just be aware that level 1 is not a slow gradual program so you may just have to take it a little slower with a younger student. None of my kids were ready in Kindergarten for it but many friends have started that young with no problems.

[@kasitouvell3895]

What do you use after level 4?

[@LifeintheMundane]

Great question, I actually made a whole video abou that topic. You can find that here kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYTCYoaYm6aIf5I I hope it helps

[@lyannadeforwarden5080]

does it work to learn and know what sound make a vowel or diphtong, how the kids know when he reads if a A make a "A sound as in cat" or a A sound as in snake ..." .. de are french my son can read french perfecty but although english look like french on paper the pronunciation is more difficult. I am looking for the best way to him to.learn.how read and speak english without review all he has already learn..

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes level two gets into all of the different letter sounds

[@lyannadeforwarden5080]

@@LifeintheMundane oh wonderful thanks 🧡

[@jerricad123]

how does this fit in with science of reading styles?

[@LifeintheMundane]

I’m not familiar with the science of reading styles. Can you explain a little more?

[@larisaploeg7515]

Do all the level reading cards fit in the reading box? Just curious.

[@LifeintheMundane]

I don’t believe they will all fit. I know you can fit more then one years worth in a box but I don’t believe all 4 levels would fit in one. I always kept them in separate boxes bc of having multiple kids in different levels so that’s why I can’t give you a definitive answer but I hope this helps.

[@chunkymonkey4life791]

If you start the program at a level 4 for the first time, do you get everything you need for the program?

[@LifeintheMundane]

Materials wise yes you will be fine, just make sure you include in your cart the letter tiles or letter tile app. That being said I would make sure to take the placement test to ensure that is the right place to start.

[@babybellalovesbeagle]

Is this good for a 6 year old mostly non verbal autistic child? THanks

[@LifeintheMundane]

I don’t have personal experience with a non verbal kiddo but I have heard of moms who do and it has worked well for them. If you buy straight from the company it has a 1 year Monroe back guarantee so it’s worth a shot

[@babybellalovesbeagle]

@@LifeintheMundane thanks

[@connied7708]

Do you start level 1 with kinder??

[@LifeintheMundane]

We started with level 1 in 1st grade. Some start level 1 in kindergarten but we decided to wait and I’m glad we did.

[@lyannadeforwarden5080]

Is it a american english curriculum or british ?

[@LifeintheMundane]

American English

[@lyannadeforwarden5080]

@@LifeintheMundane thanks

[@nancyhansen7103]

My struggling learner is 12. Should I start from level 1 or level 3?

[@LifeintheMundane]

I suggest taking the placement test. If you determine they are between levels go with the easier one.

[@nancyhansen7103]

@@LifeintheMundane even if it could be level one? My concern since he is 12 “tween” things are babyish at that level in his eyes. I don’t want to discourage him and he will give up.

[@LifeintheMundane]

Yes. I’m actually getting ready to restart level 1 with one of my older kids. If they don’t want to play the games I will let them just read the words but I want to make sure the holes are filled in. My child who is going to do it is not super excited but I told her we’re just going to go through it and if it’s easy we can go fast.

[@nancyhansen7103]

@@LifeintheMundane ok this is good to know. I have tried at least 15 different curriculums at this point and simply clueless what to do. I didn’t care for All About Spelling so I didn’t even want to try All About Reading. I am desperate now.

[@shanna5759]

Do you add in a handwriting or spelling curriculum with this for 1st grade?

[@LifeintheMundane]

I don’t start spelling till level 2 of all about reading. Handwriting varies per child when I start but for most I did start in kindergarten or 1st.

[@shanna5759]

@@LifeintheMundane Okay. Thanks! Was there a particular hand writing workbook that you liked to use? When did you start adding in grammar as well? I used Aces Paces for my first son and it started more with grammar I think at 2nd grade I believe but with my 2nd son I am having to take different routes.

[@LifeintheMundane]

@@shanna5759 We like using IEW Pal writing program for handwriting. We start Grammar galaxy around 2nd grade.

[@shanna5759]

@@LifeintheMundane Okay. Thanks!