Reading Rods

Reading Rods.

They look pretty cool, right?

They really are :)

http://www.learningresources.com/product/reading+rods--174-+phonemic+awareness+kit.do?from=ac

I saw these awhile back, but their price tag deterred me.

Last week I found this set on Craigslist for $15!

Today, the girls bugged me until I pulled everything out and pre-read through the first "lesson" and then went through it with them.

This set really fits where Adelyn currently is (initial sounds of words, etc).

However, Charlotte is completely enthralled and loved every second of Lesson 1.

Here are some of the things I love already:

1) The "kit" comes set up for 4 kids.  This is brilliant for homeschooling (or a small remedial group), especially when you have 2 that are similar ages. 

2) Brain research supports physical movement as a huge part of learning.  The ability to move sounds and words concretely is BRILLIANT and fits into so much of what I learned the years I was in the classroom about how concrete learning makes for so much stronger of a foundation for abstract learning later.

3) The snap-together cubes are even more engaging for the girls than the letters they often use because they SNAP together (they are essentially unifix cubes).

4) There is essentially a scripted lesson for parents or teachers to read through.  This includes an exploration, assessment, and extension section.  

5) It also has a blackline masters with worksheets that kids can cut and paste.  I really like this for after the lesson.  Like, the girls did the lesson this morning.  I plan for them to do this separately this afternoon after nap time.

6) There is a more "independent" part of the kit.  One of the things I really want for my girls is to use Montessori-like tools so that they can have some independence in their learning.  The "activity cards" seem to be this component.  I can already see that I'll be able to let Charlotte self-pace through the cards.  

Each  is pretty self-directed with a "Find it, Build it, Say it" so kids know how to do each alone.  Adelyn will need to do this with me, but at 5, this section could be really self-directed for Charlotte.

7) Even Adelyn (just 3 years old) can snap the cubes together, though it does take more effort for her to get them apart :)

8) The structure allows for each kid to have their own space, even when you're working together.

This is helpful - Enough said.

All the cubes come in a plastic storage container with sections!

9) The entire kit is pretty organized and has a big storage box for each of the components.

Honestly, I think anyone with small children could use these easily.  If your kiddo is in school full time, these could be a fun activity to do once-in-awhile or they could be used at night to support any word building that your kid might bring home.  In older grades, these could be used to "spell" words each night to practice a spelling or word study list.  It could be a great concrete support for any older kid who is struggling with reading or word study (spelling).

For a homeschooling parent, it seems like a good bang for your buck because it could be used in a ton of different ways.  I have two girls, one of which is a really kinesthetic learner.  However, boys would REALLY connect with a tool like this.  If you have boys, look around for these!!  Boys sometimes struggle more with literacy and a hands-on tool is a perfect connection for the way that boys brains seem to work.

I'm already in love and ordered Charlotte a more independent activity set at her level to use just 1-on-1 with her.  Amazon does seem to have better deals.  I ordered that set for $15, which is a pretty good discount!

Do you think reading rods would be helpful with your kids?

Let me know what you think of them if you give them a try!