Review: Logic of English

Last month I was very excited to receive a package from Logic of English - it contained materials from their Essentials program for the kids and I to review.  We received the Essentials Teacher's Manual, The Rhyhmn of Handwriting book that accompanies the program, a game book, and 2 sets of game cards.  We also received phonogram and spelling rule flashcards and last but not least we have been given access to their awesome phonogram app available for the iPad and iPhone.

The Logic of English program is relatively new.  Their company was founded in 2010 and their curriculum first "hit the market", so to speak, this past fall.  I have been seeing mention of it at my favorite forums online and the users there always speak very highly of it.  It's definitely been on my *short list* to check out so when we were given the chance to review it I jumped on it right away!

There are many approaches to teaching reading but from my point of view there are basically two camps.  One focuses on teaching common sight words as a gateway to reading and other focuses first on the basics of language - phonograms.  Phonograms are the sounds that letters, or combinations of letters, make.  Depending on the combination of letters in a word the phonograms make different sounds.  It's all very confusing to a new reader (and to many adults, myself included at times) - which makes me appreciate the name of this program, the LOGIC of English!  There is some logic in our lovely language albeit a not too simple at times logic.

The spine of the program is the excellent teacher's manual which is used together with the handwriting book.  The program gives you very detailed steps and a thorough roadmap, while at the same time giving you flexibility to either do everything (and there is a lot included!), or to tailor the program to different needs.  The Essentials level which  we received is designed for ages 7 on up to adults and consists of 40 lessons.  Suggestions on how fast to move through the lessons is provided, and obviously varies based on you and your children's prior experience.  For brand new readers you might only do 2 lessons a week, and on the other end of the spectrum you could do a lesson a day and be done in 2 months.  If you have a 7 year old you'll want to compare the Essentials program to their Foundations program, which is a bit more colorful and meant to engage the younger crowd better!

How do you use it?  Well, first of all you read the long but helpful roadmap and introduction.  If you, like me, like a full understanding of where you're going (and why) you'll enjoy this part.  Then on to the lessons.  Each lesson has 3 parts.  First up is the phonograms and sounds discussion, and then some spelling rules.  This is the part of the lesson where we use the flash cards, sometimes the iPad app, and review our spelling rules too.  In the middle of the lesson is the spelling list which I love the format of:

It is always a two page spread that you can easily have open in front of you and the guide lays out for you, as the teacher, the "recipe" for why the word works the way it does.  During this part of the lesson you get diction and handwriting work in!

After spelling time come the add-ons that turn this into a full language arts curriculum: the grammar, writing and vocabulary.   This is the "richest" part of the lesson in my opinion, and provides the extras that make this much more than just another spelling program.  I think the time the lessons will take varies a LOT from child to child.  At our place 30 minutes or so is the magic number.  The teacher's manual is put together very nicely.  Not only is the book nice and durable but you can tell a great deal of thought went into making the content easy to follow and pull what you want to out of.  This book would make a great reference book for your shelf on the subjects of grammar and spelling long after you're done using it as a lesson guide!

The game book that comes with the program is awesome.  I'm not always a fan of game books, but this one is a cut above most.  There are a huge number of games, and they are referenced from the teacher's manual to remind you to place them.

The handwriting workbook is available in both a cursive and manuscript version.  The beginning of the teacher's manual discusses why the author of the program, Denise Eide, believes cursive is still a valuable life skill.  I agree with her opinion that cursive should in fact be taught first to young kids.  I like that the program allows for those who disagree to still easily use the curriculum.  But, of course, I took it as a first sign I would like the program (which I do!) when I saw sentiments similar to my own on cursive in the intro!

I believe the handwriting workbook is one of the defining parts of this program that set it apart from some others I have used.  This program really is simple to pull off the shelf and use, and all of the prep work has been completely taken out of the equation for the parent.  The same thought that went into the teacher's manual has gone into the student book, and it's a lovely book.  Yes, an english studies book can be lovely.  I love English!

I like that the program incorporates grammar, spelling, vocabulary and writing all into one obviously painstakingly constructed package.  If you can't tell - I'm impressed!  I also like that the program appeals to all learning styles.  When you discuss syllables, for example, you tell the kids that you can clap the sounds OR use your hand on the bottom of your chin to feel the syllables.  I like that you're given more than one option to find what best clicks for your kid.  I also like the style of this program.  It fits in well with the classical approach to education that I've favored so far with the kids.

The iPad app is more than just a one trick app.  There are 10 levels in the app, a matching game, and a flashcard mode.  I think that phonograms are learned through exposure (again and again and then again!), so any opportunity to let kids study them on their own without having me hold up the flashcards is a win!  I think it's a great app for kids even if you don't use the Logic of English as your main language arts curriculum.

The website has an excellent overview of the program, that gives you a great look at exactly how the teacher's manual is written.  Go here to check it out.  In that same vein of thought, the website also has helpful freebie gems all over it.  Handwriting sheets, spelling lists, video lessons, and more.  If you are the type (like me) who likes to over research before buying - this is definitely a website that will let you do that!

You can buy components of the program separatel, but if you are fairly certain you're going to love it you will get a discount by selecting one of their packages.  The teacher's manual is $95 and the student workbook is $25.  The phonogram cards are $18 and the spelling rule cards are $15.  The game book is $15 and each set of flashcards to go with the games is $10.  The iPad app is is $2.99.  For $218 it comes as a bundle including everything mentioned and more.

As mentioned above the Logic of English program also has materials available for younger students - the Foundations levels.  Other members of The Old Schoolhouse's review crew have been test driving those materials.  You can read their reviews, and other reviews about Essentials, here.  I plan to check out the Foundations level when Lincoln and Evan are a bit older.  This program is definitely one of my new favorites!