Explode the code: help me decide

[3rugrats]

I've got 2 kids I have been back and forth about getting these for.

The first is 5 but is reading already on probably a 1st grade level. She can write her capital letters, but I wonder what she would get out of the books. By the time she could write she was already beyond the "get set" books. We've got Happy Phonics that I pull out every so often as well.

the other child is a 4yo boy who only knows the alphabet so I think the "get set" ones would be great for him, but he can't write yet. So, can a child who doesn't write yet really utilize the books until he can?

thanks for your thoughts!

[boogamama]

I don't know about the Get Set books, but Book 1 requires a bit of writing. My 5 1/2 year old is still learning how to read, though she can sound out 3, and some 4 letter words, so I expect she will be reading not too long from now. I really like book 1, and plan to use books 1 1/2 & 2 the remainder of her kindergarten year, and use books 2 1/2-4 in first grade.

[lisathib123]

The get set would be great for the 4yr old. Lots of circling and draw lines to. Minimal handwriting, 1 line of a letter to practice writing. They would good for the 5 year old too, even if its used for "busy work"

[faiths13]

Get Set was great for my 5 yr old who hadnt really done any writing and didn't really know letters. He picked up on ot quickly.

[stephcrouse]

I just ordered book 2 for my 2nd grader to go along with Happy Phonics. I read lots of good reviews. It seems like a good series of workbooks for Phonics practice!

[mommyto3sweeties]

I used it along with Happy Phonics for my advanced first grader. He started in book 1.5.

[Kristi26]

We started our first grade year in book 3 and are currently in book 4. DD is struggling a little with it (but I hear that's common in this particular book). I would think the series would be great for the 5 year old...I'd start at get set for the 4 year old I think.

[3rugrats]

do I need the teacher's guides too?