Explode the Code Series: A Perfect Tool For Homeschooling

Home schooling isn't an easy path and home schooling an autistic child doesn't make things any easier. My son has high function autism and this makes communication very difficult. He doesn't process language the same as most people. And trying to teach a child like this to read is even more challenging. So needless to say finding the right phonics program is essential. We tried many different phonics curriculums which just left us even more frustrated. Then finally I came upon the Explode the Code series written by Nancy Hall and Rena Price and published by Educators Publishing Service. It was like a godsend to us.

First of all Explode the Code is very plain the pictures are in black and white and not overly exciting. This is important for my son and any child that is easily distracted. In other books he would be too busy looking at the pictures instead of focusing on the work. The graphics are cute and entertaining but not over whelming.

Next, Explode the Code starts with the very basics the letters, short vowel word families, and then on to more complex word blends. He was able to understand the concept of letters and that letters make words and words together form sentences. A child that is struggling with the spoken language doesn't need to be rushed while learning written language.

I also like how in Explode the Code the lessons follow identical patterns. So my son knows that after fill in the blank section will come the yes or no section. This consistency is very important to autistic children. They thrive on rituals and daily sameness any small change in their routines can cause emotional meltdowns and complete chaos. I also like how that each book is followed by another book that further practices the skills that have just been learned. This provides a lot of remediation without feeling like your being held back.

Another aspect of Explode the Code that I like is that all phonics skills are taught, nothing is left out. Your child able to read basic sentences in book one and complex paragraphs in subsequent books. The Explode the Code series is also followed by Beyond the Code a series that focuses on reading comprehension. This has been an excellent program for my family. Not only has it been great for my autistic son I also use it with my daughter who is neuro typical. With my son's diagnosis I thank God that he can read at grade level not far away from his peers, and I feel that Explode the Code helped him get there.