Reading Horizons Discovery Program Review

What is Reading Horizons Discovery at Home Reading Program?

Utilizing a multisensory, Orton-Gillingham approach, this scientifically based reading program incorporates the tried and true teaching methods of teaching the 42 sounds of the alphabet, the Five Phonetic Skills and Two Decoding Skills. These three combine to dramatically increase one's ability to read English.   

The 42 Sounds of the Alphabet

The alphabet is introduced in letter sets consisting of four consonants and one vowel each. Each letter is introduced and individuals learn the name, sound and formation simultaneously. Immediate application of each letter set solidifies understanding and builds self-esteem.

Five Phonetic Skills

The five phonetic skills allow students to identify the five common patterns of English words and "prove" the vowel sound in a word. Proving words using the five phonetic skills is an indispensable tool used to decode, pronounce, and spell new words.

Decoding Skills # 1 and # 2

A skillful reader's ability to read long words fluently depends on his or her ability to break words into syllables. The Two Decoding Skills allow students to break words of any length into syllables so they can apply the Five Phonetic Skills to determine the words pronunciation.

These skills are gradually internalized and become automatic, resulting in greater reading speed and fluency. The skills and confidence gained form Reading Horizons are some of the most valuable gifts you can give!

What does the program look like?

The kit appears a bit overwhelming at first. However, don't let that scare you away.  Once you begin reading the teachers manuals it is all spelled out for you and soon becomes easy to follow.  If you are unfamiliar with multi-sensory or Orton-Gillingham methods of teaching reading then take some time to read through the first manual before beginning.  It is also important to sign up at Reading Horizons Accelerate website for videos on teaching the lessons along with more instruction and insight.  The videos will give you the confidence to teach this program.  One of the biggest concerns from homeschoolers is the ability to teach a course effectively so they keep their child on the right track.  Reading Horizons is not just a program you buy and struggle through.  It is a program that strives to ensure every teacher has the tools and understanding to teach the program successfully. 

What I Think About the Discovery Program

First, I will give you a little history about my daughter.  We knew in kindergarten, when she went to public school in Texas, that reading was not going to be "easy" for her.  She had a very hard time retaining her letter names, not the sounds though, and was nowhere ready to read at the end of the school year.  Then we moved to Canada and the grade level system was different, so they made her skip 1st grade and go into 2nd grade.   I knew that would be a terrible idea and expressed it to them on numerous occasions but policies are policies.  So by the end of the year, and really no help from the school, she was still at a kindergarten reading level and would be going into 3rd grade the next fall.  At that point, I decided to homeschool her and figure out what was going on with her.  She was diagnosed with Dyslexia in December of last year and I started researching "Dyslexic friendly" reading curriculums.  I read every review and article I could find.  I knew the Barton program had a great reputation but I also knew that there was no way it would keep her attention.  I knew it would be such a huge struggle everyday to get her to do the program.  I struggled just listening to the monotone videos.  For the price of the program, I was hoping to find something that would appeal to her, keep her attention, and teach her.  I then came across Reading Horizons new Discovery Program and really liked the concept and how visually appealing it was.  I showed her both programs introduction videos and she immediately said, "No way!" to the Barton one and yes to the Discovery one.  So I called Reading Horizons the next day, they gave me a tour of the program, I told them I was interested in buying it, and that I would like to discuss it on my facebook page, Creative Dyslexic Homeschooling.  They were already aware of my page and asked if I would be interested in doing a review for them if they sent me the program for free.  I accepted and was so excited to start the program.

So we started the program from the beginning in February.  I also have my 6 year old son using it, he has no desire to learn how to read but is very smart when it comes to learning about what he "wants" to learn about.   Right away the online program got both their attention and there were no struggles to get them to do their lessons.  My daughter would do 2-3 lessons a day and my son would do one a day online.  Reading Horizons sent us the Instructors Manuals, many different posters, readers, flashcards, and a bag to hold everything.  The program has six chapter books that take the student from kinder through 3rd grade.  You can also just order the online program or just the instructor's manuals.

My daughter used the program about 30 minutes a day on an average, five days a week, for about four months and just started the 5th chapter.   I am assuming that is approximately like starting the 3rd grade.

So in four months, she has gone from a kinder reading level to an end of 2nd grade reading level.  She is still a VERY slow reader but is now able to decode 2nd-3rd grade words.  Most importantly, she wants to read!  She actually reads for fun!  My son still does not "want" to read but he does his lessons and is at grade level at least.  

The program has many areas for the kids to explore and learn.  It has great games that the kids earn coins from their lessons to use towards them.  There is also a library that has great little books that the kids read as they learn a new decoding skill.  Once they read a book it goes on their book shelf and they can read or listen to it again.  The vocabulary room is also a great place for the kids to practice spelling and learning the different definitions of words.  As the kids complete a chapter they earn trophies for the treasure room.  All of these little extras has really motivated the kids to keep doing their lessons.  

If you are on a tight budget, then I personally recommend getting the online version.  Most of the worksheets are online so you can print them but you have to hunt a little for them.  If you do not want to hunt for them, then order the complete program.  You still have to print but it comes on a c/d so it is a little easier to find.  Keep in mind that the program covers kinder through 3rd grade and you can use the online program for two students so the price of the program is very fair.

Now for the downside of the program.... there really isn't one but my main complaint is that there isn't enough repetition with the online program.  It really isn't a complaint because they give you plenty of tools and ideas to use off line.  Plus, it has great online games that the kids can play to practice what they learn.  Since my daughter has a hard time retaining information, sometimes I would like to have her do a certain lesson a few more times.  However, once they complete a lesson, they still have to pass a test before they move onto the next chapter.  If they do not pass an area then the program goes over it again.  Chapters are almost 1/2 a school year so there is a lot of information in it.  In a perfect world, there would be a mid chapter or end of the chapter review.   The other area that I would change a little would be the game manual.  They give you a manual with game ideas for the different lessons but most of them are for classroom settings so unless you have a HUGE family it is a little tough to use them.  I believe they are putting some home school game ideas together also.  

The company has been very helpful with any questions I have had.  I strongly recommend the program and will continue to use it for as long as my kids need it.  Please leave a comment if you have any questions.

The website also has a great free Teaching Reading Training Online Workshop that I strongly recommend watching.  Click the image below to view it.