Great review! We love Pinwheels! My 5 year old daughter is one of those in the 5% that seems to just pick up reading without any instruction but we still use Pinwheels. The fact it includes handwriting, spelling, word study, etc makes it such a solid program. We move at a fast pace and don't need to review very often but her spelling and handwriting are improving immensely!
So glad to see this review!! When I was researching this program a few months ago it was very challenging to find anything on this resource so I felt like I was leaping in blind when I purchased, but so glad I did! We’re using it to fill in AAR 1 after it felt like C1 needed to slow down and take more time with the short vowel sounds before adding consonant blends. So far I’m very pleased with the program! Thanks for the great review!
FYI Treasures from Jennifer offers a Rooted in Language Letter Coin set for those who prefer something other than the paper Letter Tiles. The RIL Letter Coin set is all-inclusive and can be used with RIL's Vowel Chart class, LAP Phonics & Spelling class, Pinwheels, and Wand. This means there will be letters in the set that haven't been taught yet for a Pinwheels Year 1 user, so those should be stored separately until explicitly taught. Jennifer is also working on an RIL square tile set (still to come).
Thanks for this very informative video! This looks like an amazing program. I wish I had had it when my kids were learning to read, but planning to use it with my granddaughter this coming year.
This is one of the most thorough reviews I've come across on RUclips for almost any curriculum I've researched. Thank you for that!! Can you share how much everything you showed us in this video was to have printed? Thank you again!
Thank you! When you purchase Pinwheels, one of the documents has printing instructions, including a direct link for ordering printing through their printing partner. If you order through their printing partner, they handle all the details of which document goes on what kind of paper etc. PW 1 & 2 (Year 1) Complete is $195. You can also print just PW 1 for $100 and PW 2 for $94.
Best review on Pinwheels. We are currently using AAR level 2. And my kids are needing more. I was thinking of using both since my kids love AAR but I’m tired of pulling from many sources to fill the rest of language art.
Hi! So I think it really depends on the situation and child. If your child is progressing in reading skills as expected with AAR and you want to pull for grammar/word study/spelling/writing etc - then you might consider doing the RIL Laying Path classes. If your child(ren) is struggling with the pace of AAR and/or is not picking up phonemes/accuracy as expected, then that's a different situation. If you have a struggling reader/writer/speller or are conflicted about curriculum, I offer literacy and curriculum consulting. You can see more info here: www.homespunchildhood.com/consulting
We don’t have any dyslexia that we have noticed but we do have some processing delays. We have done & completed a round of speech therapy from 3.5 ish years to about 5. Her recessive language was behind her expressive language. She is 6.5 now & just started showing interest in reading in May. Would you say this might be a better fit than AAR? I prefer AAR because of the set up & open & go option… but I also appreciate the level of education that this provides BOTH of us. I am having a hard time deciding which to go with. She knows her letter sounds but not that some letters make multiple sounds & most letter names. We still struggle with rhyming though 😬
Thank you so much for this review. It was very helpful. We have used AAR with my older daughter and really liked it but I was worried it would move too fast for my younger daughter. I think this looks like a good program for her. Question tho: are pages from the student work book going into the Language binder or just from the reading kits? Some of the pages from both looked the same or similar, particularly some of the copy work pages you were showing.
Great question! So with PW - there are a lot of components. 1) Student Workbook - there are practice pages and some copywork as part of the workbook - I spiral bind that. 2) Reading Kits: This includes decodable word lists, decodable sentences, and decodable readers 3) Appendixes: There are additional "extra" copywork printouts here. These copywork passages are related to the decodable readers and go along with the RiL method of Intentional Copywork. Some families only use the the student workbook and decodable readers. Others incorporate some or all of the other reading kit and appendix resources. IMO, the benefit to RiL, is it offers tons of "supplement" materials that you would have to hunt down if using a program like LoE or AAR. Some kids need more practice than those programs offer, and others don't.
Thank you for this review! May I have 2 questions please? I’m thinking of switching my soon to be 2nd-grader to Pinwheels from Logic of English. We completed level A of LoE. Which level of Pinwheels would you recommend we start with? Our position is a bit unique - we are non-natives living in the UK, and English language is not our first language (so we take our time with studying it). The second question - does this programme cover cursive handwriting instruction and practice please? Many thanks!
Hi, so it will depend on your child's comfort level with consonant and vowel letters/sounds and their ability to read and spell short consonant-vowel-consonant words (CVC). If they are able to blend CVC words to read and can also spell CVC words (cat, dog, run, mop, etc.), then Pinwheels 3 might be a good starting point. If they are still working on fluently blending CVC words for reading or are not reading with CVC words yet, then you might consider PW 1/2 and move through it at a quicker pace. Unfortunately, PW only does print handwriting, not cursive. However, you could teach cursive separately and then have them record their answers in the PW workbook in cursive instead of print. You can also is a free program like the Handwriting Without Tears Worksheet maker to make cursive worksheets to match the PW curriculum. www.lwtears.com/resources/worksheet-maker-lite
Thanks for this thorough review! Do you recommend starting with such a comprehensive program, even if you suspect your child might be a "natural reader?" I used The Wand a bit with my older daughter and found it a lot to tease through. In your opinion, is there a big risk in starting with a simpler program, and returning to something like Pinwheels if we run into challenges? I'm trying to avoid more moving pieces than we need...
I think it really depends on your kid and the other program. One of the things I like about Pinwheels is that it is comprehensive (phonics, word study, grammar, reading, basic writing). Also depends on your teaching style! I'm the type that really wants ALL the things and then I can pick and choose what to use. I don't like having to spend time/energy piecing together supplementary components if a program doesn't do it all for me.
This looks like a great program! We have used the 100 easy lessons book, and my daughter is reading well at lesson 70-80, but still struggles sometimes of course. Do you think this program would still be a good fit? Or would you recommend a different LA / reading program to move into next?
I think it would depend on what skills she has mastered from 100 Easy Lessons. RIL has a curriculum placement guide that might help, you could also ask in their FB community. static1.squarespace.com/static/5c59b159b2cf79766b58742a/t/60c381fdc4e32457424e5328/1623425533364/Curriculum+Placement+Guide.pdf
Thank you for this review! My son has dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. We’re currently using Barton (level 3), but it is so dry and boring. It’s like pulling teeth to get him to do it. I have been looking at Pinwheels to try with him over the summer. I’ve really been going back and forth since there aren’t a ton of reviews on it. But this definitely has me sold to at least try it! Thank you!! Also, did you review the Wand yet?
Do you think it would be possible to use RIL Pinwheels as a supplement to another language arts program? I was looking at the student workbook and I love how it is set up. Also, some of the multisensory options looks great too. My daughter is picking up reading fairly easily but I wish our current curriculum included the writing of letters as you sound them out or just the handwriting/writing aspect. Thoughts?
Yes, you could use is as a supplement. However, if you like a current program, I think your money would be better spent on a class by Rooted in Language - that way you would learn the strategies they use and could apply the strategies to your preferred curricula. Their Laying a Path Class, Phonics and Spelling, is a good starting point.
When you purchase Pinwheels, one of the documents has printing instructions, including a direct link for ordering printing through their printing partner. If you order through their printing partner, they handle all the details of which document goes on what kind of paper etc. PW 1 & 2 (Year 1) Complete is $195. You can also print just PW 1 for $100 and PW 2 for $94. You don't have to send it out for printing, though. You can print at home if you want. A lot of people opt to use binders instead of coil bindings to cut back on printing costs.
My daughter completed Logic of English Foundations A and is halfway through B. From the Pinwheels placement test she solidly placed in Level 3. I'm tempted to go back to Level 2 to fill in any gaps, although the first 3 units of PW3 reviews PW Year 1. I'm having a difficult time from the samples fully seeing the depth of Level 2. As far as scope and sequence, the only things we have not covered yet are the -ve rule and which vowels go with c- or k-. Do you have any recommendations for us in this situation?
Hi! My son completed LoE Foundations C before we started RiL. I ended up going back to PW 3 for exactly that reason. I ended up applying a lot of their lessons and strategies to more advanced text to match his reading level and his needs. If you are half-way through LoE B and have younger kids that you will homeschool, then I would go with your gut about going back to PW 2 to fill in gaps.
Hi Sarah, so level 2 is Kindergarden still you think? or is more like beginnig of first grade? Also do they learned long vowels on level 2, year 1? I'm a little confused if they'll go through level 1 and 2 in 1 year. Thank you for the review.
Levels 1 and 2 are "kindergarten." Long vowels aren't actually introduced until Pinwheels 4. PW 3 is a lot of word study, consonant digraphs, and r-controlled vowels. Feel free to message me on IG or email - I might be able to quickly point you in the right direction.
I have another question about printing. It looks like you have some portions printed double-sided and other portions printed single-sided. I'm assuming you just sent those in as separate printing orders? Can you tell me what parts you got printed double-sided and single-sided? Thanks.
When you purchase PW, it comes with printing directions. The DIY printing directions are VERY detailed, telling you what to print on what weight paper etc. If you send out for printing, I recommend using their printing partner because they already know how to print the different documents - you just tell them "PW 1" or "PW 2" and they do all the rest. If you are just starting out with a new reader, I think sending it out for printing with the direct link for their printing partner (in your purchase documents) is a really good option.
This looks great but very pricey to get printed in Canada. Was looking for Canadian distributors but didn't see any- only a Canadian printer that looks pricey given number of pages etc Any other Canadians purchase here? Any tips?
If you purchase the curriculum, the getting started guide has a link to have it printed from Making Family Count. There are other homeschool-friendly printing services like Hard Copy HQ and Watson Family Press.
Yes, you do not need to add additional LA resources until you complete the levels. Some folks add in an additional writing program like IEW or EIW and/or some literature guides during PW 3/4.
Great review! We love Pinwheels! My 5 year old daughter is one of those in the 5% that seems to just pick up reading without any instruction but we still use Pinwheels. The fact it includes handwriting, spelling, word study, etc makes it such a solid program. We move at a fast pace and don't need to review very often but her spelling and handwriting are improving immensely!
Yes! This is a great example of making it work for you! And I agree, it really is a complete package.
So glad to see this review!! When I was researching this program a few months ago it was very challenging to find anything on this resource so I felt like I was leaping in blind when I purchased, but so glad I did! We’re using it to fill in AAR 1 after it felt like C1 needed to slow down and take more time with the short vowel sounds before adding consonant blends. So far I’m very pleased with the program! Thanks for the great review!
Yes, same! I really rely on in-depth reviews of curricula which is why I wanted to do this one!
What level did you start with? We have a similar situation and I've been unsure. Thanks!
FYI Treasures from Jennifer offers a Rooted in Language Letter Coin set for those who prefer something other than the paper Letter Tiles. The RIL Letter Coin set is all-inclusive and can be used with RIL's Vowel Chart class, LAP Phonics & Spelling class, Pinwheels, and Wand. This means there will be letters in the set that haven't been taught yet for a Pinwheels Year 1 user, so those should be stored separately until explicitly taught. Jennifer is also working on an RIL square tile set (still to come).
Thanks for sharing!
Who is Treasures from Jennifer? Can you share a link?
@@butyoucancallmesam www.treasuresfromjennifer.com/
This is so helpful thank you!
I’m glad you found Pinwheels! It’s overwhelming at first, but it’s a great program!
Pretty sure it's going to be my go-to recommendation for most folks.
Thanks for this very informative video! This looks like an amazing program. I wish I had had it when my kids were learning to read, but planning to use it with my granddaughter this coming year.
Glad it was helpful!
This is one of the most thorough reviews I've come across on RUclips for almost any curriculum I've researched. Thank you for that!! Can you share how much everything you showed us in this video was to have printed? Thank you again!
Thank you! When you purchase Pinwheels, one of the documents has printing instructions, including a direct link for ordering printing through their printing partner. If you order through their printing partner, they handle all the details of which document goes on what kind of paper etc. PW 1 & 2 (Year 1) Complete is $195. You can also print just PW 1 for $100 and PW 2 for $94.
Is this the total cost or is that an additional fee on top of the purchase fee for the pdf?
@@brigittedavis899 the printing fees are separate. You don’t have to send it out for printing. Many people print at home.
Best review on Pinwheels. We are currently using AAR level 2. And my kids are needing more. I was thinking of using both since my kids love AAR but I’m tired of pulling from many sources to fill the rest of language art.
Hi! So I think it really depends on the situation and child. If your child is progressing in reading skills as expected with AAR and you want to pull for grammar/word study/spelling/writing etc - then you might consider doing the RIL Laying Path classes. If your child(ren) is struggling with the pace of AAR and/or is not picking up phonemes/accuracy as expected, then that's a different situation. If you have a struggling reader/writer/speller or are conflicted about curriculum, I offer literacy and curriculum consulting.
You can see more info here: www.homespunchildhood.com/consulting
Thank you for this informative review! Really appreciated!
Thanks for this! Really good review. I'm definitely leaning towards this curriculum thanks to your thorough walk-through :-)
follow-up: do you have plans to review Pinwheel level 2?
Hi, sorry for the late response. Yes, I am planning to review Pinwheels Year 2 in the coming weeks.
Would really appreciate a flip through/review of Pinwheels Year 2 (Levels 3 and 4). 😊
Working on it!
Could this be used with a bright 3 1/2-4 year old?
We don’t have any dyslexia that we have noticed but we do have some processing delays. We have done & completed a round of speech therapy from 3.5 ish years to about 5. Her recessive language was behind her expressive language. She is 6.5 now & just started showing interest in reading in May. Would you say this might be a better fit than AAR? I prefer AAR because of the set up & open & go option… but I also appreciate the level of education that this provides BOTH of us. I am having a hard time deciding which to go with. She knows her letter sounds but not that some letters make multiple sounds & most letter names. We still struggle with rhyming though 😬
Based on that (and without additional info), I would say Pinwheels.
Thank you so much for this review. It was very helpful. We have used AAR with my older daughter and really liked it but I was worried it would move too fast for my younger daughter. I think this looks like a good program for her.
Question tho: are pages from the student work book going into the Language binder or just from the reading kits? Some of the pages from both looked the same or similar, particularly some of the copy work pages you were showing.
Great question! So with PW - there are a lot of components. 1) Student Workbook - there are practice pages and some copywork as part of the workbook - I spiral bind that. 2) Reading Kits: This includes decodable word lists, decodable sentences, and decodable readers 3) Appendixes: There are additional "extra" copywork printouts here. These copywork passages are related to the decodable readers and go along with the RiL method of Intentional Copywork. Some families only use the the student workbook and decodable readers. Others incorporate some or all of the other reading kit and appendix resources. IMO, the benefit to RiL, is it offers tons of "supplement" materials that you would have to hunt down if using a program like LoE or AAR. Some kids need more practice than those programs offer, and others don't.
Are the videos in the curriculum for the kids to watch or is it for the parents?
Great question - they are for the parents.
Do you know when you will be reviewing the wand? And which level are you reviewing for the wand?
Hopefully in the next couple of weeks. We just moved and things are....chaotic. I'll do all levels for the review. :)
Hello! Have you considered reviewing the wand anytime soon? Just checking back to the comment above :)
Thank you for this review! May I have 2 questions please? I’m thinking of switching my soon to be 2nd-grader to Pinwheels from Logic of English. We completed level A of LoE. Which level of Pinwheels would you recommend we start with? Our position is a bit unique - we are non-natives living in the UK, and English language is not our first language (so we take our time with studying it).
The second question - does this programme cover cursive handwriting instruction and practice please?
Many thanks!
Hi, so it will depend on your child's comfort level with consonant and vowel letters/sounds and their ability to read and spell short consonant-vowel-consonant words (CVC). If they are able to blend CVC words to read and can also spell CVC words (cat, dog, run, mop, etc.), then Pinwheels 3 might be a good starting point. If they are still working on fluently blending CVC words for reading or are not reading with CVC words yet, then you might consider PW 1/2 and move through it at a quicker pace.
Unfortunately, PW only does print handwriting, not cursive. However, you could teach cursive separately and then have them record their answers in the PW workbook in cursive instead of print. You can also is a free program like the Handwriting Without Tears Worksheet maker to make cursive worksheets to match the PW curriculum. www.lwtears.com/resources/worksheet-maker-lite
Thanks for this thorough review! Do you recommend starting with such a comprehensive program, even if you suspect your child might be a "natural reader?" I used The Wand a bit with my older daughter and found it a lot to tease through. In your opinion, is there a big risk in starting with a simpler program, and returning to something like Pinwheels if we run into challenges? I'm trying to avoid more moving pieces than we need...
I think it really depends on your kid and the other program. One of the things I like about Pinwheels is that it is comprehensive (phonics, word study, grammar, reading, basic writing). Also depends on your teaching style! I'm the type that really wants ALL the things and then I can pick and choose what to use. I don't like having to spend time/energy piecing together supplementary components if a program doesn't do it all for me.
This is so thorough!
I do have a question. Does this program explain the rules of reading?
It's a structured literacy curriculum that follows the science of reading and teaches foundational reading skills, so yes.
This looks like a great program! We have used the 100 easy lessons book, and my daughter is reading well at lesson 70-80, but still struggles sometimes of course. Do you think this program would still be a good fit? Or would you recommend a different LA / reading program to move into next?
I think it would depend on what skills she has mastered from 100 Easy Lessons. RIL has a curriculum placement guide that might help, you could also ask in their FB community. static1.squarespace.com/static/5c59b159b2cf79766b58742a/t/60c381fdc4e32457424e5328/1623425533364/Curriculum+Placement+Guide.pdf
Thank you for this review! My son has dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. We’re currently using Barton (level 3), but it is so dry and boring. It’s like pulling teeth to get him to do it. I have been looking at Pinwheels to try with him over the summer. I’ve really been going back and forth since there aren’t a ton of reviews on it. But this definitely has me sold to at least try it! Thank you!! Also, did you review the Wand yet?
I haven't had a chance to review The Wand yet. Depending on his needs, PW 3 or 4 (releasing soon) might be a good fit.
@@homespun.childhood no worries. I was just wondering. I was thinking of starting with Pinwheels 2 to cover any gaps he may have.
Do you think it would be possible to use RIL Pinwheels as a supplement to another language arts program? I was looking at the student workbook and I love how it is set up. Also, some of the multisensory options looks great too. My daughter is picking up reading fairly easily but I wish our current curriculum included the writing of letters as you sound them out or just the handwriting/writing aspect. Thoughts?
Yes, you could use is as a supplement. However, if you like a current program, I think your money would be better spent on a class by Rooted in Language - that way you would learn the strategies they use and could apply the strategies to your preferred curricula. Their Laying a Path Class, Phonics and Spelling, is a good starting point.
How much did you spend on having it printed and bound...with cardstock for the manipulatives? Where did you have it printed?
When you purchase Pinwheels, one of the documents has printing instructions, including a direct link for ordering printing through their printing partner. If you order through their printing partner, they handle all the details of which document goes on what kind of paper etc. PW 1 & 2 (Year 1) Complete is $195. You can also print just PW 1 for $100 and PW 2 for $94. You don't have to send it out for printing, though. You can print at home if you want. A lot of people opt to use binders instead of coil bindings to cut back on printing costs.
My daughter completed Logic of English Foundations A and is halfway through B. From the Pinwheels placement test she solidly placed in Level 3. I'm tempted to go back to Level 2 to fill in any gaps, although the first 3 units of PW3 reviews PW Year 1. I'm having a difficult time from the samples fully seeing the depth of Level 2. As far as scope and sequence, the only things we have not covered yet are the -ve rule and which vowels go with c- or k-. Do you have any recommendations for us in this situation?
Hi! My son completed LoE Foundations C before we started RiL. I ended up going back to PW 3 for exactly that reason. I ended up applying a lot of their lessons and strategies to more advanced text to match his reading level and his needs. If you are half-way through LoE B and have younger kids that you will homeschool, then I would go with your gut about going back to PW 2 to fill in gaps.
Hi Sarah, so level 2 is Kindergarden still you think? or is more like beginnig of first grade? Also do they learned long vowels on level 2, year 1? I'm a little confused if they'll go through level 1 and 2 in 1 year. Thank you for the review.
Levels 1 and 2 are "kindergarten." Long vowels aren't actually introduced until Pinwheels 4. PW 3 is a lot of word study, consonant digraphs, and r-controlled vowels. Feel free to message me on IG or email - I might be able to quickly point you in the right direction.
I have another question about printing. It looks like you have some portions printed double-sided and other portions printed single-sided. I'm assuming you just sent those in as separate printing orders? Can you tell me what parts you got printed double-sided and single-sided? Thanks.
When you purchase PW, it comes with printing directions. The DIY printing directions are VERY detailed, telling you what to print on what weight paper etc. If you send out for printing, I recommend using their printing partner because they already know how to print the different documents - you just tell them "PW 1" or "PW 2" and they do all the rest. If you are just starting out with a new reader, I think sending it out for printing with the direct link for their printing partner (in your purchase documents) is a really good option.
@@homespun.childhood ok, thank you. Is the student workbook the only consumable part of the curriculum?
@@crystaldean7740 No - parts of the reading kits are also consumable.
This looks great but very pricey to get printed in Canada. Was looking for Canadian distributors but didn't see any- only a Canadian printer that looks pricey given number of pages etc
Any other Canadians purchase here? Any tips?
Also, where'd you have it printed?
If you purchase the curriculum, the getting started guide has a link to have it printed from Making Family Count. There are other homeschool-friendly printing services like Hard Copy HQ and Watson Family Press.
Is it a full LA program?
Yes, you do not need to add additional LA resources until you complete the levels. Some folks add in an additional writing program like IEW or EIW and/or some literature guides during PW 3/4.