Knows about 100 sight words, when to expect sounding out words? Early phonics?

[TeachingMyToddlers]

I checked out the visual primer site...although it looks interesting, it's out of my league financially at $499. I really hope they meant $990 for algebra, not $9,900! 10K to learn algebra???

[Ouroboros1]

I'm interested in programs like this, but they REALLY need to work on their website! 

Unless theres some section I missed, are there only about 3 pages, then bam $499.  I thought the, "Buy Visual Primer, You Will Be So Glad You Did" was a nice touch. 

At first, I was also thinking...."Did she just say show-da?" 

[DrPrimo]

don't forget this was made in australia, so there is a distinct accent.  they also have american english accents as well 
i was worried about that , too!
i've relayed your concerns to Jo and i'm hoping he will take them to heart.  I'm not sure what is going on with that algebra price... i'm hoping he'll fix that.  do look around (ie: clicking on all the links) b/c there is lots of explanation about the program... it is a bit hard to find however.  and if you have question, email him as he is happy to answer them.

i'm going to use the program and let everyone know how it goes.

the doc

[TeachingMyToddlers]

The website was also a huge turn off to me, it is just not user friendly.

On the "buy" page it starts with "now you've tried visual primer"  but there is no where to "try" it, no free trial like LR I guess? No money back guarantee either since there is no free trial?

There are no details about WHAT the program is....DVD? Computer Based? Can you download new files, is it stagnant, how long does the program take to complete (in months), is it divided up into semesters/units? I saw all the flags but no additional information about the different language programs, and I only really saw the Math program on the "buy" page. Maybe I am dense and I just missed it, but I am the "average consumer" and that means the average consumer won't "get it" either. Are there any testimonials from previous users?

And I agree, I would hope for a North American accent if I was using this program to teach my kids. Are there packages that include your native language, a "foreign language" and the math program, all purchased with a certain percentage discount for buying 3 at a time? That type of information would be good to know, and then like I said, I hope that algebra price was a typo?

All of the information needs to be laid out in clear, easy to read format with those kinds of details explained.

I did not click on any of the side videos, if there are any explanations in them I missed those. I was busy downloading other files and didn't want to stream anything.

Tell your friend my husband designs websites and if he wants we can swap a website revamp for his programs.....a fair trade, right?

[waterdreamer]

I couldn't even find a place where I could contact the company and ask questions. For that price I would like to ask a few questions. The videos on the site are very dated too

[TeachingMyToddlers]

Also, the video of the 3 year old girl is probably impressive to the general world, but many little ones on BrillKids are reading by a year. If he has any videos of younger kids reading they might help him better sell his product.

[TeachingMyToddlers]

I spoke with a sales agent named Chris and then Dr. Jones on the phone. Very nice people, it sounds like the program will be a good fit for us. They seem to cover a lot of the tricky parts of reading that I don't exactly know how to teach, the constenants are easy, it's the multitude of vowel sounds that are difficult to explain, especially to a 20 month old.

If you want to teach sight reading only, this is not the program for you because it is a unique, modified method of teaching phonics. They incorporate noah's ark animal pictures to help express letter sounds and such. They teach words like not & note side by side to demonstrate the differences in how vowels can be pronounced. He sounded very knowledgeable on the subject and it seemed like they put a lot of thought into the creation of the program. The only "symbols" they use are lines over the long vowels and outlines on a silent E. I program I was asking about is the Early Reading and Math for ages 2-6.

For the math, they do use manipulatives and large dot cards with dots on one side and numerals on the other. The word cards they use are printed in oversized font.

I asked about any potential discounts with becoming a brillkids affiliate in the future but he said they have no plans to do anything like that. I told him that many parents on this forum don't just choose one program or the other (LM/LR vs JG) but instead many people buy several programs and do them at the same time, taking the best parts of all and creating a specific blend for our children. I don't know if he was listening or not, but I would LOVE to see them join up with BK for 10 or 15% off. That's just the bargain hunter in me I guess.

Anyway, it all sounds good. Looks like I am going to be $162 poorer.

[waterdreamer]

I'm still toying with the idea of this program. It looks great, I'm just nervous about spending another $140+ dollars on a math and reading program. There always seems be something newer and better coming out. As a parent where do you draw the line? But in the end I'll be on there tomorrow buying it . Hey does it come with DVDs as well or just work books, flashcards and manipulative?

[TeachingMyToddlers]

Monique-

I started a thread looking for parents interested in buying this program hoping that maybe if we approached JG with 3-5 people and asked for a small group discount they might be able to accommodate our request. Then I deleted because I didn't think anyone would be interested.

Hmmm.....

oh and about the DVD-- I spoke with the rep today, I know the beginning kit does come with a DVD because I saw it in the picture but couldn't tell if it was a CD or DVD. I asked and they said it was a DVD, but I never did find out exactly *what* manipulatives they use. Doc, got any answers on that one?

[waterdreamer]

I contacted them about doing a review and they were not interested. I think they are comfortable with the way their company is growing and I guess don't need to give out discounts. Site is a bit glitchy tonight I can't click on the early math and reading program to see exactly what is included. It brings me to Math 3 for 6-12 year olds instead. I don't think my son is ready for Math 3, all though he is getting use to adding by single digits and tens. I kick myself for not doing Doman Dots with him when he was young. 

[Nikita]

I saw the visual primer clip on youtube. I'm Australian, and the ladies accent is not. I had the belief she was russian with an American accent.
I emailed the jones genius people, a couple of times now, but no reply... I really want to access their program. The visual primer sounds interesting, but extremely expensive. And you dont know what you are getting. Are the dvds? how long do they go for? How many do you get? The info is thin on the ground...

[waterdreamer]

It seems with the Jones program for info you have to call them. Might be a wee bit of long distances charges for you though.
Visual Primer, I agree there is very little info offered and no email or phone number.

[DrPrimo]

hello everyone!
ok:  dr. jones' manipulatives:
-2 how to DVDs (reading and math)... VERY step by step and home made, but lots of info on it.  once he showed how to do something i just FF through until the next part.  nice to have as a refresher.
-2 binders, reading and math with step by step instructions
-various manipulatives:  numerals with dots and without, special alphabet, all 44 phonic sounds, lots of papers to practice tracing, writing, etc.  and lots of papers with + - x / problems on them and more you can copy.  i got a big box with all the stuff.  posters for math and reading, too.the program is really not meant for any child before like 15-16 mo.  he says 2 is the youngest, but with all of us flashing our brains out, he thinks we are ready.  if he doesn't answer when you call, he might be on vacation before school starts (i think he has a school/classes in TX).  i would keep calling/emailing him.
also, his website is buggy... i noticed that, too.  i think it is safe to say that brillkids is an exceptional site!!

i also took the extra step and purchased the online course to help guide me through the process. i found that the best thing as i had lots of questions and i got to go to the source.  very helpful!  that was the main reason i brought DJ to everyone's attention.

visual primer:
i could have sworn that accent was australian, because the gal and Jo sound exactly alike!   anyway, it is some kind of crazy accent, which he says he has other videos of people speaking.
with that said, i did fwd. all of the comments that have been listed.  he is taking them all into account so i'm hoping an improvement.  now i will say it has taken me almost 4 months to get a response.  i saw his stuff on you tube and was very impressed, especially with the math program, which is what caught my attention.  he seems to be an academic and not a marketer, so i think we are witnessing the beginning of a company.
with that being said, i would just keep emailing him and asking questions.  it takes about 3 email to get an answer.  you guys must think i'm crazy because once i get a hold of something i don't let go until i have an answer!
here is the address:
[email protected]
tell him you got the info. from me (leanna)

here is what i understand about visual primer:
as you are reading words, the video (a download) is focused on the lips while it is reading.  there was a thread about how seeing lips move for babies/young children is great for learning language and why it was difficult to learn languages from a DVD, CDs, etc.  that is what got me motivated to know more about it.  he does put together languages, which they are inthe process of doing.  in any event, he says once you go through that (2-5 min./day) then you graduate to something called the DD read and speak.  same type of thing, but more advanced vocab and a very innovate interactive video/lip reading thing.  there are also downloads to work with along side the lessons.  once you have got the reading thing down, THEN you go to the math.  he is obviously bringing the math price down (i still have no idea why it is so high )  anyway...
the math is amazing because there is basic mathematics, then algebra AND physics, chemistry... etc.  so by the time your child is like 6-8 they are all the way through high school math.  even if they get through algebra at this age, i'm totally up for that.  it is my understanding that he is a doman guy from way back (like 20 years) and he developed this for his children and those are his kids on youtube and the website.

hope that helps.  please PM me if you have any other questions.  i will say that i think visual primer is expensive but i do think dr. jones is worth every penny, provided you stick to his schedule.  it does take time, but i think we are all up for that!  i think i have to wait until next month for VP b/c my husband is going to KILL me if i buy any more materials for our DD

write with questions
the doc

[Nikita]

I really like the idea of my little ones being through high school maths, physics, chemistry by eight. Might be worth it for my older kids too...sounds very expensive though...

It seriously cant be $9,900 for the math section? And when is chemisty and physics coming out I wonder..and how unaffordable will that be?

[DrPrimo]

I know the cost is coming down and that (i THINK) that number is over years... and includes everything.  i think if an individual wanted that (and he were only to sell a few) over the years that is what it would cost in total.  but if enough people are interested it will come down.  when i first contacted him the math/beginning algebra was $25/day for 50 days... but that (i now realize) is just the beginning.
but i would contact him, tell him of your interest in the math.  make sure to tell him about the reading ability of your child, as that is important to the success of his math program.
btw, i just got in trouble for buying too much stuff for the DD (BOI, DVDs, etc) so it looks like i'm going to have to hold off on visual primer for a while. 
good luck and let us know what you find out!
the doc

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