We love this programm!! there is virtually no teacher, Its ery easy to use! these can be used before they are ready to write with ease my children started using the deluxe programm at age 4 and we are still using it at age 6. i like that after lesson they are "READING" a book as this helped build up mu eldest s confidence. there is also a chart that can be used with muiltiple children to chart success on. 1 can sit ons child down with the tape and workbook and she sounds out the letterson her own. while working on harder words with the older child the flashcards are very handy and are contained on a plastic ring that is easy to keep track of. i would add a workbook like the"EXPLODE THE CODE' SERIES As this really helped my child grasp everything i like the facts that this programm did not have the "SONGS" that are still in my head from being taught to read years ago!!