Education and Children by MyReviewsNow - By: chickie99

The Hooked on Phonics reading, math and spelling programs use three main steps in their approach to learning. First children learn the concept, then they practice the concept until it is mastered and finally they reinforce what they have learned by playing games or reading books. It is meant to be a self-paced program of education and children can move along at the speed in which they feel comfortable.

The reading program was created not only to teach children to read but also to help children who are having difficulty reading or to help improve proficiency. The program uses systematic and multi-sensory materials utilizing the phonics approach to teach reading. Phonics is a method based on sounding out letters to learn to read, as opposed to the "look and say" method that has often been used in public schools over the years. The creators of Hooked on Phonics believe that the first step in learning to read is the ability to understand that words are made up of sounds and children must associate symbols (letters) with sounds. Although the main method used is sounding out words, Hooked on Phonics also recognizes the importance of automatic word recognition and makes sure children get a lot of exposure and repetition to reinforce the words they have learned. This is accomplished in the DVDs as well as the workbooks and storybooks. Hooked on Phonics is not only interested in teaching the technical aspects of reading but also believes in the importance of reading for meaning and enjoyment. In addition to the individual lessons, this program offers storybooks that are by award winning authors and illustrators in the field of education and children.

The complete program for reading, beginning with Pre-K level and going up to second grade, consists of eight DVDs and workbooks, over thirty storybooks, letter and picture flashcards and a reading fun pack. The reading fun pack includes three phonics flip books, four review workbooks and one sing-along CD. The price for this package is around $200. If all levels are not needed there are other options. Individual levels can be purchased for around $30 each. All the levels include access to their online program also which offer games, videos, downloadable items and book recommendations.

The Hooked on Math program consists of audio CDs, workbooks, flashcards and manipulatives and can be purchased for about $160. Hooked on Spelling is a smaller more simple package which has two interactive CDs and two workbooks at a cost of $25. Hooked on Phonics also offers "value bundles" which combine their reading and math programs at a lower cost than if one were to buy them individually.

The reviews for Hooked on Phonics are generally very good with much praise coming from parents, teachers and children. The only complaint seemed to be a lack of quantity and variety of games. This could be a weakness since gaming has become very popular in the world of education and children. Other than that, most of the users of the program have experienced great success not only with their young children learning to read very rapidly but also with improvement in reading skills. The Hooked on Phonics program has won numerous awards over the years and is well-respected in the realm of education and children. For those who might be hesitant about investing money in this program there is a 30 day no-risk trial which can be purchased for $14.95.

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