Hooked on Phonics Review

About Hooked on Phonics

Hooked on Phonics is a popular reading program that claims to teach children letter sounds and how they work together to read within 30 days.

The company offers a variety of reading programs for children from pre-K through first grade. Their programs are designed to be easy to follow and understand, and they promise to help your child learn to read quickly.

With so many reading programs available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your child. In my Hooked on Phonics review, I’ll take a closer look at the site’s services, prices, products, and more, to make the decision a little easier.

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Pros and Cons

Let’s begin by measuring the pros and cons of Hooked on Phonics.

Pros

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Hooked on Phonics offers a complete phonics curriculum that covers all the necessary skills to help children learn to read. It includes lessons on letter sounds, blending, sight words, and more.
• Engaging Content: The program includes a variety of multimedia resources, including videos, songs, and games, to keep children engaged and motivated.
• Flexible Learning: Hooked on Phonics can be used at home or in the classroom, and it is suitable for children of different ages and abilities.
• Effective Results: Many parents and educators have reported success with Hooked on Phonics, with children making significant progress in their reading skills.

Cons

• Cost: Hooked on Phonics can be expensive, especially if you opt for the full program. However, there are more affordable options available, such as the app or individual workbooks.
• Repetitive: Some children may find the program repetitive, as it uses a lot of the same activities and exercises throughout the lessons.
• Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution: While Hooked on Phonics is an effective program for many children, it may not work for everyone. Children with learning disabilities or other challenges may require additional support and resources.

How Does Hooked on Phonics Work?

Hooked on Phonics offers a comprehensive reading program for kids from pre-K all the way through first grade. This means that your child can start using the program at a young age and continue to use it as they grow and develop their reading skills.

The core concept of Hooked on Phonics revolves around teaching children the relationship between sounds and letters. It begins with phonics instruction, where children learn to identify and associate letter sounds with corresponding letters or letter combinations.

The program introduces phonics concepts gradually, starting with simple letter sounds and progressing to more complex phonetic patterns.

Primarily, Hooked on Phonics incorporates interactive and engaging materials to make learning enjoyable for children. It includes colorful books, flashcards, interactive activities, and audiovisual components. These materials provide a multi-sensory learning experience, allowing children to see, hear, and manipulate letters and words.

The program also emphasizes the importance of sight words, which are common words that children need to recognize quickly and accurately.

Sight word instruction helps children develop fluency in reading and build their vocabulary. Hooked on Phonics includes specific lessons and activities dedicated to teaching sight words effectively.

To reinforce reading comprehension skills, Hooked on Phonics offers various reading exercises and activities. These activities focus on developing comprehension strategies, such as understanding story elements, making predictions, and drawing conclusions.

By engaging children in meaningful reading experiences, the program helps them become proficient readers who comprehend and enjoy what they read.

To build upon that engagement, Hooked on Phonics provides a structured learning path, guiding children through different levels of reading proficiency. The program offers step-by-step lessons that build upon previously learned skills and gradually introduce new concepts. It allows children to progress at their own pace, ensuring a personalized learning experience.

The program also includes assessments to track a child’s progress and identify areas that may need additional support. These assessments help parents and educators monitor the child’s growth and provide targeted instruction when necessary.

Product Range

Hooked on Phonics offers a range of reading programs and digital learning tools designed to help children learn to read. In this section, I’’ill take a closer look at the different products available on the website.

Reading Programs

The Hooked on Phonics reading programs cater to different age groups and reading levels. These programs are designed to make learning to read fun and engaging for children.

Here are some of the reading programs available on the website:

• Learn to Read: This program is designed for children aged 3 to 8 years old (roughly pre-kindergarten to second grade) and is divided into four levels. Each level includes workbooks, DVDs, and reading books that introduce new concepts and reinforce learning.
• Rising Reader: This program is designed for children entering the first and second grade and teaches them how to read challenging phonics. They’ll learn about consonant blends, inflectional endings, diphthongs, and other intermediate concepts.
• Hooked on Phonics App: This app is available for iOS and Android devices and includes a range of interactive games and activities that help children learn to read. The app is designed for children aged 3 to 8 years old.

Digital Learning Tools

In addition to the reading programs, Hooked on Phonics also offers a range of digital learning tools that can be used alongside the reading programs or on their own.

These tools are designed to make learning to read even more fun and engaging. Here are some of the digital learning tools available on the website:

• Digital Workbooks: These workbooks can be accessed online and include a range of activities and exercises that reinforce learning.
• Interactive Games: Hooked on Phonics offers a range of interactive games that help children learn to read. These games can be accessed online or through the Hooked on Phonics app.
• Progress Tracking Tools: Hooked on Phonics offers progress tracking tools that allow parents to monitor their child’s progress and identify areas where they may need additional support.

Overall, Hooked on Phonics offers a range of reading programs and digital learning tools that are designed to make learning to read fun and engaging for children.

Whether your child is just starting to learn to read or is struggling with reading, there is a program or tool that can help them improve their skills.

Quality of Content

When it comes to the quality of content, Hooked on Phonics offers a comprehensive learning program that covers all aspects of reading, from letter recognition to reading full sentences. The program is designed to be engaging and interactive, making it an excellent choice for children who may struggle with traditional learning methods.

The learning material provided by Hooked on Phonics is of high quality and covers all the necessary aspects of reading. The program includes lessons on letter recognition, phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and fluency. The lessons are designed to be engaging and interactive, with plenty of opportunities for practice and reinforcement.

The program also includes various reading materials, including books, stories, and articles. These materials are age-appropriate and engaging, helping to keep children interested and motivated to learn.

Additionally, Hooked on Phonics provides plenty of games, songs, and other interactive activities that help to reinforce the learning material.

Overall, the quality of content provided by Hooked on Phonics is excellent. The program is designed to be engaging and interactive, with high-quality learning materials and plenty of opportunities for practice and reinforcement.

The program’s interactivity and progress tracking features make it an excellent choice for children who may struggle with traditional learning methods.

Pricing and Value

When it comes to pricing, Hooked on Phonics offers a subscription-based model that starts at $16 per month plus $3 shipping. This monthly subscription includes the following items:

• Access to the Hooked on Phonics app
• A 32-page workbook that connects with the app
• Some storybooks
• Stickers as rewards

Who is Hooked on Phonics For?

The target audience for Hooked on Phonics is typically children between the ages of 3 and 8, specifically those who are learning to read or struggling with reading skills. The program is designed to support children at various stages of early literacy development, including preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary school students.

It’s worth noting that while Hooked on Phonics primarily targets young children in the early stages of reading, it can also be helpful for older children and individuals who are learning English as a second language or seeking to improve their literacy skills.

Hooked on Phonics Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

This section of my Hooked on Phonics review will summarize the service’s overall positive customer reception. The easiest way to do so is by glancing at the aggregated scores from various websites. I’ve collected several scores that are up-to-date as of July 2023. 

• Trust Pilot: 4.1/5 stars based on more than 1,100 pieces of customer feedback
• Amazon: 4.1/5 stars based on more than 60 pieces of customer feedback
• Google Play: 3.9/5 stars based on more than 3,700 pieces of customer feedback

Customers appreciated several aspects of the Hooked on Phonics program. Firstly, they value the effective communication, finding that it is provided only when necessary and includes helpful tips on areas to focus on for their child’s learning. They said it allowed children to learn independently and built up their confidence. 

One customer Hooked on Phonics review said, “Worth every penny!! Communication was only when needed and included very helpful tips on what my child should spend more time on. Books are so well done and activities are creative. My 4 yo knew all her letters and sounds right away after using this program, she’s already sounding out words! The app is engaging and smart, with just the right amount of repetition. I highly recommend this subscription.”

The well-crafted books and creative activities are also highly praised for engaging children and facilitating their learning progress. Customers mention that the program effectively teaches letter recognition and sounds, enabling children to quickly start sounding out words. 

The colorful stories in the books are particularly appreciated for making reading enjoyable and motivating. The inclusion of star stickers as rewards for completing pages is seen as a positive reinforcement strategy. Overall, customers find that Hooked on Phonics makes reading fun and boosts children’s confidence in their reading abilities.

As another shopper wrote on Trustpilot, “I love the way the app is so easy for my grandson to use on his own. He loves the books and the animals that appear when he answers the questions. The sound effects when he is correct are awesome and make it so much fun for him. He just turned 5 and is in Pre-K. He has a look of excitement when he reads a word!!! I love the workbooks!!”

However, there are occasional technical issues reported, such as the app freezing or letters and words appearing jumbled. While some customers have found solutions to these issues, these technical glitches can temporarily disrupt the learning experience. Despite these concerns, customers still appreciate the program’s positive impact on their child’s reading skills and confidence.

Overall, Hooked on Phonics reviews can be summarized by this buyer’s testimonial. “Each page in a book, and consequently each new book, progresses my daughter’s learning at the ideal rate. She is loving to read, thanks to these colorful stories. The star stickers are a great addition, in that she rewards herself after completion of every few pages. Thanks Hooked on Phonics for making reading fun!”

Is Hooked on Phonics Worth It?

Based on the research and customer feedback, Hooked on Phonics seems to be a reliable and effective tool for teaching children to read. The program’s straightforward approach to phonics instruction has helped many kids develop their reading skills and boost their confidence.

One of the main benefits of Hooked on Phonics is its emphasis on multisensory learning. The program uses a variety of materials, including books, videos, and games, to engage children and reinforce their learning. The program is also designed to be easy to use, with clear instructions and a step-by-step approach.

Another advantage of Hooked on Phonics is its affordability. Compared to other reading programs, Hooked on Phonics is relatively inexpensive and offers a range of options to fit different budgets and needs. Additionally, the program offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and affordable reading program for your child, Hooked on Phonics is definitely worth considering. With its proven track record and user-friendly approach, it could be just what your child needs to master the basics of reading.

Alternatives

There are many programs and resources available for teaching children to read, and what works best for one child may not work for another. Some popular alternatives to Hooked on Phonics include Reading Eggs, ABCmouse, and Teach Your Monster to Read. 

• Reading Eggs places a strong emphasis on phonics instruction and sight word recognition. It uses a sequential learning path with structured lessons to guide children through various reading skills, including letter-sound relationships, blending, vocabulary, and comprehension. The program incorporates interactive activities, games, and e-books to engage children and reinforce learning.
• ABCmouse offers a comprehensive early learning curriculum that encompasses multiple subjects, including reading. It provides a wide range of interactive activities, songs, puzzles, and books that support phonics skills, sight word recognition, and reading comprehension. ABCmouse is known for its immersive and interactive virtual world, where children can explore and engage with various learning experiences.
• Teach Your Monster to Read takes a game-based approach to reading instruction. Children create their own monster avatar and embark on a quest through different worlds, completing phonics activities and challenges along the way. The program focuses on letter sounds, blending, and word recognition. It aims to make learning to read enjoyable and interactive by incorporating game elements into the lessons.

Hooked on Phonics Promotions & Discounts

Hooked on Phonics offers a 30-day trial period in which new customers can test the service for as little as $1. If it’s not for you, you can cancel your subscription before it gets off the ground.

FAQ

Who owns Hooked on Phonics?

Sandviks Inc. acquired Hooked on Phonics back in 2011. 

Is Hooked on Phonics worth the money?

Many parents wonder if Hooked on Phonics is worth the investment. The answer is that it depends on your child’s needs and learning style.

If your child struggles with reading or has a learning disability, Hooked on Phonics may be a worthwhile investment. However, if your child is a strong reader or learns best through other methods, you may not see as much benefit from the program.

What happened to Hooked on Phonics?

Hooked on Phonics was originally created in the 1980s and became a popular program for teaching children to read. The company has gone through several changes over the years, including bankruptcy and acquisition by other companies.

Today, Hooked on Phonics is still available as a digital program and continues to help children learn to read.

What age is best for Hooked on Phonics?

Hooked on Phonics is designed for children ages 3-8, although the program can be adapted for older children who are struggling with reading. It’s important to remember that every child learns at their own pace, so there is no specific age that is “best” for using Hooked on Phonics.

Are there any Hooked on Phonics app reviews?

Yes, there are many reviews available for the Hooked on Phonics app. The app has received generally positive reviews from both parents and educators, with many users reporting significant improvements in their child’s reading ability after using the program.

How to Contact Hooked on Phonics

If you have any questions after finishing my Hooked on Phonics review, I recommend emailing the company. You can do that on www.hookedonphonics.com.

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