Elbow finished her Hooked on Phonics Kindergarten last week. Determined to finish, she read the last three books in one sitting -- painstakingly sounding out each word. This took a good half hour, if not longer. I love her eagerness!I will admit, there was a carrot at the end of the stick. Phonics is the one academic pursuit we attach a reward too. After finishing a complete set, the reader gets to pick a prize (within reason, of course). I'm not sure how this happened, but Bobo was sure to tell Elbow all about it when she began phonics. Now we're stuck. It is pretty sweet, though, to hear the others rooting their sister on: "You're almost done -- then you get a PRIZE!"
When Bobo went through Hooked on Phonics, there were five levels, marketed at ages 4-8. Once she caught on to reading, there was no stopping her and she finished all five in less than a year. (Surely this had nothing to do with the aforementioned prize...) They've since changed their format to three levels: Kindergarten, First, and Second grades.
Most home schoolers seem to prefer Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. We started with Hooked on Phonics for no other reason than Bobo saw them at the library and wanted to check them out. I think it's a great system. The books are engaging and offer a real sense of accomplishment. We don't use the CD much, or the flashcards. The workbook and books are plenty of practice and move along at a nice pace.
Elbow has been waiting by the window (literally) for the First Grade box to come. (I bet there's no mail tomorrow for Presidents Day -- Must.Find.Diversion!). Congratulations to our newest little reader!
3 comments:
This is wonderful. Congrats! I am somewhat at a loss as how to proceed in teaching my little one how to read. I don't want to do 100 EZ Lessons. I would be interested to know more about Hooked on Phonics ... any criticisms or good points about it???
Divina,
One of the good things is the charts. Mine have always been motivated by a chart -- I think it's the visual progress? I really like the little HOP books, they're 5-10 pages in length, just a few words on a page at the beginning. But the child feels like she's actually reading a real book. Huge sense of accomplishment. If you did every workbook page it might get a bit bogged down - I think it depends on the child. My first born wanted to do EVERY SINGLE THING. That's how she is. The second could care less - just as long as she did the books. But I don't really have any complaints with HOP, you can use it as you see fit. It also comes with a CD-ROM now, to supplement the learning. Hope that helps - Good luck!
The team at Hooked on Phonics came across your blog and wanted to say how thrilled we are to hear that your family is enjoying our Learn to Read program.
We wish you continued success and if you are interested in ordering additional Hooked on Phonics titles, please drop us an email at success@hop.com and we would love to give you a coupon for 40% off on your next purchase.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Hooked on Phonics
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