Every child is different, with different strengths and different weaknesses. Having four children, I know this firsthand. When it comes to learning, these differences stand out even more. My first two children were what I would call average early learners. They seemed to be right on target with their classmates. The learned to read and write and do math right along with everyone else. They loved to read, once they learned how. To this day they are voracious readers and enjoy reading for fun. No issues. Easy.

When it came time for my third child to begin reading, we were in for a shock. Reading did not come easily to him. Try as we might we could not spark an interest. That is when we discovered Hooked on Phonics. (No, this isn’t an infomercial telling you that due to Hooked on Phonics he became a reading sensation overnight.) Even today, he remains what can be referred to as a reluctant reader. He doesn’t read “for fun” and much prefers video games to books. But due in large part to the Hooked on Phonics system - he can read. Whether he chooses to or not is a different story. This son of mine is doing fine in school and keeping up with his class. We started with the Kindergarten Hooked on Phonics and followed up with the first grade series. The best part was that he enjoyed the activities and did not resist the work. The included audio CD’s made it easy for him to work on his own if I could not sit down and work with him. (three other kids can be a bit distracting.)

My fourth child is still in preschool. Not wanting to experience the same difficulties with her, I purchased the Preschool Hooked on Phonics system last year. Thankfully, she seems to have an affinity towards reading and took to it right away. She loved playing the games, letter bingo was her favorite. And we quickly finished that program before the year was out. She is now halfway through the kindergarten Hooked on Phonics program. (keep in mind that she is still in preschool) She knows all her letters - both upper and lower case. And she is reading simple books. We are taking the program slow, we work on it a few times a week. If it seems to difficult for her we put it away and come back to it later. This way learning to read remains fun for her.

I have been through all kinds of different workbooks and systems over the course of four kids, and have to say that Hooked on Phonics is my favorite learning system. All the tools are provided in one useful package that kids enjoy and parents love. I have just become aware of two coupon codes that you can use with the previous link: save 20% on all orders with code SAVE20 or receive a free activity kit with any purchase over $50 - code FG7009. I am not sure for how long these codes are valid. Many of my friends have commented on my daughter’s reading abilities, so I just wanted to share with you what worked for me.