How Hooked on Phonics helped my Children Learn How to Read

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.

If you happen to be anywhere near New York City next week, you will have to stop down at the Littlest Pet Shop VIP Boutique pop up store. This is something you won’t want to miss!

Hasbro has taken their very popular Littlest Pet Shop line and brought them to “life”. Enter Littlest Pet Shop VIP’s. These are adorable stuffed animals (my kids can’t put them down!) that have an online persona as well. Each animal comes with a secret code that allows you to set up their online version. I haven’t thoroughly explored their online world, so I will write about that next week. But I wanted to spread the word NOW about the pop up Boutique in New York City.

What is a Littlest Pet Shop VIP pop up Boutique, you ask? (I did, too.)
It is an actual hands on playspace and store dedicated to the Littlest Pet Shop VIP’s. When you enter the Boutique you will get a “Kibble Card” with activities you need to complete as you travel through the store. The activities are fun things like playing with the VIP’s online at one of the computer stations, having your picture taken with the VIP’s, and playing a real life version of the Super Sundae game. You then turn in your Kibble Card for some really cool prizes. And, of course, you can shop for your VIP’s here as well. But here’s the catch! The Boutique will only be there for a limited time. Six more days to be exact.

When:

• Today thru Sunday October 21, 2007
• And next week on Thursday October 25, 2007 to Sunday October 28, 2007

Where:

• 587 Fifth Avenue, New York (Between 47th and 48th) - an easy walk from Grand Central Terminal.

If you can’t make it to the boutique, not to worry, the VIP’s are available at HasbroToyShop.com, Amazon.com, and at major retailers in New York City area.

To see my complete review of the Littlest Petshop VIP’s read my post called LittlestPetshop.com