IRA Newsletter Weekly Project: Effective Literacy Website #6

IRA Newsletter Weekly Project: Effective Literacy Website #6

 

Hooked on Phonics

 

Hooked on Phonics (https://www.hookedonphonics.com/0/  or https://subscriptions.hookedonphonics.com/read-with-hop/reader-today-leader-tomorrow) is an award winning program that helps children who are only just learning letter names and sounds or who are struggling to master reading skills, by utilizing a fun method of teaching critical reading skills. Children use the program and learn by watching award winning videos, practice using important phonics skills by playing interactive games, and reading engaging stories.

Its content was developed by educators and has been proven to be an effective and fun way for children to learn to read. The program introduces new concepts through videos filled with catchy songs and interactive activities. Then, students practice those skills and concepts with the interactive activities which includes puzzles and various games. Next, the students will combine the skills they have practiced to begin reading books, which draw on the skills that they have learned. Lastly, as students hone their skills and complete lessons, they are awarded with in-app prizes and stickers.

Some great features this program contains are its progress tracking, which enables parents to keep track of their child’s progress and allows the child to take pride in their growth, its rewards system, and its ability to accommodate multiple users. This program is accessible from any phone, tablet, or computer and a child’s lesson progress will be fully synchronized across all the devices. The subscription page (https://subscriptions.hookedonphonics.com/read-with-hop/reader-today-leader-tomorrow) is very welcoming, simple and easy to navigate. Its app is user friendly and will capture the interest of all its users.

This program is free to try however, if a user would like to continue using the program, they must sign up for a paid membership. Currently, Hooked on Phonics is offering new members to sign up and receive their first month of membership for only $1. Once a member has successfully signed up, they will receive unlimited access to the Learn to Read app, an easy to follow workbook to supplement reading instruction, storybooks to reinforce lessons, discussion questions used to strengthen the child’s reading comprehension, celebration stickers, and tips and ideas on how to extend reading practice at home.

Hooked on Phonics is an effective literacy tool as it teaches through the use of music, games, lessons, and stories. Through its interactive lessons and activities, and inviting atmosphere, Hooked on Phonics not only helps improve reading ability, but it fosters a love for reading and books.