Is Hooked on Phonics Right for My Child?

What age(s) is Hooked on Phonics suitable for?

Hooked on Phonics is a powerful program for children approximately ages 3-8; from those who are just starting to learn letter names and letter sounds (approximately Pre-K or age three), to children who are struggling (or need a little boost) to master reading skills all the way through early 2nd grade. Our learn to Read boxed kit program runs a bit longer, through the end of 2nd grade.

If your child has not yet mastered the alphabet and letter sounds, our Pre-reader section is the right place to begin. Both our App+Practice Packs and our Learn to Read boxed kits begin at the Pre-K level. You may start your child at any level of the program you deem appropriate as well. Simply navigate to the step in the app that correlates with your child’s grade reading level. Note, we suggest rounding down, if you have any question about your child’s current reading level, as the extra review builds confidence and fills in gaps in understanding, whereas starting at a level that is too difficult could leave your child frustrated and/or cause them to skip important skills. Here is a general guide to how approximate grade levels match up with our App and Practice Packs:

When you open the Hooked on Phonics App for the first time, swipe right on the white arrows to be taken to our Pre-Reader (Big Reading Show) section. You’ll see a red curtain background, tap the Big Reading Show curtain and you will see several ‘tickets’. Your child can complete these tickets in any order, but you’ll want to move from first to last if you plan to use Practice Packs with your child for hands-on practice, as the packs coordinate with the App steps in order.