What reading level (or grade level) is the Hooked on Phonics program designed for?

Hooked on Phonics is a powerful program for children who are just starting to learn letter names and letter sounds (approximately Pre-K or age three) and 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, while the App and App + Practice Packs program runs through early 2nd grade.

If your child has not yet mastered the alphabet and letter sounds, our Pre-reaeder 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. 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 several ‘tickets’ will appear. 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.