There's always been discussion and debate about the best ways to teach reading and writing in schools. People used to call that progress. At some point in the past few decades, however, the US education system took a wrong turn, and right now, reading, writing, and math scores among school-aged children are the lowest they've been in decades. Schools are adapting and adopting new strategies based on the phonics-based "The Science of Reading." Still, this adaptation needs to happen faster for many parents, and the change has left many children behind.
While parents wait for schools to figure out the best system, it's important to remember that Hooked on Phonics remains the best phonics-based learning system available for parents looking to help their kids. It has been a great tool since it was first released in the late 1980s, and with the current debate around education, it could be more important than ever.
The Debate Around Teaching: Where Did It Go Wrong?
Thanks to an argument going back almost six decades, the way schools teach reading and writing has changed repeatedly. Some grandparents might be nostalgic for memorizing sight words from repetitive texts, while some parents will remember the role of class reading, journaling, and flash cards. Many of these techniques fell away around the turn of the century, with students instead searching sentences for context clues and patterns.
Unfortunately, turning literacy into a guessing game didn't pan out for the current generation, so "The Science of Reading" aims to bring back phonics, fluency, and systematic comprehension. Schools switching to this method are seeing quick improvement in their students' reading and writing skills.
Unlocking Literacy with Flexibility and Confidence Building
All the skills and concepts that comprise the core of "The Science of Reading" have been the keys to Hooked On Phonics since the 80s. The Hooked On Phonics program—which has kept current with modern technology, becoming an app-based program that takes advantage of the best modern learning tools available—bundles up the best parts of past techniques and helps children progress at their own pace using songs, stories, and games. Many parents are surprised at their children's pace once they have the right learning tools and a dedicated space and time to use them.
Remember that math scores are also a problem in schools, and math is one of the three core areas that Hooked On Phonics addresses. When the school curriculum has let kids fall behind, stepping outside and trying something new is essential. The tutoring tools offered by Hooked on Phonics are diverse and adaptable, giving struggling students every chance to catch up, relearn what has been missed or fill in the gaps in their learning. This adaptability ensures that your child's unique learning needs will be met.
Give Your Child the Chance to Excel
One of the best ways to address these situations is to start before problems appear. Parents of younger children can quickly discover that their schools have been slow to change or that their child's literacy and math skills need special attention. Kids can begin Hooked on Phonics early to be well-prepared before school even starts. The most important part is knowing what your child can do and ensuring they have the tools to fulfill that potential. Your kids might surprise you if you let them!
