-
Step 1
Begin teaching your child with level one Hooked on Phonics (HOP) material, which is learning the letter sounds. Show your child the provided flashcards and musical audiotapes. As your child begins to show mastery of letter sounds, combine the sounds of the different letters, and your child will practice reading parts of words. Have your child read the corresponding books and workbooks as he goes along. When he is able to fluently combine letter sounds and retain information, he has mastered this level and may move on to level two.
-
Step 2
Teach your child beginning word sounds and sound combinations with level two. Ask her the beginning letters of common items, such as her name or your name. Walk her around the room asking her to name things. Ask her to identify the beginning letter of the items, such a "p" for picture. Congratulate her if she answers correctly, and tell her if she answers incorrectly. Show your child the provided flashcards and musical audiotapes. As she is learning, have her show you items with beginning letters that match the flashcards, then practice these beginning sounds with the provided flashcards and musical audiotapes. Next have your child practice reading words using her new knowledge of beginning sounds. Have your child read the workbooks and reading books aloud to you or a sibling. Do not move on until your child demonstrates mastery by reading independently.
-
Step 3
On the third level you will teach your child ending sounds and other sound combinations using the provided flashcards and musical audiotapes. Tell your child to remind you of the beginning letter combinations he knows. Ask him if he thinks these same combinations could fall at the ends of words. Have your child practice reading words using his new knowledge of word-ending sounds. This reading process should be much easier now with the knowledge of letter combinations, beginning sounds and ending sounds. Have your child reading the workbook stories and HOP books as he practices daily with you. Monitor his independent reading, and when you observe him to be fluent, move on to level four.
-
Step 4
Now teach vowel sounds with the provided flashcards and musical audiotapes in conjunction with many hands-on activities. One way to keep vowel sounds fresh in your child's mind is to have your child identify and label household items that begin or end with vowels. To pass by or use the items, the child must name the item, name the vowel and say the vowel sound aloud.
Have your child practice reading words by combining her knowledge of vowel and other sounds. As your child is improving, have her read the workbooks and reading books aloud to you or a sibling. This practice will show you when she is ready to move on. -
Step 5
With level five materials you will teach additional sounds and sound combinations, allowing your child to read more difficult words and complex stories. The provided flashcards and musical audiotapes will give you somewhere to start. When your child makes it to this level, you will not have to encourage practice as much. Your child will tell you the words he can read in his surroundings. Have your child read cooking directions, assembly directions or even cereal boxes. You may have to remind your child to use his strategies for sounding out words, but you will observe a lot of success. Have your child practice all the sounds he has learned to read new words. Tell your child to practice reading his workbooks and reading books alone. When he feels ready, have him read aloud to the whole family. After a couple of read-alouds, your child should show mastery of level five.
