If you and your kid have just finished Hooked on Phonics, you might be wondering what to do next. Are you on your own from here on out, or are there other steps you can take to ensure that your kid is getting the best support in learning to read?
As a general rule, after kids are finished with Hooked on Phonics, they should continue practicing reading to improve their vocabulary, speed, and reading comprehension. These skills are taught throughout elementary school, and there are various programs that can provide reading learning support.
Reading is something that needs continuous practice for improvement. However, it can sometimes be tricky to know what the next step is. Below, you will find out what to do after completing Hooked on Phonics, as well as some helpful tips on improving reading.
What to Do After Completing Hooked on Phonics
According to Hooked on Phonics, the program is typically set up for kids in preschool through early 2nd grade. It is perfect for ages 3 to 7, who are just starting out on their reading journey, giving them the support they need to stay on track.
However, learning to read doesn’t just stop there. By second grade, kids are typically expected to sound out unfamiliar words, use some common punctuation, and show comprehension of a story with pictures. There are so many things they still aren’t familiar with, such as:
- Full use of punctuation and capitalization
- Spelling
- Identify new words through context
- Expression and emphasis while reading aloud
- Reading long books independently
- Paragraphs
- figures of speech
- humor in text
- different types of text (poetry, narrative, biography, etc.)
Not to mention, all kids develop at different paces and learn in different ways. Even if you’ve worked through Hooked on Phonics, your kid may need continued support. So, how do you help your kid improve their reading skills after Hooked on Phonics?
To keep reading is the simplest solution. The more you read with your child and let your child read to you, the more comfortable they will get with reading. However, there are also various reading programs that can help your kid improve their skills after they’ve moved past Hooked on Phonics.
Which Programs are Best for Kids After Hooked on Phonics
For the most part, Hooked on Phonics is centered around teaching kids to identify words based on the sounds they make. This includes a focus on syllables, phonetics, and simple compound words. The idea is that the ability to “decode” a word quickly will improve reading comprehension and word recognition.
However, once a child has this down, you probably want them to move on to the next step. After all, reading is so much more than identifying sounds. The good news is that there are plenty of programs designed for older readers.
Here are some of the best programs to consider after Hooked on Phonics:
- Adventure Academy: this is a program from the creators of ABC Mouse that is specifically designed for kids aged 8-13. The reading aspect of this program focuses on comprehension, writing, spell, and key details in reading.
- Reading Kingdom: This is an online program that teaches kids up to a 3rd-grade reading level.
- Night Zookeeper: this reading program was developed by educators for ages 6 – 12. It is set up in the form of a game where kids can develop vocabulary, spelling, and grammar skills.
- K5 Learning: This website offers free worksheets and low-cost workbooks for kids in grades K-5. You can find everything from reading comprehension printable worksheets to age-appropriate fables to help with recall, prediction, and inference.
- Epic: This is a great site for getting access to all types of books right from your home computer. Books can be sorted by subject or age, and some of them can even be read aloud. After reading, your child can take a quick quiz on the book to test comprehension.
Since each kid learns differently, it might be beneficial to try out a couple of programs and see which one clicks. Many of these are free to use or offer a free trial.
How to Continue Improving Reading after Hooked on Phonics
One of the most important things when it comes to reading is creating an environment in which your kids have access to books that they actually enjoy and want to read.
Eventually, you’ll want them to switch from learning to read to reading to learn. This is much easier if they are able to find topics that they find interesting and enjoyable.
For kids who are struggling with reading, getting help early is key. If you’ve finished Hooked on Phonics and you feel that your child still isn’t hitting the milestone for their age, don’t fret. There are plenty of resources available, and it may just be that Hooked on Phonics didn’t match your kid’s learning style. Talk to your child’s doctor or teacher to figure out what you can do to help them.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you are now more comfortable in taking the next steps after finishing Hooked on Phonics. The ability to read is a key part of learning, and one single program isn’t the only support your child needs. By taking advantage of the various resources available, you can keep your kid on track and help them build confidence in their reading abilities.