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The Phonics Game includes six double decks of cards, a book explaining how to play the games, three videos, and four CDs, packaged neatly in a colorful box with a handle for easy carrying. The videos include instructions for the parent/teacher, plus ABC lessons and practice for the child, as well as clear demonstrations of how to play the games. One CD is for the parents and three are for the child, with spelling tests, reading and comprehension practice, and interactive phonics games similar to the card games.
The Phonics Game could easily stand alone as a complete phonics program, with the need for additional practice and variety in reading met by getting books from the library. It starts at the beginning and builds a solid foundation by systematically teaching all 44 sounds in the English language and the 43 phonics rules. It incorporates all three learning styles and is equally valuable as a remedial tool for older children and adults. It was developed by teachers for use in the classroom, but since it is for two to six players, it is great for home use as well.
An adult or older child proficient in phonics and spelling is needed to guide and supervise the play in order to make sure it is done correctly. Played in this manner, it is a systematic way of teaching phonics for mastery. The six card games teach the short vowels, long vowels, copycat letters, tricky vowel combinations, sight words, and two- to four-syllable words up to a high school reading level. By the time the child is able to play all six card games well, he will find it as easy to spell "exercise" and "turbulent" as it is to spell "fan" and "win."
Each game requires sounding out every word before the player makes a move. The rules are flexible, easily modified for a child who is having trouble. To play for a shorter time, just set the timer and stop after the allotted time, or use fewer cards. Each card game builds on the one before, the idea being to start with Game 1 and move through them as the child is ready. There is lots of repetition, and the emphasis should be on having fun. The real learning comes from repetition of sounds and their positions in the words.
The one drawback I have found is that the company is lacking significantly in customer support. The Phonics Game comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, and they promise to refund your money if your child does not receive a full letter grade improvement on his or her next report card. My game arrived with the correct number of CDs, but two were duplicates, which meant that one CD was missing. Several months and several emails later, I was still waiting for the needed CD, and I finally had to get it from another source.
Other than that, I am very pleased with The Phonics Game. I plan to continue using it with my children, and I anticipate great results.
Product review by Willena Flewelling, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, August 2006
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