Rock N Learn Phonics Review

Phonics DVD Volume 1 & Phonics DVD Volume 2

I am an avid reader, and I can't wait to pass on a love of reading to my own children. I know that learning how to read on their own will open up a whole new world to them. That being said, I'm not a reading teacher. I'm not an expert on phonics and I can't remember all of the rules when it comes to things like silent e, long/short vowel sounds, or blends. 

The Phonics DVDs from Rock N Learn contain over an hour of educational content put to music and animation. They cover all of the essential information when it comes to phonics (all of things I knew at one time and have simply forgotten). 

To be honest, some of the songs/animation were rather cheesy. It reminded me a lot of 80s pop/rock music and the animation is computer generated. It was a little over the top for me, but my boys absolutely loved it. They kept asking to watch it over and over again. 

My sister is a kindergarten teacher and I had her watch these videos with me to give her opinion on whether or not they would be helpful. She said that from a teacher's perspective that they did a good job of covering the material. 

My only other criticism is that there is no menu option on the title screen that allows you to select a particular segment to watch. I think that would make it more helpful for use in a classroom setting (as opposed to having to fast forward, or jump ahead several times to get to the section you wanted to go over). 

These videos are targeted for children age 6 and up, but my four-year-old really enjoys watching them, and I feel like they'll give him a head start on learning how to read. Yes, the animation and songs can be a little cheesy, but it's educationally sound and my children really enjoyed watching them and singing along. 

These DVDs are currently available on Educents for 50% off (through Sept 4, 2013). They also include downloadable phonics workbooks that include activities that supplement what they've learned in the videos. 

Phonics Volume 1:

Covers short vowels, consonants, blends, digraphs, word families, silent e, phonemic awareness activities, read-along sentences, read-along stories, and sing-along songs. Ages 6 & up. Approx. 70 minutes

Phonics Volume 2: 

Covers long vowels, vowel combinations, syllables, ending sounds, silent consonants, rule breakers, read-along sentences, read-along stories, and sing-along stories. 

Ages 6 & up. Approx. 78 minutes

*I received a copy of these DVDs to review. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts of the product. This post also contains an Educents affiliate link that helps financially support this blog (but it won't cost you a penny)." 

                                         

***UPDATE (8/29)** 

I have learned that there is a way to access a menu of the individual lessons by chapter on the DVD. Just click the menu button from the remote or right click on the control panel if viewing it from a computer.  It will take you to a screen that looks like this: