Hooked on Phonics is an educational program that is intended to help children learn how to read using phonics.http://www.hookedonphonics.com/ Phonics is the method of learning letter sounds in order to decode words, as opposed to learning and memorizing sight words. Proponents of phonics say that learning to read using the method helps children learn to read quickly because they are able to sound out almost any word they see.http://genkienglish.net/phonics.htm

On the company website, Hooked on Phonics sells products for children of all ages. There are materials for toddlers and pre-readers as well children 8 years old and up. The company has also branched out into other subjects besides reading, offering workbooks and videos for math, spelling and language.http://www.hookedonphonics.com/ Products can be ordered directly from the website or by phone.http://www.hookedonphonics.com/Content.aspx?ContentID=73

Hooked on Phonics was founded in 1987 and was originally sold on television during commercials. The tagline "Hooked on Phonics worked for me!" became very popular. Eventually, the company expanded and began selling "Hooked on Math" in 1990. It was sold to Gateway Learning Corporation in 1996.http://www.hookedonphonics.com/Content.aspx?ContentID=88

In 1998, the "Learn to Read" program debuted. Prior to its development, Hooked on Phonics was primarily marketed to older children who were struggling with reading skills. "Learn to Read", on the other hand, is marketed to young children and pre-readers to help them to learn reading early on. The product received the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval. By 2006, Hooked on Phonics had introduced several new products, including "Hooked on Handwriting", "Hooked on Spanish" and "Hooked on Bible Stories".http://www.hookedonphonics.com/Content.aspx?ContentID=88

The company is backed by Sterling Partners, a corporate investing firm with headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland and Chicago, Illinois.http://www.hookedonphonics.com/about-us