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Whatever happened to Hooked On Phonics?

 I remember a time (was it the early 90s?) when you couldn’t seem to turn on the TV without seeing the Hooked on Phonics ads about kids turning into great readers, improving their grades, and having fun by playing, Hooked on Phonics!!!!

 If I recall, they were sued by the FTC of the first Bush administration for false advertising and forced into bankruptcy.  Then, reorganized, they launched again but did not ever really dominate. I think they launched some learning centers in schools and days care centers.   They also made some effort to update their materials which were originally flash cards with cassette tapes and videos.

 If I recall, they were sold in two pieces not that long ago. One piece was the learning centers, the other was the Hooked on Phonics name and materials.

 A quick search of the web produces:

Hooked on Phonics has diversified a bit. They now have a hooked on spelling, hooked on reading, and a hooked on math.

 Todays-Leaners.com has a section on Hooked on Phonics.

 The FTC took another shot at Hooked on Phonics on 7.7.04 for violations of children’s privacy laws.  “The makers of the popular reading education program Hooked on Phonics were fined Wednesday by the Federal Trade Commission for sharing private consumer information — including information about children — with outside marketing firms, despite promises made in its privacy policy.” More HOP False Claims info…

I just went thru one of those meals with another couple when we discussed parenting, education, and how to provide guidance to children.

 Afterwards, despite the delicious food, I was happy to be out of there. As we got in the car, I commented: I guess there are two types of people in this world…Those that have answers and those that have questions.  Frankly, I have questions. I’m not sure that there are simple answers about how to raise kids and how strict you should be.  Should they be encouraged to have fun and be carefree or is it more important that they learn that their room has to be clean, their manners correct, and the furniture respected?

 He completely felt that kids need strict guidance. It started with a question about our kids, both of whom take karate, should be forced to keep going although over the last year, both have run out of enthusiasm.  I’m open to considering their opinion. I think it’s somewhat unnatural to stay interested in a single sport, at the age of 7, month after month, year after year.  Thats why most kids like it when soccer season is over and it’s time to play basketball etc…

 He was of the opinion that kids need to learn about commitment.  Kids need to strive for excellence etc etc.  I agree with that. I’m just not sure that these kids who have been taking karate for 4 years now and are only 7 should be forced to keep going….

Them’s me thoughts.  This post sponsored by the Best Homeschool Curriculum online around… T4L.com