Rock ‘N Learn: Phonics

This four-disc addition to the Rock ‘N Learn series aimed at primary school students features music-packed interactive lessons on phonics. Computer-animated humans, animals, and even a robot join in for snazzy songs—with plenty of synthesizer and encouragement ("puttin' it all together….learnin' to read those letters!")—that are combined with onscreen words and coordinating visuals. Topics covered include consonants (and double consonants), vowels (silent "e," long, and r-controlled), syllables, rhyming words, and those rule-breaking words that just aren't spelled like they sound and can trip up early readers. Throughout the series, the ebullient characters coax viewers to practice and follow along ("Let's see if you can say the sounds before I do!"). Each disc includes story practice segments as well as cues for a worksheet break (80 printable activity sheets are available on the distributor's website). Catchy and thorough, this is highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)