Funnix Reading Program

Reading words, from Funnix 2

A phonics program from the people behind the popular book, "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons".   We have used this program for a couple of years now, and there are many things I like about it. I really like the theory behind the 100 Easy Lessons book, but it was a little boring for my kids.  The stories weren't that exciting, and there wasn't enough repetition to really get the concepts down, so the lessons were sometimes a struggle. Add color, fun stories, interactive games, and daily concept review, and you get Funnix.  

This is not something that you sit your kids down in front of  (thank goodness!) but instead you are running the mouse and observing, while the children listen and respond to the program.  They have to talk, read, and point to the screen.  Here is what the child will do in each lesson:

Practicing letters and combinations.

1. Practice and learn new letters, sounds and combinations.  
2. Read words. 
3. Read a story
4. Read the same story again, in a different way, with pictures.
5. Worksheet


The program includes PDF files of the worksheets for Funnix Beginning Reading, and the Reader for Funnix 2. Funnix 2 continues where Funnix Beginning Reading ends, but instead of reading on the screen, the children read from a reader and then re-read the story on the screen and see pictures.  The worksheet portion is done on regular lined paper instead of printed sheets. By the end of the 220 lessons the child will be reading at approximately a 3rd grade level, and properly spelling many words as well. 

Worksheet for Beginning Reading Lesson 30

If you have never read one of Siegfried Engelmann's books, you do need to know that material is presented rather quickly and in a different order then most phonics programs. Most vowels are introduced as long sounds first, which is different from every other phonics program I have seen.  It seems to be very effective, however, and my children have done very well with it. 



I highly recommend this program for both homeschoolers and parents who would like to ensure that their children to learn to read well and early, without depending on the school system to do it. This is perfect for parents who were not taught to read phonetically, or who just want a program to do the teaching for them.  The parents are simply facilitators with Funnix.  


Parents who are sending their children to public or private school could either start this program early, as it is designed to be used with children as young as 4, or have a designated time in the evenings to use it.  If started at 4 and used through the summer, this program could have a child reading at 3rd grade level by age 5 or 6.  The younger children may need more repetition or slower lessons, so don't count on being done in 220 days. ;)


You can read tons about the program by visiting the Funnix website, and see more sample pictures.  The program consists of 2 DVDs with the Funnix Beginning Reading and Funnix 2 computer programs, and PDF files of the Teacher's Guide, Getting Started Guide, Workbook and Reader.  You will get all of this for only $38.00, which is an excellent value, especially if you will be using it with more then one child. 

Story for lesson 99 from the Funnix 2 Reader