Phonics Solution
Developed by: Quest for Learning
For more information or to order: www.questforlearning.com

Phonics Solution software is a completely phonics-based spelling program that reinforces reading skills.  Written by a homeschool dad, this program is very student friendly.  There is no keyboard typing required since the program utilizes a mouse-driven interface. Beginning readers can click on letters arranged alphabetically on the screen, while older students have the option of using the keyboard as their motor skills develop.  Designed to support any reading or spelling curriculum, parent/teachers can customize the program to fit their style of teaching.  Diagnostic features allow you to track and analyze each student's progress.

One of the features that make Phonics Solution unique is the inclusion of all 70 Orton-Gillingham phonograms.  When selected by the student, each phonogram is drawn on the screen, the corresponding sounds that the phonogram can make are heard, and example words are given for each of the sounds.  When the child choses the "Name It" feature, the program verbally asks the students to identify all of the phonograms that make a given sound.  Another fun feature is " Pick a Word" - students hear a word used in a sentence and then must choose the correct spelling of the word from several choices on the screen.

Beginning students must also learn how to form their letters correctly, so Phonics Solution includes a "Writing" section.  When the student clicks on a letter, the computer prints the letter on the screen.  You can even print practice pages!  Settings allow you to choose what size example is given and whether or not to show the points on the "clock" where the letters begin and end.

With the "Spelling" feature, words are dictated - very clearly - by the program.  The student then fills in the blanks with the appropriate letters.  If the student is stumped, they can click on an icon and read or hear which of the 65 spelling rules apply to the given word.  Another great feature is "Sound It Out" - when this button is clicked, the computer slowly and distinctly says the word, emphasizing each phonogram.  This program is "smart" too!  When you utilize the "Smart Spelling" feature, the software tracks which spelling rules and phonograms are missed most often.  When you use the customize option, you can choose to have your student(s) work on specific phonograms, specific spelling rules, or build your own word list from the over 4000 built-in vocabulary words.   You can also assign different levels or lists to individual students by putting them each in their own "class".

As you might imagine, there is some learning to do on your part before being able to successfully navigate the program.  The administrator and each student have their own passwords to enter the program.  If, as the administrator you forget your password, you must contact the company and they will tell you how to gain access to the software again.  The author has done a great job of writing the extensive Help file - in fact, you'll want to plan to spend some time reading through the file before using Phonics Solution with your children.  As I was becoming familiar with the many options, I appreciated that "Help" was only a button away - no matter what section I was working in. 

With so many features and uses, Phonics Solution really packs a punch!

Making the Grade: A
Cost:  $69.95
Value for your homeschool dollar: 8
Review provided by Cindy Prechtel, Editor