Learning Resources Hot Dots Jolly Phonics Review

Back in August we was given the opportunity to review something from Learning Resources, after thinking about the possible review I asked if they had anything suitable for Spud to do with phonics as he is slightly behind with his phonics at school. I was delighted when they sent us 3 items from the Hot Dots Jolly Phonics range, this review has taken a while for me to write as I wanted to have a suitable amount of time to see if Spud was benefiting from the items, and to my delight, they have done just the trick, read below for our review.

 We was sent 1 x Hot Dots Jolly Phonics Set Two: First Words, 1 x Hot Dots Jolly Phonics Set Three: Identifying Vowel Sounds & 1 x Hot Dots Pen.

Each box contains 36 double sided cards, an instruction sheet and a answer key sheet. The 36 double sided activity cards support children's literacy progress by providing structured reading practise, which encompasses all the 42 sounds included in the Jolly Phonics. 

The cards can be used as flash cards or they can be used with the Hot Dots pen which we was also sent for review.

Each card has a photo, a question and 3 answers (excuse the camera flash).

Each card has a different picture, the aim is for children to say out the sound they read and to either say the answer if you use them as flash cards or if you are using them with the Hot Dots pen then the child can press the Hot Dots pen on their answer. If the pen lights up red the answer is wrong, the Hot Dots pen also has phrases, the audio and visual feedback gently redirects incorrect answer choices and congratulates correct ones. Sounds can be muted for quiet classroom use too or to even let Mummy take that important telephone call.

The cards are recommend to be used on a hard surface so Spud uses his on the floor. He starts off by choosing a box he wants to work with, then takes out the cards, he tries his very hardest to read the question, sometimes he will need help from Mummy, then he reads out the answers and presses the pen to the answer he thinks is correct.

We have been using this product for over a month now and I must say it has been a fantastic help, although Spud is still a little bit behind with his phonics, we have to thank the Hot Dots range as he has improved loads.

I would personally recommend these products to anyone who have children who need that little bit of help with phonics or even for teachers to use in their classrooms!

The Hot Dots range we was sent are available to buy from the Leaning Resources official website, the flashcard sets are sold for £11.94 each inc VAT and the Hot Dots pen is sold for £8.34 including VAT.

To view loads more products either on phonics or maths, to science to English, the Learning Resources website has it all, check it out here, follow them on Twitter here or find them on Facebook here.


Disclosure - I was sent these products on the basis to review them, I have not received a payment for reviewing these products but instead was compensated as I was aloud to keep the products. All comments and views are of my own/Spud's unless other wise stated and was not influenced in any way shape or form.