Recently we have been reviewing lots of the best literacy products around for children. One of the great products Mr Z tried out is the Hot Dots High Frequency Words Card Set from Learning Resources.
This is the first time we have tried a Hot Dots product, and Mr Z really enjoyed working with it.
The set includes 40 double sided cards, which feature over 300 of the most commonly occurring words in the English language. These high frequency words are key for beginner readers to master as it will help to boost their confidence in reading by being able to recognise them.
The set must be used with the hot dots pen, which is sold separately. The pen gives verbal and visual (green or red light) feedback instantly, allowing the child to self correct their answers. The talking hot dots pen requires 2x AAA batteries to work.
Each card has 4 questions on each side, which involve reading a small passage and then answering questions. This was perfect for Mr Z at age 5. The cards are recommended for age 5-9 years but this could vary slightly depending on ability. I felt the level was just right as the questions were manageable for Mr Z but did make him think.
Here’s an example card:
The set of cards comes in a handy storage box, which also fits the Hot Dots pen in to store easily.
I’ve always been happy with products from Learning Resources and this set is no exception. It’s a really handy resource to have at home, especially as all the cards are reusable so Mr Z can practise as many times as he needs and then once he has finished we can pass them down to Mr T and Mr R.
Have you used any Hot Dots products before? There is a massive selection on Learning Resources with some Jr ones for learning phonics and some more challenging ones which Mr Z could move on to once he has finished with these. There are sets for maths too, not only for literacy. You can see them all here.
Let me know your thoughts and experiences with Hot Dots in the comments!
February 4, 2014 @ 8:19 pm
This looks fab!
LauraCYMFT recently posted…I Love You Alife Cub – Book Review
February 4, 2014 @ 8:37 pm
This looks great, we have the hot dots pen with some maths books and they are great for learning.
Fiona Martin recently posted…Dishwashing by Hand versus Dishwasher
February 4, 2014 @ 9:49 pm
That looks like a great idea. 6yo is a bit past this now, but very useful all the same
spicers1976 recently posted…Silent Sunday 2/2/14
February 5, 2014 @ 12:13 am
That looks really clever! 🙂
Jenny @ The Brick Castle recently posted…Reading Eggs Online Learning For Children Review
February 5, 2014 @ 9:39 am
That looks great, and an easy way to learn and have fun
Tina Mansfield recently posted…Dinogami
February 5, 2014 @ 10:06 am
A fun and different way to learn!
Michelle recently posted…Halloween [Index]
February 5, 2014 @ 10:53 am
Looks like a great way to motivate children who might be reluctant to work on reading comprehension.
Kirsty recently posted…One by Kathryn Otoshi
February 5, 2014 @ 11:02 am
Wow, this looks amazing! Elle loves reading and is always wanting harder words and harder activities and this seems perfect x
Keri-Anne recently posted…Lately
February 5, 2014 @ 11:02 am
Not seen that before but it looks great, thanks for the info
Joanne Mallon recently posted…Adventures in time and space and Cardiff
February 5, 2014 @ 11:22 am
What an interesting idea – looks great!
Mummy of Two recently posted…Food #TheGallery
February 5, 2014 @ 4:14 pm
There really are some great resources around for kids nowadays, aren’t there? Your son looked like he was enjoying it 🙂
suzanne3childrenandit recently posted…Monster Truck Madness – A Lego Technic Review
February 5, 2014 @ 4:23 pm
I have never come across these before. I have to say that we just read lots of books with and too our boys and never focussed on learning at home.
Jen aka The Mad House recently posted…Something for the half-term holidays â let your kids become an Animal Champion!
February 5, 2014 @ 4:29 pm
Interesting idea. Not sure if my daughter is too young yet but it may be something we look at in a few years.
Helen @ Peakle Pie recently posted…Cardboard Boxes – Project Recycle and Create
February 5, 2014 @ 5:35 pm
These look great – educational and fun too. Great for a learning boost at home (which I personally am all for) 🙂
Vicky recently posted…What I wore Wednesday: #OOTD wheelchair fashion – simple handkerchief hem bold prints and metallics
February 5, 2014 @ 5:39 pm
I’ve never heard of this but looks like such a great idea! x
Charlotte recently posted…Valentines nature suncatchers
February 5, 2014 @ 6:18 pm
I’ve not seen this Anna – sounds great too, interesting idea 🙂
Charly Dove recently posted…First gymnastics class
February 5, 2014 @ 7:42 pm
I’ve never heard of these before but they sound interesting.
Jenny recently posted…Inexpensive ideas for family fun
February 5, 2014 @ 7:44 pm
I love this – my little boy would have loved this when he was at the beginner stages of learning. ANything that helps children to learn while having fun is a good thing!
[email protected] recently posted…Get outside and have some family fun….
February 5, 2014 @ 8:50 pm
What an interesting sounding product!
Emma My Little 3 and Me recently posted…Counting and Times Tables Games
February 5, 2014 @ 8:50 pm
Looks interesting
Mary @over40andamumtoone recently posted…Food – The Photo Gallery #TheGallery
February 5, 2014 @ 9:23 pm
I didnt even know this kind of thing existed! Looking forward to when she’s old enough to be able to do things like this with her!
Lauren recently posted…A spot of jogging
February 6, 2014 @ 7:09 am
Never seen this before and it looks fantastic – I think it would be perfect for isaac
Kara recently posted…Job Jumpstarter Pack
February 6, 2014 @ 11:44 am
These look fab for my for year old, we are smack bang in the middle of phonics at the mo!
clare recently posted…Crossing Oceans For Others
February 9, 2014 @ 12:09 am
I haven’t come across these products before but they look really great
Pippa Ainsworth recently posted…Mighty Moments with Plum Baby
February 9, 2014 @ 3:17 pm
This looks like a great set of products. I’d really like to try it with JD.
Emily @amummytoo recently posted…Simple activity to introduce the concept of alphabetical sorting (FREE printable)
Helping Your Child With Their Reading | In The Playroom
February 12, 2014 @ 12:57 pm
[…] Hot Dots – The Hot Dots system also works with a pen, but is quite different to the LeapReader so we definitely found there is a place for both of them in our home learning. […]