AlphaPhonics teaches kids how to read. It covers the Reading PreK-2 curriculum for Alpha.
It works whether the kid is starting from zero or needs to increase their reading fluency. One reason AlphaPhonics works so well is the voice recognition technology. In a classroom, teachers listen to a student read for only 2 minutes per day. By contrast, AlphaPhonics hears everything the student reads in the app. By the end of the 2nd grade course, the student will be able to read over 100 words per minute, which will give them a great head start in the rest of their education.
How to log in
Apps in TimeBack log in automatically as standard. If the automatic login doesn't work, follow the steps below.
AlphaRead signs in with your child's Alpha / 2 Hour Learning Google account, there's no separate password to remember.
Open TimeBack: Sign in to TimeBack with your child's student email and find the “Reading - AlphaPhonics” course on your “Home.”
Click Jump In: Open the "Reading - AlphaPhonics" course and click Jump In. The app opens your child's course page directly.
Getting Started
Take the diagnostic: All students take the placement test when they start using the app. Students are asked to spell words and read passages. Once the student can no longer do it accurately, the app knows where to place the student in the phonics curriculum.
How a lesson works
Some activities ask you to talk.
When prompted, students have to click on the blue mic icon to record.
When they finish, they must click on the red button to stop the recording.
If the “audio lines” are flat, then the mic is not picking anything up.
The top right corner of the app lets you see what microphones are available, and switching the microphone can help troubleshoot recording problems.
Activities you may see (Not Exhaustive)
Blending sounds - the app says some sounds, and the student says the word.
Read the word
Spell the word
Read the passage
How XP works
Each lesson gives between 3 and 6 XP for demonstrating accuracy. Lessons contain a mix of word blending, word reading, word spelling, passage reading, and a few other activities.
Habits that lead to success
Find a quiet spot: It's easier for the app to hear your child when it's quiet around them. Major background noise can have an impact on the grading accuracy.
Use your strong voice: Some kids can be a little quiet, especially shy kids. If they are getting low scores, one factor could be that they need to speak up.
Repeat instructions: You can always tap the Yeti in the bottom right corner to hear instructions again.
Take your time: There is no rush. Work at a steady pace and do your best in every activity. XP rewards focused time plus accuracy, not speed.
Common Issues | FAQs
How does my child log in?
AlphaPhonics auto-signs you in on TimeBack. If this does not happen, you can sign in using Google Single-Sign-On (SSO) - your child clicks “Sign in with TimeBack SSO” and signs in with Google using their @2hourlearning account, with their password provided on your parent's portal.
My child is earning very low XP
There are some scenarios here. See which one applies to you.
Low XP, high minutes: the content may be too difficult. You can reach out to us to see what adjustments are possible.
Low XP, low minutes: your child is probably rushing and guessing through checkpoints and practice. Talk about the value of working thoughtfully.