So far my kids are loving this program and I am too! They love the character reward cards and can't wait to learn more sounds so they can see what the next one will be. The characters really anchor their newly acquired skill with something concrete helping them to recall the sounds when they see the character. My little one (5) can't wait to keep going to get to be able to read the books. I Love that they get to collect as they progress, first with the character cards and then with the books. It is a motivating system. The one thing I wish was different is that I could order parts of the set separately so each one of my kids could collect their own. I have to order a whole second set for my 2nd child to have his own cards and books to collect which seems like a waste. I don't need a second teachers manual and CD. But overall a great system that I am very pleased with.