The number of packages--kits, games, computer discs, audiotapes, and videotapes--offering phonics instruction is growing almost daily. These commercial packages are marketed to parents to use with their children or to teachers and school districts as supplements to classroom programs of reading instruction. This booklet outlines questions which should be asked about these programs and offers some ways to evaluate their effectiveness. The booklet discusses some characteristics of good reading instruction and considers how good phonics instruction fits into the instructional plan. (Contains 13 additional sources of information.) (NKA)