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There are many approaches to developing literacy in young children, struggling older readers, and even adults. Some education experts advocate the study of phonics, or the sounds that combine to make words, while others push for "whole language" methods that emphasize meaning over sounds.
The most current studies show that the best way to help people learn to read is by mixing both strategies, teaching students how to decode the way words are formed and spoken while encouraging increased comprehension of what's being read.
Wednesday, May 18th
Used by millions of children over the last 30+ years, Hooked on Phonics is the world's #1 choice for students that need to learn to read. With options that include workbooks and digital-only access, this program has something for every reader from preschool through 2nd grade. Hooked on Phonics is affordable and guaranteed to work, backed by a 30-day refund policy and with a long track record of success for helping kids develop and improve reading skills.
Reading Eggs is a fantastic choice if you have older children (ages 7-13) too, as one of the only Learn to Read programs with a level designed just for them. This company's materials are excellent for younger children as well, with thousands of parents and teachers praising the program's results, particularly for students with ADHD and other special needs.
Used by more than half a million families around the world, Time4Learning teaches students to read using both phonics and whole language strategies through an interactive online platform. Your monthly membership also gives you access to other subjects like math and science (if you choose to use them), as well as a range of 3 grade levels. Students work at their own pace, and the company offers a 14-day refund period. This is a well-rounded, proven system for learning to read.
If you'd like to try a Learn to Read program without having to sign up for a free trial, you'll want to check out Kiz Phonics. Their materials are eye-catching and fun for children ages 3-9, and you can access several lessons from each grade level for free - right on the website. The program is one of the most affordable Learn to Read systems currently available, and it gets good ratings from both parents and teachers.
ABC Mouse is geared towards children in the 2-8 age range and includes activities for Reading, Science, Math, Art and Colors. Kids enjoy the program's virtual rewards, but sometimes the program doesn't record those rewards accurately. Also, many users complain about billing issues with ABC Mouse, getting charged for subscriptions they cancelled or never signed up for in the first place. These issues put ABC Mouse on the low end of our review.
K5 Learning gives you access to online lessons for Spelling, Reading and Math for grades K through 5. We like that they offer a 14-day free trial that doesn't require you to enter your credit card information. But, many parents didn't love the program, finding parts that weren't grade-appropriate, and the site gives the impression of not keeping up with the times.
There are many online programs designed to teach these fundamental reading skills to learners of all ages. Of course, younger students have the most potential for rapid skill acquisition, because the human brain is amazingly flexible in the earlier years. Fortunately, hope is not lost for older students, who often have greater vocabulary and background knowledge compared with children and can use those language experiences to help them understand how the printed word works.
As you consider the various Learn to Read programs currently on the market, it's easy to get confused by all of the options. Here are several criteria to keep in mind as you choose the program that is right for your student:
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best Learn to Read Programs available today. We hope this information will help your student get better at reading, in a way that is fun and effective, right away!
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