Monday, July 14th
2025 Learn to Read Program Reviews
Duolingo
- New lessons are added often
- Lessons help kids learn phonics, sight words and vocabulary
- Letter tracing and interactive stories for preschoolers
- Designed by literacy & early-education experts
- Mini games & rewards to help kids stay motivated
- Completely ad-free and absolutely no in-app purchases
- Users can learn offline
When Duolingo's ABC learn to read program first launched in 2020, it was a pretty basic, bare bones app short on features and somewhat repetitive. Parents would get frustrated at the lack of features and complain. The company listened to user feedback and transformed this basic little app into a simple yet powerful learn to read program. With offline play capability, consistent rewards for play, and educator-backed games and other activities, as well as it being a free app with absolutely zero ads or in-app purchases, Duolingo's ABC learn to read program has impressed us. We wish they had a desktop version, but we can't help but be pleased with the vast improvements they've made in the app in a short amount of time.
K5 Learning
- Often has bonus offers for new subscribers
- $23.95 per year for individuals/$99 per year for schools
- Many worksheets are available free of charge
- Members can export worksheets to Google Classroom
- Free ebook available
- Cancel anytime in the first 7 days if you aren't satisfied
K5 Learning wants all kids to have a chance at education. While the company used to have an online program, it has shifted to offering supplemental worksheets to complement a learn to read program, not be one itself. There are thousands of worksheets in a well organized format for anyone to choose from - many are free - but to get an ad-free experience, parents must pay an annual subscription fee of $23.95 per year. In addition to worksheets, K5 Learning offers a very informative blog, free ebook and often offers free gifts or bonuses for subscribers. The paid version also offers free export to Google Classroom, a great shortcut for busy teachers. If for any reason you aren't satisfied with your experience, you can cancel within 7 days of signing up without being charged. While we can't recommend this as a true learn to read program, we can suggest it as a great way to help your kids retain their reading skills during holiday or summer breaks, or as a way for homeschool teachers to have a quick way to print practice worksheets to supplement their primary learn to read program.
More Learn to Read Program Reviews
The 12 Best Learn to Read Programs
What's the Best Program to Help a Child Learn to Read?
Choosing the best learn to read program is a daunting task because every child is unique and learns differently. But there are a few tried and true ways to narrow down your search to find a perfect program that can help a child learn to read.
While every child is unique, there are some tried and true methods to teach literacy that have stood the test of time and are pretty universal in application. These are teaching reading and literacy through a phonics emphasis (teaching letter sounds) or a sight words emphasis (teaching children to memorize common words in the English language).
Learn to Read Program FAQ
Continued from above...
Phonics tends to be easier and more helpful since children can come across an unfamiliar word and, with the help of phonics, sound it out. Sight words tend to be trickier because memorization is favored over learning. This can also be problematic in spelling, too. If children don't understand phonics, they have a more difficult time spelling unfamiliar words.
Learn to read programs can utilize these principles in tailored, customized ways that fit with the individual student, and that is where you can really decide which program is best for your child. Some learning programs focus on games while others make use of songs. Still others have a multisensory approach, which works well for children who have disabilities or problems focusing. Some programs are not just for reading but offer a comprehensive curriculum.
As you consider different learn to read programs, there are a few key aspects you'll find to be most important:
- Price. How much does the learn to read program cost? Does it offer a good value for the money - are there resources and tools, updated content, and quality that meet the price point? Is there an annual commitment? A money-back guarantee? Is the price subject to change?
- Age range. Is the program suitable for the age of the child(ren) you want to help with their reading progress? Is it developmentally appropriate for the ages it services? If you are looking for a consistent curriculum, does the program continue for older age ranges?
- Teaching method. Does it follow a phonics-based or sight-word-based approach? Is it disability-friendly? Does it utilize too much screen time, or does it offer off-screen learning as well? Is there a lot of parent involvement, or does it lean toward independent learning? Does it include any physical activity? Does it include print material?
- Reviews. What are parents and educators saying about this program? Does it have a positive or negative reputation? How long has it been around? Is it backed by scientific studies? Have there been any litigations or controversies surrounding it? Have people with similar educational philosophies and values found it to be helpful? How does it rate for children with dyslexia or ADHD? These are all excellent questions to ask when searching for a learn to read program that meets your specific needs.
- Updates. Is the learn to read program updated? How recent are parent reviews or awards? Does the website have broken links or outdated information? Are social media channels updated consistently? If you are using an app or an online platform, is it updated for security and new software enhancements?
- Spelling and writing. Does it include a program to teach spelling to your child(ren)? Is there a trace feature so children can learn to write? Does it offer printable worksheets for handwriting practice, or is it all online?
- Full program or supplemental. Does the program offer a full reading curriculum (like a homeschool curriculum)? If so, does it align with state requirements? Is it meant to reinforce other programs or help struggling readers catch up over the summer?
To help your child learn to read, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the top programs available today. We're confident that this information will make it simple and even fun to find a learn to read program that is perfect for your emerging reader!
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