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Monday, July 14th
Many grownups remember Hooked on Phonics learn to read program fondly from their childhood. In business since 1987, Hooked on Phonics has used innovation to stay relevant in the modern digital age, while still holding on to the importance of physical workbooks and reading books to achieve a truly balanced way of learning for kids that includes off-screen time to maintain wellness. In addition, they have several features that are really friendly to children with disabilities, like creating a user experience that is not overwhelming or too stimulating, suggesting "brain breaks” when a child is struggling with a concept to avoid meltdowns, and the ability to replay instructions for kids who may have difficulty focusing or have trouble with auditory processing. With incredible resources and a proven track record, Hooked on Phonics is number one in our book.
Homer's learn to read program has all the bells and whistles - over a thousand lessons based on phonics, sight words and the alphabet, character-driven stories, personalized programs for each child, and so much more. The program has been developed by educators, and users are often positive when talking about the effectiveness of the program. However, technical glitches like crashing and freezing, slow to respond customer service, unclear auto-renewal processes, and the sometimes overwhelming amount of content make Homer a work in progress. There are other learn to read programs out there that offer a more stable software free of glitches - and with better customer service.
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).
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:
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!
Select any 2 Learn to Read Programs to compare them head to head