Monday, July 14th
2025 Learn to Read Program Reviews
Hooked On Phonics
- Special offers are frequently available, like first month for $1
- $12.99 per month plus $2.99 per month for shipping
- Offers fun extras like a free activity pad to new subscribers
- Works on laptops, desktops, tablets or phones and offline
- In business since 1987
- Up to three kids can share one account, while additional children can be added on for an additional $9.99 per child per month
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Interactive lessons that don't overwhelm
- Disability-friendly
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
- $9.99 per month/$59.99 per year (a 50% savings)
- App-based play is available offline
- Ad-free and no cancellation fees
- 1,000+ lessons on phonics, sight words, and ABCs, and offers 200+ vocabulary building stories
- Tailored to child's interests, age and skill level
- Kids learn with well-known characters, like Thomas the Tank Engine
- Tracks progress of up to four kids per account
- Can increase early reading scores by up to 74%
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.
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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