Wednesday, March 19th
2025 Learn to Read Program Reviews
Reading Raven
- App-based learning available for $2.99 only on Apple mobile devices
- Self-paced program focusing on phonics
- Multi-sensory reading games that easily engage children
- Customizable for children ages 3 to 7
Reading Raven's learn to read program is a beautiful little app that just shines in design and avoids overstimulation. It is a gem and in its heyday was a steal for $2.99. However, since 2019, it has not been updated. This has led to problematic glitches and lack of support. The website itself is full of broken links and outdated information, some not updated since 2013. For these reasons, we suggest that you don't expect any new updates or content for this app if you decide to download it.
Reading Kingdom
- Starts at $19.99 per month or $199 per year (a 20% savings) for one child
- Customized to fit your child
- Fun graphics and sound effects
- Emphasis on spelling
- Teaches basic computer skills
- Works across all devices
- Individual assessments provided
- 30-day free trial available
- Annual plans do not automatically renew
- Scholarships available for those who cannot afford the subscription
Reading Kingdom is an Australian-based learn to read program that has been around for over 10 years. It uses a phonics-plus approach, but the focus does seem to be on the "plus” part of that term. Focusing on 100 core sight words to teach reading, along with lots of writing practice, Reading Kingdom does not offer many resources for the price tag, and the website is riddled with outdated information and broken links. We suggest going somewhere else for a 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!
Compare Learn to Read Programs
Select any 2 Learn to Read Programs to compare them head to head
Trending Learn to Read Programs News
Related Learn to Read Program Reviews
Since you're interested in Learn to Read Programs, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
