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
Parents love Hooked on Phonics because it really works. Over 5 million families have used this program to teach their children to read. Parents see their children having fun learning, and they also report changes in their self-esteem for the positive. There are so many physical and digital resources to help parents devise ways to apply what the kids have learned in real life, and not just on a screen. Hooked on Phonics is a whole approach to literacy that we love.
Works on all devices and offline, too
Unlike other learn to read programs that are only available on mobile devices, Hooked on Phonics is available on mobile devices as well as laptops or desktops. This is a huge plus for parents who want to keep a close eye on the screen or who don't want their kids to have access to mobile devices at such a young age. Hooked on Phonics can work without an internet connection, too.
Access to so many physical resources
Hooked on Phonics' learn to read program gives subscribers access to many additional resources, including print worksheets and videos focused on reading. There are even physical workbooks and reading books available. Every month, you will receive discussion questions to ensure that kids are strengthening their reading comprehension. Additionally, you will receive celebration stickers as a way to reward your child, along with tips and ideas on how to extend learning beyond the screen. This is one of the best things about this program - the fact that Hooked on Phonics understands that literacy is applied in real life and is truly learned, not just on the screen.
How it works
Hooked on Phonics' learn to read program includes 24 steps to reading. Kids learn rhymes and letter sounds to build words. At each step, your child will come across entertaining music videos that teach the sounds of the letters, which you may find yourself singing along with. There are also games that include sight words and rhyming with built words.
Emailed reports help parents
As a parent, you'll receive weekly reports via email from the Hooked on Phonics learn to read program that show whether or not your child has attained mastery over the skills they were learning. The report also shows where they struggled.
Disability-friendly program
Hooked on Phonics gets praise from parents of children with disabilities. One parent really liked that there is an option to repeat directions if they are missed or not understood. This is ideal for kids who have problems with auditory processing or focusing. The app incorporates a built-in feature that recommends taking a "brain break" when a child becomes stuck on a concept, thereby preventing a meltdown when faced with a challenging concept. Another feature of Hooked on Phonics that benefits children with disabilities is its welcoming and bright user interface, which avoids being overly overwhelming or overstimulating. They are also very interactive and don't require kids to sit through long videos or lengthy instructions without many breaks.
Solid, proven program
Hooked on Phonics learn to read program is solid. For 35 years, this method has proven to be effective in teaching children to read or improving reading skills in children who are struggling to master literacy. There are so many proven and excellent physical resources included in each month's subscription that the $12.99 price point (plus $2.99 shipping) is a fantastic value. The addition of physical workbooks, reading books, and rewards means you are getting so much more for your money than with an app-only approach. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee and offers like $1 for the first month, you aren't risking anything to try this amazing program. We are proud to award Hooked on Phonics with our first place ranking among learn to read platforms.
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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