Thursday, April 24th
2025 Learn to Read Program Reviews
Kiz Phonics
- Many free resources to try before you commit to buying
- Subscriptions start at $39 for six months for a single user (options to add up to 20 users are available for an additional cost)
- Very large collection of lessons, worksheets, videos and more
- Very robust social media presence, including a YouTube channel
- Video tutorials for teachers
- Videos and games are compatible on all devices
- Refunds can be given within 24 hours of purchase
Hong Kong-based Kiz Phonics' learn to read program has been around since 2012, and its social media channel is based in India. Kiz Phonics offers complete materials for teaching phonics, either arranged by level for a systematic approach or by type for a less structured approach. Kiz Phonics offers 3-5 worksheets for free so you can get a feel for their materials. In addition to the lessons, subscribers have access to a wealth of amazing resources that will save teachers or parents a significant amount of time.
Great program for English as a second language
Kiz Phonics is a wonderful option for students who are learning to read in English as their second language. Because the developers of the curriculum are both non-native and native English speakers, they have valuable insights into how to teach reading when you aren't a native speaker. This will also be a great program for young kids whose parents are non-native English speakers and come from a bilingual home.
Lots of free worksheets on the website
We were pleased to see so many free resources on the website. The first 3-5 items in each category (and there are many) are free of charge. Kiz Phonics' philosophy is to avoid unhappy customers, so they have a video that explains their whole program, these free resources to try, and previews of almost everything else. They encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out before purchasing.
Generous refund policy and no auto-renewal
Kiz Phonics' learn to read program offers try before you buy, but adhering to their philosophy of wanting to prevent unhappy customers, they even offer a generous refund policy. Anyone not satisfied with their subscription can get a refund within the first 24 hours of purchase. Another plus is that there is no auto-renewal, which seems to end up being a problem with other learn to read programs.
Geared toward saving teachers time
Kiz Phonics not only has lessons, videos, games, and worksheets, but it also really goes above and beyond to help the teacher. It includes lesson plans, teacher tips, level assessments, score sheets, report cards, and completion certificates.
Simple pricing structure
Kiz Phonics' learn to read program offers a single-user license for $59 per year ($39 if you only want to make a six-month commitment). For up to 10 users, it is $99 per year ($69 for six months). If you have a larger group, there is a program for up to 20 users for $159 per year ($99 for six months). All of the plans include unlimited access to the members' area.
Massive amount of resources, but not overwhelming
Kiz Phonics has mastered the art of organizing. Whereas many large websites become overwhelming and unwieldy, there is a simple elegance to the way the Kiz Phonics learn to read program has arranged its materials. Everything is simple to navigate. For each specific letter sound, there are paper and online books, worksheets, videos, games, songs, PowerPoint presentations, and practice activities. Teachers comment on how much their students love the online team board games, matching games, and other fun activities. Although it is phonics-based, Kiz Phonics still has sight word games and activities. There are also pre-writing alphabet tracing activities.
Great program, but we miss the apps
Kiz Phonics is a well-done learn to read program. With so many resources, it's a great value for the price. The only downside is that we really wish the plentiful number of apps (with free "lite” versions) were available in the United States. While these apps aren't necessary for the program to work, it's a helpful tie-in that is noticeably missing in the North American market. Still, this is a low-risk, effective learn to read program that's well worth a look.
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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