How To Choose the Right Learn to Read Program for your Child…
If you are looking for a reading program for your child and do not even know where to start, this article is for you!
Today I am going to be discussing the factors that you should take into account when selecting a reading program / reading curriculum for your child.
Also, I wanted to let you know that you can have access to a free detailed report about the best reading programs out there. Besides, you can also check this post about the best learn to read programs!
Factor #1: Does The Curriculum follow the Phonics Approach?
The first factor is whether the program that follows the phonics system for teaching your child to read of not.
And more specifically, the synthetic phonics system.
This system has proven to be the one that produces the best results*.
If you don’t know what synthetic phonics is, and how it is different from your average phonics program, after you’ve finished this video check out this other post about Synthetic Phonics!
Factor #2: The type of approach that you think that your child will thrive on.
For instance, some kids do great with the multi-sensory approach. These would be what you would call ‘kinetic learners’.
That is because they learn best through manipulation and kinetic experiences.
If that is your child’s case, you may want to look into programs that include these multi-sensory activities on their curriculum.
For instance, you could look into programs that follow the the Orton Guillingham approach. For instance, in this post here Which is the best phonics programme? – TOP Synthetic Phonics Programs to Teach Your Child to Read in 2022!, I talk about 2 programs (#2 and #3 on the list) that follow a OG approach.
However, you may have a child that learns very well through one-on-one very explicit and direct explanations. There are programs also with that sort of approach. Again, if you go to the mentioned post, you want to check for the first program that I talk about and the last 2.
There are also programs that integrate audio-visual experiences as part of the learning process. Some children can do very well with this approach. They engage a lot with the visual elements and they help them memorise and understand the concepts and materials they have to learn about.
If that is your child’s case, then the program number 3 on the mentioned video could be a good fit for your child.
Factor #3: Your Child’s Age
The third factor is your child’s age.
Especially if you have a young reader (for example, a toddler) there are certain programs that have been specifically designed with young readers in mind.
These programs normally made in a way that is fun and engaging for them and also tend to have very short lessons at the beginning (because we all know that toddlers have very short attention span).
And that bring us to the 4th factor…
Factor #4: The time that you have in your hands!
How long do you have to devote to the reading lessons?
To be honest, reading lessons in most reading programs tend to last approx. 20 minutes.
But sometimes these lessons can be intense and require your full involvement or they could be gentler on you, and maybe support part of the lesson with audiovisual elements.
Also, some programs require preparations for the lesson from your side, so you need to add that extra time.
Besides, many programs will add some daily guided reading time with your child. So, you may need to add 10 – 20 extra minutes.
However, as I mentioned before, it could be that you have a young reader and you are following a program specifically created for young readers with really short initial lessons.
Factor #5: Do you want to only teach reading or do you want to teach reading and spelling at the same time?
Some programs only tackle reading, and offer spelling programs separately. Some others include spelling instruction as well. Check that out before getting a program and think about what you think makes more sense in your case.
Factor #6: Your Budget
The prices vary a lot between different programs, and some of them can get quite pricey. Unfortunately, that is the way it is. However, there are still good-quality programs that very affordable.
So, don’t worry: You will be able to teach your child to read no matter your budget!
To finish up I also wanted to let you know: There’s no shame at all in going for a program and then changing your mind.
It happens all the time, because, to be honest, we don’t know 100% until we try the program ourselves how it is going to be like for our kids.
We can make the most informed decision in the world, but the final verdict comes from applying it our children.
Some reading programs understand that it is a big decision and maybe a big investment as well and offer very good return policies!
For instance, the reading program #3 on our post about the best Learn to Read Programs offers an amazing full year money back guarantee! You can find all the details on that other post.
Remember as well that you can claim your free detailed report of the best reading programs with all the details you need to make an informed decision!
Hey there! I’m Laura – an author, YouTuber, blogger, and the creator of the “Learning Reading Hub” platform. I created this space to dive into the world of reading instruction and to shout from the rooftops about how vital it is to use the right methods for teaching reading. I’ve got a TEYL certification (Teaching English to Young Learners), plus a Journalism degree from the University of Navarra in Spain, along with a Master’s Degree in Communication.
I’ve always loved digging into research, jotting down my thoughts, connecting with people, and sharing what makes me tick. With a background in marketing, digital projects, and the education scene (especially language learning), I’m all about wearing different hats.
When my first kid needed to learn how to read, it opened my eyes to the challenges and complexities involved. This journey took me through a rollercoaster of self-teaching, eye-opening discoveries, and yeah, some letdowns too. There’s so much conflicting info out there, along with methods that just don’t cut it. And let’s face it, these issues are way too common.
Now, I’m all about channeling that passion (without sounding like a know-it-all!) and sharing my journey. My mission? Making it easier for those who are on the same path I once was.
My heart’s with my family and the amazing Learning Reading Hub project. I live with my husband and two little ones, raising them in a bi-lingual environment (English and Spanish).
