Reading Kingdom is an online reading program that helps teach children to read or improve their skills if they already know how to read. It was created by Dr. Marion Blank, Director of the Light on Learning Program at Columbia University and one of the world's top experts in reading. It is the only online reading program that offers customized instruction for each child and the only one that teaches all six skills needed for reading and writing success:
1) sequencing
2) motor skills
3) sounds
4) meaning
5) grammar
6) comprehension
Each child takes a "survey or skills" and then a program is designed individually that works with their strengths while working on the area(s) that need help. Kiddo #3 took the placement test and began at Level 3.
The program is completely interactive and engages the child from start to finish. In many ways, it is like a game (with rewards and incentives!) and makes learning fun. It does not focus on phonics, but whole word recognition, which is perfect for Kiddo #3, because that is exactly how he learns. :-) In fact, I learned from their website that since most words in our language cannot be decoded (or sounded out), the strictly phonics approach to teaching children to read is failing and too many of our children are not reading to their potential.
The child works independently (which is wonderful!) and the parent receives email updates (or anytime upon login) as to the child's progress.
The daily activities are short enough to keep the child's attention and focus. I must admit that the initial "survey" was quite long and Kiddo wanted to quit several times. However, this shows me that it was a very thorough evaluation. Once his individualized program began, he was interested and eager to make progress! :-) When the child "earns" a new "book" to read through the lessons, he/she will already have learned all of the words in the book and can read it with skill and confidence. This makes for a proud child and parent. This program sets the child up for success, not failure. :-)
I also like that not only is word recognition, spelling and typing skills focused upon, but word comprehension. the act of reading is pointless without true comprehension.
Kiddo looks forward each day to the lesson and we plan to continue the program into our school year.
Reading Kingdom is offering a free 30-day trial. Why not try and see how it works with your child? You can't lose. After completing that, it is $19.99 a month or $199.99 a year for the first reader and $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year for each reader after that.
Here is an introduction to how the program works:
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