Every child will learn to read at their own pace. But some children may require more help than others in order to develop the reading skills that are crucial to their academic success. If your child is struggling to read, you may want to consider enrolling them in a learn to read program so they can get additional instruction outside of the classroom.

There are many different types of reading programs, and a program that is effective for one child may not be effective for another. That’s why it is so important to take your time to find the right reading program for your child .

What Qualities Should You Look For In A “Learn to Read” Program?

All reading programs are not created equal, which is why you need to know how to select the right reading program for your struggling reader. Here are some of the qualities you should look for in a learn to read program:

Supports Your Child’s Learning Goals

Parents should understand what their child needs to improve on in order to find the right reading program. For example, if your child only needs to work on reading comprehension skills, you shouldn’t choose a program that is designed to improve phonics skills.

Work with your child and their teacher to identify their unique reading goals so you know what type of program will suit your child best.

Allows You to Measure Your Child’s Progress

You need to know whether a program is effective, which is why you should select a program that allows you to monitor your child’s progress.

Ideally, a program should measure your child’s accuracy, speed, and comprehension skills when they first start. Then, the program should continue to assess these skills as time goes on so you can see how much your child has improved. This way, you will know if a program isn’t working for your child so you can seek other options.

Accommodates Your Child’s Unique Needs

Every child is different, so you must find a program that accommodates your child’s unique needs.

For example, if your child suffers from a learning disability, you may need to enroll in a reading program that allows your child to move at a slightly slower pace. If something is being read aloud to them, for instance, they may need to slow down the pace of the narrator’s voice in order to keep up with the story.

If a reading program cannot accommodate your child’s unique needs, it won’t be effective.

Uses Teaching Methods Backed By Research

It’s important to find a reading program that teaches your child how to read using methods that are backed by research.

For example, research has shown that reading aloud to children can improve their vocabulary, comprehension, and information processing skills. Thus, a program that incorporates reading aloud is using a teaching method that is backed by research.

Where Can You Find Learn to Read Programs?

Parents may not realize how many learn to read programs are available to their children. If you are interested in enrolling your child in a learn to read program, here’s where you should look:

• Local libraries: Many libraries have established free reading programs for elementary-aged students that meet weekly or monthly. Contact your local library to find out if a program has been established near you.
• Bookstores: Many bookstores, including Barnes & Nobles, also host reading programs for young readers. Some bookstores host these programs in-store, whereas others host them online. Contact a bookstore near you to learn more about your options.
• Schools: Your child’s school may also host a reading program for struggling readers. If a reading program hasn’t been established yet, you may want to suggest this idea to the librarian or your child’s teacher.
• Online: A number of reading programs, such as Hooked On Phonics, are available online.
• App store: You also have the option of downloading reading programs such as Readability onto a smartphone or tablet so your child can practice reading at any time.
• At home: If you can’t find a suitable reading program near you, consider starting your own at home.

What is the Best Learn to Read Program for Struggling Readers?

There are countless reading programs to choose from, but none that can compare to the Readability app. Readability is the only smart reading and comprehension learning app that kids can access anytime, anywhere. It is designed with advanced speech recognition and artificial intelligence technology, which allows your child to communicate with the app just like they would with a reading tutor.

Readability can help struggling readers at reading levels K-6 improve their phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. You can even monitor their progress on the app’s parent dashboard, which tracks their accuracy, speed, comprehension, and other metrics.

Take the first step toward helping your child become a better reader by downloading the Readability app and starting your free 7-day trial today.