Children may struggle with literacy for different reasons. Some may be diagnosed with a learning disorder, while others may simply fall behind their peers. Not all children are ready to read at the same time, and this could affect ability, too.

Different grade levels also focus on different aspects of reading. In early elementary, children are learning the basic fundamentals; they also need to memorize lists of sight words. In fourth or fifth grades, comprehension becomes more abstract, and children are expected to read longer books.

Online reading instruction can be beneficial for children who struggle with reading. As literacy expectations change year-to-year, there are types of online reading instruction for each literacy need and/or struggle.

Early Elementary Years (Kindergarten through Second Grade)

In kindergarten, children are learning the basics of reading. They begin to understand the sounds of letters, identification of each letter, some sound blends, and they need to memorize lists of sight words. Comprehension might focus on the ‘wh’ questions.

First and second graders build on these early skills. Sight word lists might still be used. Books become longer. And children might be expected to understand a bit more details about stories and/or characters.

Parents who need online reading instruction for younger children might look for apps or programs that focus on these basic literacy skills. Teachers might have recommendations for online programs, too. In fact, some schools or school districts might provide students with login credentials for certain programs that children can use at home.

Apps or programs that offer these features might be beneficial for children who are struggling to read in early elementary school:

Sight Word Identification

Some children might have a difficult time memorizing sight words. Flash cards could help, but games might help children have fun with this key  skill. Parents can look for sight word apps that offer game-based learning. Some might encourage children to match words, find words or more. Some apps might even offer flash card formats, too.

Do a quick search for sight word games via the App Store (for Apple) or Google Play (for Android).

Letter Recognition

Recognizing letters and understanding the sound each letter makes is an important component of early literacy development. Some children struggle with identifying letters, sounds, and/or sound blends. Apps can help children practice these skills.

Parents can look for apps that focus on phonics skills. Some might be game-based to help children have fun while mastering their sounds and letters.

Reading Fluency

Children can practice fluency at home with their parents. Children can read aloud from passages via a book (or ebook) for one minute. Parents can make note of any mistakes to determine their words-per-minute rate. Or parents could simply encourage children to read aloud to practice their fluency.

Reading apps like Readability build lessons around read-aloud sessions. A built-in AI tutor will note any errors that a child makes while reading the stories. This helps determine the child’s reading fluency.

Later Elementary School

Children in late elementary school years (third through fifth) can continue focusing on sounds, sound blends and other phonics-based lessons, if this is an area of struggle. Some children might need help with reading fluency, and, again, reading apps like Readability can help children overcome these struggles.

Some children in late elementary years might have difficulties with comprehension. Parents might be able to find apps to help address these issues (Readability can help!) or parents can work with children at home as they read.

Here are some tips to help children with reading comprehension:

• Ask questions at the end of each chapter to gauge understanding
• Encourage children to create a reading comprehension bookmark to remind them of the information they need to find when reading
• Chunk text to help improve understanding and comprehension
• Use graphic organizers to help identify key plot points and/or character attributes
• Use sticky notes to write story memos while reading

Where to Find Free Online Reading Instruction

Households on a tight budget might look for free online reading instruction. There are free apps and websites that can be used to help children practice reading. Some of these apps or sites include game-based instruction.

With apps, however, parents might want to be cautious. Some free apps offer in-app purchases which allow players to buy different items within the game. These costs can add up if parents aren’t mindful. To avoid unwanted charges, parents can turn off in-app purchases via the phone.

Parents might also wonder if free apps are beneficial. Any reading practice can be beneficial for children who struggle. Game-type apps can help children practice skills like sight word identification in a fun format.

Apps available via stores like the App Store or Google Play usually include reviews. Parents can read reviews to research other users’ experiences with the app or program.

Online Reading Instruction with Professional Tutors

For children who are reading below grade level, parents might consider private tutoring. Some companies or tutors might offer online reading instruction via conferencing apps (like Zoom). This could be a convenient option for parents with busy schedules.

Costs for private tutors vary. There are many companies that parents can use to find the right tutor for their child. Some might offer virtual tutoring, others might not. Parents on a budget also might need to consider the tutor’s rate and how often their child will need tutoring sessions.

The school also could have recommendations for tutors. Programs could be available via organizations like the YMCA or the Boys and Girls Club. Tutoring opportunities and programs may vary per area.

Comprehensive Subscription-Based Online Reading Apps

Subscription-based reading apps like Readability offer children a lesson-based approach to reading that’s also immersive and engaging. When using Readability to support literacy needs, children begin lessons at their current reading level. Parents can set a child’s reading level in the system or Readability can help determine the best level.

Lessons are leveled to meet the abilities of each child. Advancing to a higher level requires children to demonstrate mastery in both fluency and comprehension. Lessons require the child to read stories aloud, and a guided AI tutor can provide help if the child stumbles.

Readability’s AI tutor is programmed with voice-recognition software that helps it to understand each child’s voice. As children read through the story, the AI tutor is listening for errors…and is always available to help a child.

At the end of the book or story, the AI tutor will measure the child’s understanding of what they read by asking questions about the story. Children only move to a more advanced level when they consistently demonstrate understanding and confident reading skills.

Each story or book in Readability also allows children to make discoveries about each story. There are colorful illustrations and interactive features. For example, children can click on a word to uncover its meaning.

Parents also can follow their child’s reading progress via the Parent Dashboard portal. In this section that is only available to parents, all the reading data is summarized. Parents can look at their child’s reading fluency (measured in words-per-minute), their reading level and how long they used the program.

All this reading data can be compiled into a report that can then be emailed to the child’s teacher. This can help keep parents in contact with the school about their child’s reading progress at home.

Not every program is a fit for every child, although Readability does provide a comprehensive literacy program that can address multiple struggles. Parents can find out if Readability is a fit for their child by signing up for a free trial. This trial period extends for seven days and allows children to access all the features of the program.

Interested in discovering the benefits of Readability? Sign up for a trial period today!

There are many typical and traditional ways that parents can help their child with reading. Yet, to get children to be excited about reading at a young age, parents can embrace their creative and fun side. Reading doesn’t always have to be about lessons and homework.

Reading can and should be a joyful experience. Using games, activities, crafts and even music can help inspire children and help them realize that stories are more than just words on a page. First-graders are just emerging into books and stories, and parents can use these fun and creative first grade reading activities to enhance their journey.

Create a Story Song

Everyone can be a musician. What is a child reading? What is their favorite book? Work with children to write a song about their favorite book or story character. The song doesn’t have to retell the story. Instead it can expand on it.

Or the song could be an example of what type of song the character might sing. Ask a child about their favorite character’s emotions throughout the story. Was the story happy or sad? What happened? Use events and the plot to inspire and influence the musical creation.

Grab some musical instruments and start creating the song and its beats and rhythms. If parents don’t have any instruments, make some. Old plastic Easter eggs can be filled with rice or dry beans for shakers. Use your hands to drum on a table. Get creative.

Draw or Paint a Scene

Art can be inspired by books and stories. Have your child be the illustrator for their favorite book. Grab some paper and art supplies—crayons, markers or paints. Encourage your child to draw scenes from their book. Or paint their favorite moment from the book.

Have a child pretend to be a famous painter. How would Picasso paint a character? What about Van Gogh? Parents might have books handy that give children a glimpse at works of famous artists. Or visit a local art museum and use the artwork as inspiration.

Parents can also read children books about artists and then have children be that artist for the day. They can create their own paintings based on what they learned about the artist.

Cook Up Literacy

Reading recipes can help children with reading and math. Younger children can help measure ingredients and learn some math skills while cooking. They also can help read recipe directions. If they stumble on a word, help them.

However, the list of ingredients might be easier for younger children to read. They can then hunt for the appropriate ingredient in the kitchen.

Looking for child-friendly recipes? The Modern Proper compiled a list of 30!

Act out the Story

It’s playtime! Literally! Have children put on a play about their favorite book. Help them create puppets using paper and popsicle sticks. Create backdrops by coloring pictures and grab props using small toys or anything that the family can find.

Have children help write the play. Or just ask them to reenact the story for their play. An upgrade for this project would include a real-life play…with children and parents as the stars! Grab costumes and props!

Write a Book

Children can become an author at any age. Let them write their own book. Use lined paper so that it’s easy for them to craft their story. Include blank paper for children to draw illustrations, too. Some children might need help with writing, and parents can lend a hand.

Don’t forget that every book needs a cover. Have children illustrate their own cover with a special design. They should also add their name as the author.

Take a Trip

A book or story field trip helps children immerse into the story. They can visit a place that the character lived or visited in the book. While not all families can take trips to faraway cities or sites (if those are found in the book), they can visit museums or other places linked to the book somehow.

Some families might be on a budget. If there is internet access, they can search for virtual trips and tours. YouTube is filled with videos of historical places and major sites and cities. In addition, many major museums also offer virtual tours and experiences.

Play Reading Games

Families can create their own fun reading games at home. Grab some sidewalk chalk and create a sight word hopscotch game. Each square might include a different sight word.

Taking a sight word scavenger hunt also is a fun way for children to practice memorizing and identifying these words. Grab the list of words and take it to the store or on errands. Have children put a check mark next to the word when they find it.

Families also can make or purchase comprehension beach balls to use to help children practice comprehension skills.  For first graders, comprehension might simply be about the key ‘wh’ questions. On different sections of the beach ball, just write a comprehension prompt. Toss it back and forth. The prompt that faces up is what the child must answer.

Beach balls also can be written with sight words. The same rule applies: toss the ball and the sight word that faces up has to be read. This might be a bit more fun than using flash cards!

Make Up a Story

While making up a story isn’t a traditional way to practice reading, it helps children think about how stories are structured and how they evolve and—well—it’s just fun. Parents and children can write up story topics on little pieces of paper for the game.

Put all the story ideas into a hat or a bucket. Have a child pull an idea from the bucket. This is the topic the story will use. Parents can begin the story, or go in order of youngest to oldest (or vice versa). Everyone keeps adding to the story.

However, the person who is stumped, who can’t think of anything left to add, loses the game. Go back and forth until there is only one person left.

Parents and children will be surprised at where the story goes and what happens next. Every story will be different, and the plot is always a mystery…because everyone makes it up as they play!

Use Reading Apps and Programs

Parents may learn that their first grader is struggling with hitting grade-level benchmarks. Maybe they are reading below expectations. Maybe parents discover that their child just has trouble sounding out words or they aren’t confident when they read.

Children can practice reading via online programs or reading apps. Readability can be used from preschool all the way through fifth grade. With Readability, children start out at their current reading level.

If parents know their child’s reading level, they can set it within the program. However, some parents don’t know their child’s current level…and that’s ok. Readability can discover it!

Lessons via Readability require children to read stories aloud. A built-in AI tutor helps guide them as they read; the tutor is programmed with voice recognition and learns to adapt to a child’s unique voice and intonations.

If a child stumbles, the tutor will help correct them. At the end of every story, the virtual tutor will test the child’s knowledge about the story by asking questions related to comprehension.

When children demonstrate mastery of reading fluency and comprehension, the program moves them to the next level. Children only move ahead when they’re ready. Since every child learns at a different pace, Readability ensures that lessons are never too easy…or too difficult.

Even children who aren’t reading below grade level can use Readability to practice reading for fun. Readability includes interactive features and colorful illustrations, so children stay engaged and have fun, too.

Interested in learning more about Readability? Sign up for a free seven-day trial today.

When children come home from school, they need a bit of downtime. While there could be a pile of homework in their backpack, along with a book for a reading assignment, decompressing might help children feel refreshed to tackle more work.

For children who might need additional help with reading, parents might be on the lookout for reading programs or solutions that don’t feel like…more work. Tutors could simply be seen by children as yet another teacher. And more lessons! Parents can help make reading lessons fun by using the best program to teach reading…that doesn’t feel like homework!

Isn’t all Reading Homework?

It’s true that most schools and grade-level teachers assign nightly reading homework to students. The reading assignment could be between 15 to 30 minutes per day, although 20 minutes of reading might be the literacy sweet spot.

Decades ago, reading assignments were less focused on minutes and more focused on reading a certain number of books. Gen Xers and Baby Boomers might remember being instructed to read a specific number of fiction and nonfiction books per year. To prove that a student read each book, they might have written a book report detailing what they liked about the book.

Times have changed, and now reading focuses on minutes…not necessarily the number of books. Some parents might prefer the old way, but others might like the idea that their child needs to read a certain number of minutes each night (or day). While there is no wrong or right preference, there is an overlying understanding that no matter how the assignment is presented, reading should be fun.

Back in the past, some students might have struggled to read those allotted numbers of books, just as some children today might look at the clock and groan. Reading should be enjoyable, and when the fun is removed from the experience, reading does feel like homework.  It might be up to parents to try to transform the homework into…funwork.

Transforming the Reading Journey

If a child has developed an aversion to reading, breaking out those bound books could cause them to procrastinate…or begrudgingly start to shuffle through those pages. Unfortunately, if reading is treated like another assignment, the fun could be zapped. But this feeling doesn’t have to be permanent, and children don’t have to live a life of reading frustration. Here are a few ways parents can create a fun reading zone and help children view books like an adventure:

• Let children choose their book. For reading minutes, parents should make sure the books are at a child’s reading level. That way the text or content isn’t too difficult.
• Build a reading fort.
• Let children listen to the story as they read. This could help them understand the emotion.
• Create reading rewards.
• Visit the library to let children explore their reading options.
• Watch the movie after reading the book. Compare the book and the movie. Watching the movie also could be a reading reward.
• Take a field trip to a place mentioned in the book. This doesn’t have to be the exact place, though. Visit someplace related to the story. This is called a reading field trip.

Letting Children Pick Their Books

Sometimes parents really want a child to read a specific book. Maybe this was a book that a parent loved as a child. Maybe parents just grab a book for the child to read. Books and their content can be specific and personal to a reader.

Parents might want to look back at their own childhood and try to remember how they found beloved authors. Maybe a friend recommended a book or a book series. But what a parent loved a child might not love…or maybe they will.

Books are a journey. Every journey may be different. Libraries are a great way for children to explore their own reading journey. They can look at different books and find out what path they want to take. Maybe they discover a love of sci-fi or biographies. Maybe they choose books based on their hobbies or interests.

Letting children pick their own books gives them a reason to be excited for reading time. They can explore what they want to explore. As children get older, they may branch out with their reading choices. They may explore different topics and genres. They may use books to find out their own beliefs or to investigate historical events.

Book choice gives children their own power. And when parents are desperately trying to get their children to read, choice may help children embrace a love of the story.

Reading Programs: A Different Kind of Adventure

Children might need additional help with reading. They may be reading below their grade level or they may simply struggle with specific reading concepts—like comprehension. Some children could qualify for additional help at school; this could be reading intervention programs or other types of programs.

Other children might not receive additional help at school, but parents might still want to investigate resources to provide additional enrichment. Online reading programs can be used by children at home after school to help them gain confidence and proficiency.

The best program to teach reading, though, should be fun and immersive. Most importantly, that reading resource shouldn’t feel like another homework assignment. When researching online reading programs, what features are important?

Parents will obviously want to choose programs that help address their child’s struggles and help them become better and more proficient readers. However, lessons should be immersive; they should be fun. They shouldn’t make children groan or want to avoid the program.

Here’s what parents should look for in an online reading program:

• Engaging content. Stories should be at the appropriate level for every reader, but they shouldn’t talk down to readers. This means that the stories should hold the age-level interest of the reader. A fourth-grader shouldn’t have to read stories about little ducks going for a swim…or content that’s designed for a younger age.
• Immersive design. Books and stories should keep readers engaged, but features within the program’s design need to help immerse the reader into the story. Can children click on words to find out what they mean? Is there a built-in guide that helps children with lessons? These are all features that take the program to another level.
• Colorful illustrations. Blocks of text can become overwhelming. Children who struggle with reading might become frustrated by simply seeing pages and pages of words with nothing else. Stories in reading programs should offer illustrations that break up all the text.
• Meaningful feedback. Reading programs shouldn’t simply have a child reading text aloud without any guidance. Look for programs that include a built-in tutor that helps guide lessons and provides help when children struggle.
• Simple design. Children should be able to use a reading program without a manual. A program needs to be simple enough for a child to log in and begin their work. They shouldn’t have to deal with glitches or a complicated format.

Measuring Success…and Fun

Not every reading program will be beloved by every child. That’s simply a reading reality. Parents might research different programs to find out what one is best for their child. This is also where free trial offers can be really beneficial.

Parents should look for programs that offer some type of free trial period. This allows parents and children to explore the program and find out if it’s a good fit. Children can also read through stories and check out the different features.

When parents feel comfortable that they’ve found the best program for their child, they can commit to a subscription. Some programs charge per month. Others might have a different billing structure.

As children begin to actively use a program, parents will want to follow their child’s progress. Ideally, reading programs should include a section for parents to view their child’s reading data. Readability includes a Parent Dashboard that’s only accessible to parents. The Dashboard lets parents see their child’s current reading level, their reading rate (number of words read per minute) and how long their child used the program. All this data also can be compiled into a reading report that can be emailed to the child’s teacher.

For children, Readability offers a fun reading environment that helps them gain confidence and proficiency. Lessons won’t feel like homework, because the stories are always interesting, unique and immersive. Parents can follow their child’s progress to ensure that the fun is also boosting their child’s skills.

Interested in helping children embrace the fun of reading while gaining proficiency? Try Readability today!

Today’s families are busy. Many children are involved in multiple after-school activities like scouting programs, sports, dance, music lessons, and church groups too. Parents have work engagements, their own social activities, and then there’s family time. Homework for children may be completed between activities or even on-the-move.

Most children also have to read daily—20 minutes, typically. While books are easy to grab on the run, sometimes parents forget. Reading materials on phones and devices, though, are always a click away. And for children who need extra help, online reading programs can be used anywhere for mobile reading practice.

Mobile Books

Some children might have a certain book that they are reading in class. They might want to continue reading this book at home. When parents and children get busy and are rushing to head out the door, though, sometimes books and other materials are left behind.

One easy way for parents to ensure that books are never left behind is to use an ereader app. Typically, these apps are pre-downloaded onto phones and other devices. They also usually connect with a virtual library or bookstore where parents can download and purchase other books. Some materials through the ereader are free, but others are not. Prices can vary.

Parents can download the book their child is currently reading to ensure that there is a mobile copy. Children can then read their book on a tablet or phone. Those reading minutes can be clocked in the car between activities or maybe on the sidelines of their sibling’s activity.

Ereaders provide parents with another means to encourage reading. And if a child leaves the book behind, there is a backup copy waiting to be read…virtually.

While ereaders are not reading programs, they are another way to enjoy the reading journey and to encourage children to practice reading. Virtual books can be found for all reading levels.

Reading Games

Younger elementary students might need to practice the basics of reading—phonics and letter recognition. They also might be tasked with memorizing a list of sight words. These are easy words that children should be able to recognize on sight.

Game-based apps can help children practice these early reading skills. Parents can download games focused on letter recognition, sounds and sight words, too. Some games may encourage letter tracing. Others may have a variety of games that children can enjoy…while they practice their skills.

Parents can find free apps, but some may have a cost. Even free apps, though, might have hidden costs—these are called in-app purchases. Parents can receive surprise bills from games with these purchasing options. However, parents can opt to turn off in-app purchases so that children cannot buy items within their games.

So what reading games are the best? This really depends on the child and their own interests. Parents can check the reviews, though, to see what others think about the app. If the app is free, parents can just delete it if children don’t show much interest.

Online Elementary Reading Programs to Help Struggling Readers

Some children may need more help with reading than simple games can provide. They may struggle with comprehension or reading fluency, and parents may be on the lookout for a program that can help them hit necessary grade-level benchmarks.

There are a number of online reading programs to help struggling readers. Each program may offer a different format or may focus on a different aspect of reading. For this reason, parents can research their options before committing to a program.

For children who struggle with comprehension, there may be programs that focus solely on this skill. Others may help guide children that have difficulty with reading fluency, letter recognition, and sounds or sound blends.

Programs like Readability focus on a comprehensive approach to help readers in all areas of literacy. Readability includes a built-in AI tutor that is programmed to recognize each child’s voice. Readability lessons require children to read stories and books aloud, and, as they read, the AI tutor will help them along the way—if they stumble.

To help test comprehension and to ensure that children understand what they are reading, the tutor also asks questions at the end of each story. If children show mastery of both comprehension and fluency at the stories for their current reading level, Readability will move them to the next level.

Children might progress through the program at different speeds. Some children may master levels quickly only to need additional practice at more difficult levels. Other children may take longer to progress.

For busy families, though, one of the biggest benefits of online reading programs like Readability is that they can go anywhere…as long as there is wifi access or a cell phone signal. This means that children can practice reading in the car or even on vacation. However, parents might want to check their cell phone data plan to ensure before using the app remotely.

Do Online Reading Programs Work?

Parents may be hesitant to use an app to guide their child’s reading. Reading programs can help struggling readers gain confidence and proficiency, but parents should choose the program that will best help and guide their child. Each program also may be designed for a specific age or grade range. For example, Readability can be used from preschool through fifth grade. It’s important for parents to understand not simply the features and design of a program but any age or grade specifications as well.

This is why trying out or researching different programs is so important. While parents can look at a company’s website to gain a bit of background about a reading program, the only way to really understand and gain familiarity with the program is to use it.

Many reading programs offer free trial periods so that parents and their children can work with the program to better understand features and format. Readability provides a free seven-day trial period; this allows parents and their children to have access to stories and use the AI tutor.

Parents may want to supervise a few lessons so that they can see the program and how it works. If parents are confident that the program is a good fit for their child, they can continue on with a Readability monthly subscription.

As their child uses Readability, parents can check-up on reading progress by accessing a parent-only portal called the Parent Dashboard. This space will show all the reading data associated with each child (up to three children can use one subscription of Readability). The Parent Dashboard displays current reading levels, words read per minute and even how long a child used the program.

All reading data can be compiled into a report that can be emailed to the child’s teacher. This can help parents better communicate with the school about reading progress. While seeing that a child is progressing at home is a good sign, parents will also want to know that the child is demonstrating the same progress at school.

Teachers can then share with parents what they are seeing in the classroom related to reading fluency and progress. Parents also can compare reading progress on Readability to reading data sent from the school from standardized reading tests or other assessments.

Interested in scheduling a free trial to discover Readability? Sign up today!

In elementary school, children may use the same classroom programs each year for reading and/or math. These programs help children practice their skills and may be designed to advance children to the next level when they have shown mastery.

Classroom reading programs may help teachers better assess a child’s literacy progress, and, combined with district-wide standardized test data, they also may help educators gauge a child’s reading proficiency. Elementary reading programs that grow with children also can be used at home to provide enrichment or to aid children who might struggle with reading.

But why is an elementary reading program that grows with children beneficial? Here’s what parents need to know.

Literacy Grows

Children in the same grade may have different reading levels. Some children read above grade level, while others read at the level that is expected. Others may be behind peers and read below grade level expectations.

Parents may find it helpful to view literacy like a growth chart. Children can move to different points of this chart throughout the year and throughout their elementary years. In kindergarten, a child might have been a proficient reader, maybe even a precocious reader. However, the same child can later struggle when grade-level expectations become more rigorous. A child may have complete ease in reading words and understanding basic context and meaning, yet could fail to grasp the ‘reading between the lines’ comprehension that is expected in later years.

The expectation is that a child’s literacy will grow with each year. They will begin to understand more complex details and story structures and learn to identify with characters. Reading also becomes essential to understanding and is an important part of learning other subjects. Not only do older children need to understand more complex novels and stories, but they will need to understand the complexities of textbook explanations, too.

Children who fall behind in reading may not simply fall behind in reading grade-level stories, but, eventually, other subjects may be impacted, too. Identifying reading struggles early may allow parents to provide literacy support to their children and move them forward.

Encouraging Reading Growth at Home

The reading growth chart of a child may look different for each individual. Some may progress quickly; others may need more help and time to gain confidence and reading proficiency. Programs at school can help children practice reading skills and gain fluency, but parents also may wish to provide additional support at home.

There are many ways parents can support children, whether their child struggles to read or just needs daily practice to continue to grow. Encouraging a child to read aloud at home can help parents understand struggles with phonics and reading fluency. In addition, parents can encourage children to read aloud; sometimes hearing the story can help children to better understand it. However, parents also can encourage children to think deeper about the story by asking key questions related to characters and plot.

Some children may be right on target with reading. Yet, even children who have no identifiable struggles still are asked to read daily. Many schools ask children to read every day at home—from 15 to 30 minutes. Children who are hitting benchmarks also may enjoy reading. Parents can still support the reading journey at home by incorporating activities that enhance the adventure.

After a child finishes a book, parents can find the movie version of the book for a family movie night. Parents can check out Rooftop Film Club’s list of the best children’s books that were brought to life on the screen. Children can then compare the book to the movie and decide which they liked best.

Reading field trips take the book’s adventure into a child’s world; visit places from the book…or places inspired by the book. These trips can help a child step into the character’s shoes.

Using Elementary Reading Programs

To encourage reading growth and proficiency, online elementary reading programs can be used at home. Parents whose children are younger or even in middle elementary grades (2nd and 3rd) may want to focus on finding reading programs that are designed to grow with their child.

Reading programs shouldn’t be stagnant; there should be flexibility that allows growth in the program’s design. Many reading apps and online programs can be used throughout the elementary school years—up to 5th or 6th grade.

What this means for parents is that these programs provide several years of use for children when they are implemented early in the elementary school years. While these programs grow with the child as they age and move from grade to grade and throughout different reading levels, they also can be adjusted to accommodate for the unique needs of children who read above grade level or below grade level.

How does this work?

With Readability, for example, children begin on the program at their current reading level. Parents who know their child’s reading level from previous classroom assessments can set the level manually via the program; for parents who are unsure about their child’s reading level, Readability can help determine where the child should begin in the program.

The child begins with their current reading level—whatever that may be. From there, they begin reading books and stories in the program. Reading is done aloud, as Readability includes a built-in AI tutor that can capture the unique voice of each child. The tutor can then identify struggles during the lesson and help the child correct their mistakes. Readability’s AI tutor also facilitates a quiz at the end of each story to measure comprehension. To move to the next level in the program, children have to demonstrate mastery of both reading proficiency and comprehension.

For elementary reading programs that are designed to grow with a child, there is no standard pace or time that dictates when the child advances to the next level. Children move on when they show that they can begin to read at a more difficult level. Some children may advance through the program quickly. Some may take more time.

With these types of reading programs, though, all children may benefit from the lessons. Even children who are reading beyond their grade level could use a program like Readability to progress to higher levels or simply practice and improve their reading skills.

Programs that are leveled also can help children during long vacations—like summer—when there is a risk of losing proficiency in key subjects like reading and math. Some children may not want to open up a book, but perhaps they love technology. Using a reading program during long breaks may help children keep their reading skills sharp or maybe even progress during the summer.

Parents may want to explore different apps and programs for their child to use during the school year at home or during the summer break. As many programs require a subscription for use, parents may be hesitant to commit to the first one they stumble upon online. However, some programs—including Readability—offer a free trial period to help parents and their child explore the program and gain a better understanding of its format and content.

Not every program is the right fit for every child, but Readability does provide a multimodal approach to literacy to provide help to children with different types of reading struggles so they can gain confidence and proficiency.

Interested in trying out Readability for your child? Sign up for a free trial today!

Millions of children have difficulties with reading. Some children might feel embarrassed and hide these struggles from parents; children might even avoid reading. Parents also could notice that their child struggles when they read aloud at night. Other parents might be notified during parent-teacher conferences that their child is reading below grade-level expectations.

There are many tools and resources parents can utilize to help their child with reading. Parents can use programs to improve reading skills and help children gain reading confidence. In addition, nightly reading, tutoring and even starting a family book club also could be used to help children practice reading and begin to enjoy flipping those pages.

The Family that Reads Together…

Some children might simply be a little behind their peers in reading ability. Some younger children might not be ready to read. Others could be struggling with certain sounds or blends or might have trouble identifying key sight words.

When parents notice that their children might be struggling with reading, they can help at home. Parents might want to drop an email to their child’s teacher, though, as many teachers can provide tips on how to best guide reading at home.

Some teachers might even have children make bookmarks that provide prompts on what students should think about while reading. The bookmark could focus on characters, plot or comprehension. Parents can use these bookmark prompts at home to help children as they read.

Parents might still read aloud to their child. While reading to their child, parents can ask questions about the characters or the story plot. They might focus on the ‘wh’ prompts related to comprehension.

Writing for Reading Rockets, literacy expert Timothy Shanahan shared a number of ways that parents can help their child with reading. Among his tips, Shanahan advised that parents read to children, encourage them to write, encourage storytelling, and set aside reading time for the family.

Encouraging Family Reading Time

One of Shanahan’s tips was related to reading time for the family. Parents can create a focus on literacy (and model a good example) by establishing a family reading time. This can help the entire family get back into the habit of reading. There might even be a few rules associated with this family tradition. To ensure that no one gets distracted, families can:

• Set devices like phones to vibrate only
• Turn off the television
• Create a reading home base; maybe everyone meets to read in the living room
• Bring reading accessories; this could be extra pillows for comfort, a guided bookmark from school, etc.

Parents might not want to set a timer, as this could be a distraction. But they can keep an eye on the time as necessary. Times can be adjusted for younger kids. Parents also could encourage kids to read a chapter…instead of focusing on minutes. Maybe there is no time limit. Family reading time could be right before everyone goes to bed.

Create a Family Book Club

Families with older kids might set up family reading time as more of a book club atmosphere. Families can create a list of books that are at everyone’s level. Then the family can vote on what book they want to read. Each night, everyone could read a chapter. Or depending on the length of chapters, maybe families set a goal for finishing the book after a week or two. After everyone has finished the book, the family can talk about it together.

Discussions for the family book club also could happen after each chapter. Parents can have kids try to predict what might happen next. Everyone can discuss how they feel about the character. Parents also can enhance the book club with other experiences, too. Maybe the family visits somewhere mentioned in the book (a “reading field trip”). If the book has been adapted into a movie, then the family can have a movie night to watch the book’s movie play out. After the movie, everyone can talk about similarities and differences between the book and the movie.

Need a list of child-friendly books that have been adapted into a movie? Check out this comprehensive list from the site Imagination Soup.

Resources for Younger Readers

Kindergarteners and preschoolers could have difficulty with literacy skills, too. For young emerging readers, struggles might be with phonemes and phonics. They might have trouble hearing the differentiation between sounds or they could struggle with letter identification.

In kindergarten, students also often have to memorize and easily identify a list of sight words. Knowing these words might be considered a grade-level expectation. For young readers, parents might need to find tools that help their children master these words and grade-level skills.

Teachers might recommend that parents use flash cards at home to help children learn to recognize sight words. Parents also could integrate reading apps that help children practice sight words or gain a better understanding of letters and their sounds.

Apps may vary based on the device brand (e.g. Android, Apple or Windows). However, most offer apps that can be used for phonics practice and sight words, too. Apple (App Store) and Android (Google Play) both offer different apps for sight words, but these apps are fairly similar. PBS KIDS Games, which offers a variety of educational games (including reading) is available for both Android and Apple devices. Both also offer an app called Blending Board, an app geared for children with dyslexia that focuses on phonics. The Blending Board could be used to help children practice sound blends.

Programs to Improve Reading Skills

Some children might need more help than parents can provide. Parents might look for private tutors or research different online programs to help children. For some families, private tutoring might be too costly. Although free help might be available in some cases, free tutoring isn’t something that all families might be able to access.

Reading apps and online programs could provide additional help for children who struggle to read. There are many programs available, and parents might wish to zero in on the programs that offer multimodal support or that focuses on a specific literacy struggle. Every child’s needs are different, and parents should find a program that best helps their child succeed.

Parents also might need to look at the cost of the program, too. Price could be an issue for families. Some programs—like Readability—charge per month for program access. Other programs could price their services differently.

Program Features

Reading apps or programs could offer a free trial period that enables parents and their children to test out the program to see if it is a good fit. Readability offers a free seven-day trial. During this time, children can use all the features of the program. Parents can watch as their child engages with the program to assess how Readability works and their child’s attitude while using the program.

Readability features a built-in AI tutor that works with the child during reading lessons. With Readability, the child reads aloud and the tutor is designed to recognize each child’s unique vocal inflections (i.e. voice recognition). This technology allows the AI tutor to help correct mispronunciations while reading. The tutor also will ask questions at the end of each book. These questions are intended to gauge a child’s ability to comprehend what they read.

Children only advance to the next level of Readability after they have shown a mastery of both reading comprehension and reading fluency. This keeps lessons appropriately leveled for each child.

Measuring Progress with Reading Programs

Reading programs might be designed differently, but no matter what program families choose, results are important. Parents likely don’t want to spend money each month (or up front) on a program that never helps a child progress.

How can parents be sure that the program works? Programs might be designed to provide a snapshot look at a child’s progress. With Readability, for example, parents can access a portal with information about their child. This is called the Parent Dashboard and it shows parents their child’s current reading level, length of time spent on the program, the number of words they can read per minute and other data. Parents can even create a report for teachers to provide reading data to the school.

Even if progress is indicated on the reading app or program, work in the classroom matters, too. Parents can keep in touch with teachers to monitor reading progress at school. Some districts test reading throughout the year and provide parents with updates on their child’s reading level. These reports from the school can help parents better understand their child’s reading progress, too.

Don’t Forget the Fun!

Whether parents use a reading program, work with children at home, hire a tutor or use other resources to help children gain proficiency, families shouldn’t forget that reading should be fun. Parents can encourage enjoyment by embracing reading activities; visit the library and let children pick out their own books, listen to books on tape, read silly books, holiday books, and use books to help children understand history.

While reading is often a homework assignment, helping kids enjoy the words on the page might help them to become dedicated readers throughout their lifetime.