When children leave school for the last time to welcome the beginning of summer vacation, many are encouraged to join a summer reading club at the library. Some schools also send home a list of books to further facilitate reading during the long break.

The summer slide is real, and children who don’t continue to read during the summer could lose literacy skills and start the next year trying to make up the learning gap. Parents might perceive school-issued summer reading lists as another battle with their child, but Readability’s 2022 summer reading lists for kids of all ages include ideas on how to make reading fun.

Here’s how to encourage a summer filled with books, stories and new reading adventures. We’re breaking down reading activities, tips and games for all grade levels.

2022 Summer Reading List for Preschool and Kindergarten

Children who are about to enter preschool or kindergarten might be working on the core fundamentals of letters, sounds and early reading skills. Parents should try to read to children everyday to help them increase their vocabulary and prepare for learning to read. Or, if you don’t have time, you can have them use Readability’s storytime feature to have the AI Tutor read stories to young children.

While reading regularly is the best way to help young children build early literacy skills, parents also can help younger emerging readers master their letters and sounds with these activities and games:

1.   Use sidewalk chalk to help children learn to write the alphabet. Parents can purchase a bundle of colorful sidewalk chalk to help children practice their letters. Sidewalk chalk is typically chunky, and this makes it easier for smaller hands to grasp and hold. Show them how to write a few letters at a time. Just make sure not to chalk anywhere that it’s prohibited (some parks don’t allow chalking).
2.   Turn a kiddie pool into alphabet soup. Parents can find sponge or floating letters that can be used as part of water play in small pools. Turn that portable kiddie pool into a fun alphabet soup. Sit in the pool with children and make words out of the floating letters; if children are struggling to identify letters, use this activity to help them learn. Don’t forget the sunscreen, and make sure children are always supervised near water.
3.   Visit story time events at bookstores or the library. Many public libraries offer free story time events for children. This is a great indoor summer activity during hot days that lets children listen to stories and socialize, too. Visit the library’s website to find out about children’s activities and story time events. Some events might offer crafts or other fun games and activities.

Listening to stories helps children to appreciate books, and library events also can help them get acquainted with their local library.

4.   Sign a child up for a library card. Even if the local library doesn’t offer a story time event, parents can take children to the library to sign up for their first library card. Then let children explore the children’s section and find a few books that they want to read.
5.   Take story time outdoors. Pitch a tent outdoors and create a fun reading environment for children. Parents can grab a flashlight and read to children outside and maybe camp in the backyard, too.
6. Celebrate the Fourth of July with a book. Help younger children understand the importance of Independence Day by reading books about the Founding Fathers.

2022 Summer Reading List for First and Second Graders

Children who have finished or who are entering first or second grade are still navigating their literacy journey; they are learning to read but will soon begin to read to learn. Some second graders might be delving into short chapter books, but other children in first and second grade might just be reading smaller books.

During summer, parents can focus on fun enrichment activities and games that help children practice important literacy skills like fluency and comprehension; in addition, parents also can help children work on mastering common sight words.

1.   Take children on a new book hunt in thrift stores or used book sales hosted by libraries. Thrift stores often have low-cost books (sometimes less than $1) for families on a budget. Give children a spending limit and let them choose a few books for the summer that interest them.
2.   Create a summer journal. Writing can help children focus on sentence structure, spelling and how to put their thoughts into words. Encourage children to start a journal over the summer. Parents can purchase a spiral notebook and let children decorate it.
3.   Set summer reading goals. Some local libraries offer a summer reading program, but parents can start a family book club, too. At the beginning of the summer, help children set reading goals. Parents can create a reading passport, and when children read so many pages (or minutes), they might earn a prize. Parents can create their book club format in a way that works best for their children.
4. Listen to audiobooks during family road trips. First and second graders probably still love story time. During long car trips, listen to a book on tape. Children can vote on the book they want to hear on the trip. See how many books the family can finish this summer.
5.   Play sight word games to practice these must-know words. During hot or rainy summer days, create card games to help children practice their sight words (work with the Dolch list). Parents can use standard index cards to create match games from sight words (make two of each card) or opt for Go Fish (make four cards for each sight word). These games are a fun way for children to learn and master their sight words. They might even get ahead for next year.

2022 Summer Reading Challenges for Third, Fourth and Fifth Graders

Children entering the upper grades of elementary school are reading to learn. In third grade, reading skills are still sharpened but are more focused on reading for learning. Many third graders will read short chapter books. By fourth and fifth grade, comprehension might focus on more complex skills beyond the standard w/h questions (who, what, where, when, why and how).

For older elementary-aged children, parents still need to make reading fun. However, reading for older children is often an independent journey. Some children might feel that they’ve outgrown listening to their parents read to them. However, every child is different and some might still love to hear a story read aloud.

1.   Encourage children to research books they want to read and have them create a summer reading list. Children can set their own book goals that they wish to accomplish this summer. For example, maybe they want to read two books in a series. Start the summer by having them write a list of their ‘must read’ books. Then go to the library and check out a few.
2. Host a family ‘book and a movie’ monthly event. Everyone in the family can read the same book (choose a book that is appropriate for everyone) and then watch the movie adaptation. Talk about how the book differed from the movie. Parents might decide just to read the book aloud; this is a great way to make sure everyone is on the ‘same page.’ Plus, everyone in the family won’t have to hunt down a copy of the book. Check out this list of children’s books that have been adapted into movies.
3.   Have children write an ‘I Wonder’ list and then let children find the answers through books. An ‘I wonder…’ list focuses on the curious questions that each child might have about the world. Have children write down a list of five things that they wish to learn or know. Visit the library to find age-appropriate books that help them answer their questions.
4. Create a summer journal. A summer journal is a great activity for younger and older children. Writing about summer experiences, vacations and daily life helps children practice their writing skills, sharpen their spelling and also document lasting memories.
5.   Participate in ‘read to an animal’ opportunities at local shelters. Some animal shelters offer programs where children can read to the animals. The purpose is to encourage reading. This can help children and the animals, too.

Use a Reading Program to Help Prevent the Summer Slide

Children of all ages can use Readability this summer to help ensure they don’t fall down the summer slide and start the next school year behind in their reading skills. Readability is designed for children in preschool through fifth grade.

Parents can set their child’s reading level on Readability or the program can help determine the best reading level. Children read stories aloud when they use the program; Readability also includes a built-in AI tutor that is programmed with voice-recognition software. The tutor learns each child’s voice; if a child struggles with a word, the tutor will provide help.

At the end of every book, the tutor also will ask questions to test a child’s understanding of the story. If a child answers a question incorrectly, the tutor will show the section of the story that provides clues about the answer and also will read this portion of the book aloud. Then the child will have another opportunity to answer the question.

Readability also encourages exploration throughout the reading journey. Children can tap any word in a book to hear the definition or hear it used in a sentence. Every book also has its own list of vocabulary words.

With Readability, parents can follow their child’s reading progress. The program offers parents a private portal that displays all their child’s reading data, including their reading level, comprehension, reading fluency (measured in words read per minute) and how long the child used the program.

This summer, keep children from falling down the summer slide by using Readability to ensure their reading fluency grows and their confidence soars. Sign up for a free seven-day trial today.

First graders are in the beginning of their reading journey and adventures. Students in first grade might be reading at different levels; some might enjoy shorter picture books, but others might delve into chapter books.

First graders and all elementary students should be reading regularly, though. Parents can embrace a reading habit and encourage an appreciation for books by giving children a bit of control over what they read. What are the best books for first graders?

How to Find the Best Books for First Graders

The answer depends on the first grader. Every student might have a different favorite book, genre, author, etc. However, here’s how to help a child find their favorites:

• Let them choose their books

• Explore the library together

• Encourage variety

• Make sure children know they don’t have to love every book

Choice is Power

Experts, writers, moms and teachers have all written about the importance of letting a child choose their books. Choice enables children to discover new books and find what they enjoy.

Adults discovered favorite authors and genres, and children should be empowered to do the same. While parents might want to assign a book, try not to do this. Instead, encourage a child to choose a book and explore different options.

However, if a child has reading struggles, parents might want to double-check that the book is leveled appropriately. A book that is too difficult can cause undue frustration.

Explore the Library

Where can first-graders go to find books of their choosing? The library! Take children to the public library, register them for their first library card, and then show them the children’s section. Let them explore different books, titles and authors.

Parents might set a limit about how many books a child can check out at once. Parents also can use the opportunity to teach children about responsible borrowing and how to take care of library materials.

Encourage Variety

Yes, a child should choose their books. However, parents might encourage them to choose one fiction, one non-fiction and/or one poetry book. Parents also could encourage children to explore different types of reading materials.

Let children read magazines, graphic novels and comic books, too. All these materials encourage reading. Interested in graphic novels that are suitable for first-graders? The site What We Do All Day offers a list of graphic novels that are appropriate for younger readers.

It’s OK to Not Like a Book

Not all books resonate with the reader. One important—yet understated—lesson related to reading is that it’s ok to not like a book. Adults might have stopped reading a book because it bored them. Maybe they just didn’t love the writing.

Talk to children about the books they’re reading. Ask them about the book. Did they like it? Why or why not? If a child puts down a book or seems disinterested, talk to them about it. If they don’t like the book, they might have simply discovered a genre that isn’t of interest to them or a writer who isn’t their favorite.

Parents can even open up a discussion about a time when they didn’t like a particular book.

Fiction and Nonfiction: Both are Valuable

Before visiting a library to let children look at books, parents can encourage them to write an interest list. Divide a piece of paper into two columns; mark one ‘fiction, and mark the other column ‘non-fiction.’

First graders probably already know the difference between these two types of books. Explain to the child that they can write book interests under each column. For non-fiction, children can think about famous people about whom they wish to read. They also can include topics of interest like weather, volcanoes, countries, etc.

Under fiction, children could add ideas or topics like fairy tales, characters or even specific authors. For fiction books, though, children might simply discover titles that interest them while browsing in the library.

Parents also can encourage children to explore books of poetry. Reading poems aloud also can be a fun activity to help children build fluency. Poems often feature a particular cadence or rhyming style.

Wordless Books for First-Graders

Wordless books are books without words. These books are just pages of pictures. What’s the point of wordless books? Children tell the story! They name the characters, figure out a plot and create a unique book out of their imagination.

First graders might enjoy reading wordless books and telling their own story. Not only do these books build storytelling skills and focus a child’s imaginative ideas, but they also can help children better understand the structure of stories. Children might even make their own wordless books.

Reading with Ears

Many local libraries offer audiobooks that library members can check out. Audiobooks let children and adults read with their ears. These books can allow children to ‘read’ books that are a bit above their reading level.

Some children just love to listen to a book or having someone read aloud to them. Parents could use audiobooks to also help children hear the book as they follow along. Hearing stories can help children better understand emotions and conflicts, too. Some books are narrated by celebrities, which could be another appeal for children.

What Chapter Books are Suitable for First Graders?

Some first graders might be reading fluently and could be interested in delving into chapter books. Parents might start first graders with shorter chapter books to acclimate them to these longer books. Chapter books might seem intimidating at first.

Parents who are helping younger children find appropriate chapter books might focus on their child’s reading level. Use resources like Accelerated Reader’s Bookfinder tool. Parents can research books that are ideal for their child’s grade level or reading level.

However, reading levels don’t always correlate with a child’s emotional understanding of certain subjects. Parents also could choose to search Bookfinder by a child’s interest level (this correlates to grades).

Readability’s Library of Books for First Graders

First graders who are struggling to read at grade level could use Readability to help gain fluency and confidence. Readability is leveled for each child’s unique ability. The program includes a built-in AI tutor that guides lessons; the tutor is programmed with voice recognition software that recognizes each child’s voice.

Every level of Readability includes a library of books. Children can explore books that let them learn more about their favorite athletes or read books featuring popular characters. If a child struggles while reading, the tutor will provide help. In addition, the tutor asks questions at the end of each book to ensure the child understood what they read.

Readability also encourages children to explore each book. Children can tap any word in a book to hear the definition or hear the word used in a sentence. Every word a child discovers is added to their word bank; each book also includes a list of vocabulary words.

Children also can use Readability to listen to their favorite stories and books. Readability includes a Storytime feature, which lets children enjoy a narration of their Readability books anywhere. Listen to stories in the car, in a waiting room or even just at home.

Parents who are interested in exploring Readability with their first grader can sign up for a free seven-day trial. This free offer provides children with access to books and lets children meet their AI tutor.

Interested in using an app to help children immerse in the reading journey? Sign up for a Readability trial period today!

There are many educational programs that school districts use in their classrooms to help students with lessons and subjects. To help better understand a child’s reading comprehension, some districts have integrated into their curriculum a program called Accelerated Reader (AR for short).

What is the AR reading program? AR is a program from the company Renaissance, which also provides districts with STAR tests that measure students’ proficiencies in both reading and math.

The AR reading program isn’t focused on teaching children to read. Instead, it provides a methodology for helping discern what children comprehended from books they read in the classroom or at home.

Here’s what parents need to know about Accelerated Reader.

How Does AR Measure Comprehension?

Accelerated Reader is not designed to measure a child’s comprehension as it relates to classroom literacy benchmarks or abilities. Accelerated Reader offers quizzes for thousands of book titles across genres; these quizzes are designed to test a child’s understanding of what they read.

When a student passes a quiz in AR, they earn points via the program. Teachers can set up comprehension benchmarks in Accelerated Reader that are related to the points system. For example, some districts might set AR to only award points when the child scores an 80 percent or higher on a quiz.

In addition, lower passing scores could earn fewer points. A perfect score could earn the child the full amount of points for a particular quiz.

Teachers could offer a rewards system related to AR points. Each school or class might have a different AR rewards system and prizes might be offered at different point benchmarks.

Longer Books = More Points

All books offer different point values. The length of the book and the difficulty of the book correlate to more points in the Accelerated Reader program.

Some teachers might struggle with issues related to point systems, though. When children are trying to earn prizes, and when they correlate books to those prizes, students might determine that it’s easier for them to read a lot of shorter or easier books to earn points than to read longer books at higher levels.

While the point system can be motivating for some children, others simply could see the reward as the end goal. These students might read only for the reward and they might not focus on challenging their minds with high-level books. Some students could perceive reading more challenging books as a detriment when they are focused only on earning a prize.

AR Bookfinder

Renaissance offers a query tool called AR Bookfinder that allows parents, students and teachers to search for book titles to understand their point value, reading level and additional information about the book.

AR Bookfinder can be a useful tool for parents who are trying to find books for their child that help them earn points via the program since not all book titles are included in AR. Parents also can use the resource to better understand the points system in the program.

One interesting detail related to AR Bookfinder, though, is that parents might discover that ‘reading level’ correlates to the word choice or linguistic composition of the book and not the interest level or the maturity level. For example, parents who search for The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde will see that the reading level is noted as 7.7—this denotes a reading level correlating to the seventh month of the seventh grade.

However, this book is often read for college-level courses. While a seventh grader could read the book, they might not have the life experience or maturity to fully understand the meaning and metaphorical context of the book. Some younger children could read at a seventh grade level, but the book probably wouldn’t be an appropriate choice for these young readers.

Parents can explore different books via AR Bookfinder, but they might also decide to research the book to determine if their child can fully understand it or has the emotional maturity to read it.

The Controversy of AR Book Levels

Some students and parents love Accelerated Reader. Many school districts use the program and embrace it. However, some authors have criticized AR. The concern is related to how Accelerated Reader levels their books.

Again, while books are leveled by difficulty, parents need to step in and research the books to ensure that they are the best fit for the child. Just because AR states a book is leveled for a seventh grader doesn’t mean that it matches the student’s level of maturity.

Do Other Reading Programs Work with AR?

Parents who use reading programs at home to help their child gain fluency and confidence might wonder if the books or content in the program is compatible with Accelerated Reader. Not all books or stories are among the titles in AR Bookfinder. If a title isn’t included, then the child will not be able to take a quiz and earn points.

For many children whose schools participate in AR, the points are important as they might lead to other rewards at school. If a child reads books in a reading program that aren’t offered via AR, the child might feel frustrated and not want to continue the reading program.

Reading is always beneficial, and reading should be its own reward. However, if students are expected to meet an AR goal in class, they will want to focus on books that are included within Accelerated Reader.

What reading programs are compatible with Accelerated Reader? Readability is an app-based reading program that includes stories and books leveled for each child. Books in Readability also are included in Accelerated Reader!

When a child uses Readability, the books that they read within the program help them to gain reading fluency and confidence and also can be used to earn points in AR. In addition, Readability is designed with a built-in AI tutor and this one-on-one guidance can help children feel more prepared for AR quizzes.

This tutor is designed to understand and recognize a child’s voice. Children read stories aloud when they use Readability. If they struggle or stumble, the tutor will understand that they need help. In addition, the tutor will ask the child questions at the end of every book or story to measure the child’s comprehension.

If a child misses a question on a Readability comprehension quiz, the tutor will show the child the section of the story that answers the question and will read the section to the child. The tutor will then give the child another chance to correctly answer the question.

Readability helps children better understand the book that they are reading. When they go to school and take the AR quiz, they might feel more confident about answering the questions related to the story.

Parents can look up the AR point value for every Readability book via AR Bookfinder. In addition, Readability also helps parents understand how many points children can earn for each book they read in the program.

Other Ways Readability Can Help Children with AR

Readability also helps children prepare to take AR quizzes by focusing on tools and resources that help enhance the reading experience for different learning styles. Here’s are more ways that Readability can help children gain a better understanding of stories and tackle those AR quizzes:

Readability Improves Mastery of Vocabulary

Every book in Readability includes a vocabulary list. However, children can tap any word in a story to hear the meaning or to hear it used in a sentence. The discovered word is then added to the child’s word bank. Children can access all their vocabulary words at any time to review their meaning and gain mastery. Vocabulary review and mastery can be an essential tool when taking comprehension-related quizzes via AR.

In addition, both auditory and kinesthetic learners (those who learn by touch) can benefit from the tap, explore and hear features that Readability provides.

Readability Lets Children Listen to Stories

Some children are auditory learners; this means that they understand better when they hear instructions. Apps that read to children—like Readability—can help children who are auditory learners. Readability includes the Storytime feature that lets children hear their favorite Readability books and stories. Children can listen to the story and follow along to further facilitate comprehension mastery.

Colorful Illustrations Provide Visual Cues

Visual learners understand best when they see a lesson illustrated. Readability includes colorful pictures throughout stories to help visual learners better grasp the fundamental plot points of the story. These visual cues could be beneficial for children who need more resources to aid their comprehension.

Is Readability Right for My Child?

Parents might notice that their child is struggling with AR quizzes. Perhaps children seem to be choosing books that are also below grade level. While some children read easier books to try to earn more points through Accelerated Reader, other children might choose easier books because they are struggling to read at grade level.

A reading program like Readability can help children gain reading confidence and hit grade-level literacy benchmarks. Readability offers a free seven-day trial period that lets parents and their children explore the program to better understand the program’s design and features.

Interested in exploring Readability? Sign up for a trial today!

Parents of children in elementary school might have access to usernames and passwords for certain programs that their child uses in school. Some schools provide login info to students to encourage them to engage in these programs at home.

Certain reading programs are commonly used for elementary schools, and parents might recognize the most popular options. Reading programs for elementary schools might include these familiar programs:

• Accelerated Reader

• Raz Kids

• Reading Recovery

• Wilson Reading Program

About the Programs

Not all schools provide access to programs outside of the classroom, and some reading programs are specialized and might need a professional instructor to guide the program. Others, though, might be used by all students and are accessible at home.

Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader (aka “AR”)is designed by the company Renaissance Learning. AR is used by many school districts around the country. Children log into AR to take quizzes on books that they have read at home or in class. AR has an online query tool called AR Bookfinder that lets parents check reading levels and AR points for each book.

When children score a certain percentile on the AR quiz about their book, they earn points. Schools might create rewards systems associated with AR points that provide prizes when children reach certain point brackets.

AR quizzes help gauge a child’s comprehension of what they read. Since the AR quizzes are typically associated with rewards programs and helping to better understand a child’s level of comprehension, schools might not provide access outside of the classroom.

Raz-Kids

Some school districts use Raz-Kids in early elementary grades to help children practice their reading skills. Raz Kids is leveled; each reading level requires children to read a story, listen to the story and take a quiz.

When children show mastery, they advance to another reading level. The program also includes other fun activities, too. For example, children are provided with a Star Zone that they can design and decorate as they advance in the program.

Schools may provide login info for Raz Kids to encourage students to practice reading and help them gain proficiency. Plus, many children might enjoy the immersive and multi-sensory components of the program.

While children can record themselves reading a Raz-Kids book, the program isn’t necessarily designed to be a reading tutor for children.

Reading Recovery

This is a program that’s designed to be used in schools. Parents can’t have their child access Reading Recovery at home. The goal of the program is to help struggling readers catch up. Teachers are trained in the program so that it can be administered in schools.  

Parents of children who are behind their peers in reading fluency might talk to the school to inquire if Reading Recovery is available. However, children may need to qualify for the program.

WILSON Reading System

The Wilson Reading System is another specialized reading intervention program. WILSON is designed for children in second grade through high school (12th grade); it is used for children with “language-based learning disorders” (e.g. dyslexia). WILSON is taught by certified instructors.

Other Reading Programs for Elementary Schools

Elementary schools might have other programs that they use regularly in the classroom. If parents are interested in learning more about the programs that their child has access to in the classroom, they should reach out to the child’s teacher.

While schools might provide login information for children to use the programs at home, this isn’t always the case. If parents don’t have resources from the school that they can use with their children at home, what other reading programs are available? There are many different reading apps and programs. Some are free, but others require a subscription.

Finding Free Apps to Help Children Read

Google Play and the App Store both offer extensive options for reading apps. The choices can be overwhelming, and parents who are looking for the best apps should search for apps using more focused keywords.

For example, when parents need apps to help children with reading comprehension struggles, they can query “reading comprehension.” Parents who need to help their child with sight words can query ‘sight words free’ or similar keywords.

While many apps are free, parents might find that these apps might have limitations. Children who need a lesson-based approach to help with their reading struggles might be frustrated with free apps, which might not offer extra guidance.

However, since free apps are free, parents might decide to download a few different options to let their child explore them. If they don’t work out, parents can opt to delete the app.

Parents also should be mindful that free apps might offer ‘in-app’ purchases. This means that children can often buy items in the game, and these purchases will be charged to a parent’s account. To ensure that parents aren’t inundated with extra charges, parents should disable the in-app purchase option.

Reading Programs that Offer a Guided Approach

While some reading apps are free, parents also can find reading programs that provide a lessons-based guided approach to reading. These programs are often not free; instead, they require a subscription.

Each program might differ in how subscriptions are set up. Some—including Readability—bill monthly. This ensures that parents don’t have to commit to the program for an entire year.

What should parents look for in a reading program? When a child has difficulty with reading, parents should ensure that the program:

• Addresses the child’s needs and struggles

• Provides a guided approach

• Is immersive

• Includes multi-sensory learning options

Does the Program Address the Child’s Struggle?

The most important consideration when parents are researching reading programs is that the program addresses the child’s struggle. If a child struggles with comprehension, and the program focuses solely on phonics and decoding, it probably isn’t the best choice.

Parents can research different programs to find the best option for their child. Read about the program, and sign up for a free trial (many programs offer a trial).

The Importance of Guidance

A child who struggles to read might mispronounce words or struggle with understanding context. A reading program should help guide the child’s reading journey.

For example, Readability includes a built-in AI tutor that learns the child’s voice. Books in Readability are read aloud, and if a child says a word incorrectly, the tutor will recognize the error and provide help. The tutor also asks the child questions at the end of each story to assess the child’s mastery of comprehension.

Immersive Content

Reading programs that encourage exploration also could help hold a child’s interest. If a program isn’t fun to use or isn’t enjoyable, the child won’t be engaged. Parents can look for reading programs that include colorful illustrations that break up the text and immersive content, too.

Readability includes a vocabulary list for every book, and children also can tap any word in a story to hear the definition of the word or hear it used in a sentence. Every new word a child explores is added to their word bank, and they can explore and practice the words again and again.

The Importance of Multi-Sensory Learning

Children learn in different ways. Some learn best by hearing, but others learn through visual concepts. A reading program should help support different learning styles.

Readability includes the Storytime feature and lets children listen to their favorite stories. In addition, colorful illustrations help children to visualize the story.

Try Readability for Free!

Parents whose children don’t have access to reading programs for elementary schools at home can try Readability. Sign up for a free trial period today!

Helping a child with reading isn’t always easy for parents. Some children struggle with fluency and sounding out words. Others might be unable to comprehend what they have read. Some young readers struggle with decoding and comprehending the text.

Parents don’t always know how to take on the role of teacher. Children who are reading below grade level may require more help than parents know how to provide. Reading intervention programs could be an effective tool in helping children gain reading confidence and proficiency and help them hit grade-level benchmarks, too.

How do parents find the best online reading intervention programs for their child? Parents can look at these elements of the program:

• Cost

• Teaching Methodologies

• Assessment Methodologies

• Content

• Unique Features

• Parent Communication

Understanding a Child’s Struggles to Find the Best Program

Parents know their child(ren) best. They understand their child’s struggles and have likely witnessed their child’s difficulties with reading. When researching different reading intervention programs, understanding a child’s struggles is necessary to helping them and in finding the program that best addresses their struggles.

Googling reading programs will lead to many different companies and programs all promising to help a child with reading. Not every program is ideal for every child, though.

A child who struggles primarily with decoding and fluency will require a program that places emphasis on guiding this area of literacy. However, a child who cannot retell the basic plot of a story or who has difficulty grasping what’s happening in the story needs a program that addresses comprehension struggles.

Some programs, including Readability, are designed to help in all areas of reading. Parents should investigate the core fundamentals of a program, including what it teaches and how it helps guide children with reading struggles.

Cost

Some families have a tighter budget than others. Reading programs and apps come in many different price ranges. Each program might have a different billing structure, too. Some may require parents to pay the entire cost up front, while other programs offer a monthly subscription. Tutoring services even might bill per hour.

Affordable reading intervention programs or services are available. Parents might have to research their options to find the most affordable program. For families with multiple children who need reading help or intervention, parents also might inquire about how many users can sign up per account. Readability allows up to three users on each account.

Teaching Methodologies

Parents want a program that addresses their child’s struggles. To ensure that a program is a good fit for their child, parents might research the program’s teaching methodologies. Even a program that is designed to help children who struggle with fluency or decoding might not be designed in such a way that is compatible with the child’s learning needs.

Parents can look for programs that offer multisensory approaches to learning. Children have different learning styles. Some children learn best by hearing, others are visual learners, etc. Readability is designed for visual, auditory, reading/writing and even kinesthetic learning styles.

Readability requires stories to be read aloud. The program includes a built-in AI tutor that is programmed to understand the child’s voice. When a child stumbles during a story, if they can’t decode a word or they incorrectly pronounce the word, the tutor will provide help. This auditory feedback can help children better understand their errors without feeling embarrassed.

The tutor also asks questions after each story to measure comprehension. If a child answers the question incorrectly, the tutor will show them a passage from the story that helps them answer the question. The tutor also reads the passage. The child can have another chance to answer the question. In this way, children learn through seeing and hearing.

Children also have a list of vocabulary words for each story. In addition to these words, children also can tap any word in a story to hear the definition or hear it used in a sentence. These newly discovered words are added to a child’s own word bank. They can revisit their word bank as often as they want to rediscover the words they found.

Children who have difficulty with reading also can be overwhelmed if they see too much text at once. Readability breaks up text into manageable chunks and provides illustrations to further help children understand the details of the story.

A reading intervention program should help a child learn through many different methodologies.

Assessment Methodologies

For a program to guide a child’s reading journey, it also needs to be able to assess progress and advance the child when appropriate. Parents should review the assessment methodologies of programs.

Readability uses an AI tutor that listens as the child reads a story. The tutor provides help during lessons, but it’s also assessing the child’s fluency (words read per minute) and comprehension. Again, the tutor asks questions related to the story to measure a child’s understanding of the content.

Children only advance to the next reading level when they have demonstrated proficiency in both reading fluency and reading comprehension.

Content

Children won’t be excited to use or engage with a reading program if the content isn’t interesting. Reading programs should include a mix of fiction and nonfiction books for content that is engaging to all users.

In addition, lessons should be leveled and appropriate for both the child’s reading level and their age. Older children who struggle to read don’t want to read the same types of content as a younger reader. While the level should be appropriate, children should be excited to read and find the books and content enjoyable.

High/low books are books that are designed for older children but are written at a lower reading level. Reading intervention programs should include these books.

Unique Features

Programs might have a unique feature that helps them stand apart from the competition. These features can heighten the enjoyment of the program and increase the child’s engagement.

Readability includes immersive features and colorful illustrations to keep children engaged. They can explore words in a story to add to their word bank.

Readability also has added a new feature to its program called Storytime. With Storytime, children can listen to their favorite Readability stories. When parents don’t have time to read aloud or if the family is in a rush to go somewhere, children can enjoy hearing stories read to them even on the go.

Parent Communication

When parents are paying for a reading intervention program to help their child, they want to be able to understand their child’s progress. Parents should research how the program communicates with parents.

Readability includes a portal that’s only accessible to parents called the Progress Dashboard. This parent portal shows all the child’s reading data. Parents can see their child’s reading level, their reading fluency (words read per minute), how long their child used the program, etc.

The Program Dashboard also allows parents to compile their child’s reading data into a report that can be sent to the child’s teacher. This can help parents communicate with the school about their child’s progress.

In addition, stories on Readability also include points for Accelerated Reader (AR); when children finish reading these books, they can take the quizzes via the AR program at school.

Try Out Programs

Programs are all designed differently, and parents might be hesitant to pay for a program if they are unsure if it will work for their child. Many programs, though, offer a free trial to allow parents to explore the program with their child.

Readability offers a free seven-day trial. With the trial, children have access to the program’s stories and AI tutor. Parents can explore the program with their child so they can better assess how it works.

While every reading intervention program is unique, parents should look at the teaching methodologies, the assessment methodologies, the content and unique features to better understand how the program will address and assess their child’s reading struggles. Parents also should look for programs that provide a resource for parents to help them follow their child’s reading progress via the program. For many families, though, the price might be a major factor. The best reading intervention program should fit the budget and offer a free trial, too!

Parents of preschoolers may have been reading books to their child since infancy. Children of all ages love books and stories, and this love of listening to stories will begin to grow into a desire to begin exploring books as a reader.

There isn’t a right or wrong age to begin to work on reading skills with children. Some toddlers might even be precocious readers. If a child is interested in learning to read, then the journey can begin. What is the best beginning reading program for preschoolers, though?

Types of Beginning Reading Programs

There are multiple ways for parents to teach their preschooler to learn how to read. Parents can use reading programs that are app-based or they can simply develop their own methodologies. Here are a few ways to introduce preschoolers to reading:

• Singing the alphabet song

• Practicing the sounds of letters

• Playing letter match games

• Reading stories aloud

• Using wordless books

• Reading books at the appropriate level

• Using a reading app

Sing the Alphabet Song

Most parents know the alphabet song. This is a song that has been passed down for generations, and it’s also a fun way to help children learn their letters and the alphabet.

Learning the sounds of letters and identifying letters on sight is an early part of learning to read. Children can’t decode words if they don’t know the alphabet.

Parents also can find different variations of the alphabet song via YouTube. Turn on some alphabet videos and have fun singing the songs with preschoolers and teaching them the letters.

Practice the Letter Sounds

Decoding is about knowing the letters and their sounds. Help children learn the sounds of every letter in the alphabet by practicing with them.

There are many books that focus on the alphabet and have examples of the sound of each letter. These books also include pictures to help children correlate the letter with their sounds and objects that feature that letter. For example, A is for apples. Just saying the word ‘apple’ while reading helps children understand that “a” makes the short “a” sound.

In time, parents can introduce children to how the sounds of vowels change and how letters blend together to make new sounds. In the beginning stages of reading, though, parents can simply focus on the basics.

Play Letter Matching Games

Children can memorize the alphabet, but, again, they also need to be able to see a letter randomly and recognize it. To help children practice letters out of order, play a simple matching game.

Make 52 cards—two of each letter—and spread out the cards randomly. Take turns picking pairs and matching letters. Encourage children to say the letter when they make a match. Parents also can have children match a letter to a picture that starts with that letter.  

Children who love technology also can play letter matching games on sites like ABCya. In addition, the App Store (for Apple) and Google Play (for Android) also may offer apps for alphabet matching fun.

Read Stories Aloud Together

Another simple way to practice reading skills is to simply read to children. Hearing a story helps children grow a love of stories and books. Encourage their excitement by reading books every day. Parents can talk about the book as they read. See if children can identify the characters and retell parts of the story.

It’s also ok to re-read favorite stories. Re-reading books is a great way for children to spot new details that they didn’t catch when they first heard the story.

Read Wordless Books

What are wordless books? These are books that only include photos. Children have to make up their own story as they read. These books encourage children to be the storyteller and to use their imagination to create their own unique plot, characters and story.

Reading Rockets compiled a list of their favorite wordless books. Check out some of the site’s picks or let the child choose a wordless book at the library or a bookstore. With wordless books, the story can change every time the child reads!

Read Books at the Appropriate Level

When children are beginning to sound out words and are starting their reading journey, choose books that feature words that are simple to sound out and decode. Start with the easiest level possible, and, if the child masters the text, parents can choose more difficult books.

Parents don’t want to cause children to become frustrated because the words are too hard. Keep the books appropriate to encourage reading enjoyment. Children may find a certain book too easy; that’s ok. Parents can then let them try to read books from the next reading level.

Use a Reading App to Guide the Reading Journey

Parents who want to help their preschooler begin their reading journey also could use a reading app like Readability. The app can be used from preschool through fifth grade.

For preschoolers, the app can be set at the lowest reading level. With Readability, children read stories aloud. For this reason, parents will want to make sure that the level selected isn’t too difficult for a young preschooler.

Readability includes a built-in AI tutor that is designed to learn each child’s voice. As a preschooler reads, they might stumble or say a word or have some trouble with the text. The tutor will recognize that the child is struggling and will offer help.

The AI tutor also will ask preschoolers questions at the end of each story. This is how the program measures the child’s comprehension. Children don’t advance to the next reading level until they are proficient at their current reading level.

Preschoolers who are using Readability to learn to read also can benefit from the program’s immersive features. For example, children can tap on a word to hear its definition or hear the word used in a sentence.

Each story also includes a unique vocabulary list. New words discovered in each story are added into the child’s word bank. They can review words again and again to better understand the definition and the pronunciation, too.

Readability also includes a new Storytime feature. Preschoolers can choose to listen to their favorite Readability books as they follow along. Hearing a story can help aid comprehension, and many children simply enjoy having a story narrated.

Parents who are interested in exploring the program with their preschooler can sign up for a free seven-day trial.

More Ways to Guide a Beginning Reading Program

Preschoolers can be extremely inquisitive. While parents can read to children, play games with them to help them master their sounds and letters and even begin an online reading program to help them learn to read, one of the easiest ways to encourage reading is by helping children understand that books are wonderful sources of information.

Many parents have been asked questions by their child that leaves them stumped. Sometimes children ask questions that are impossible for parents to answer. However, when a parent can’t answer a child’s question, instead of saying “I don’t know,” they can say “Let’s find out.”

Take children to the library to uncover the books that answer the questions that parents can’t answer. This can help teach children that books are wonderful resources that can be used for entertainment and for knowledge.

Find a book that explains the different colors of light and why the sky looks blue. Find a book at the library that explains how snow forms or why we sneeze. There are books that hold the answer to nearly any question that a child asks a parent.

To encourage the reading adventure, parents can encourage a child’s curiosity. Parents might even discover that they learned something new, too!