There are many options when it comes to reading programs online. What sets Reading Kingdom apart from the others is their philosophy. Reading Kingdom does not focus on phonics or whole words — at least not exclusively. They incorporate so much more. There are more skills used in reading, so a thorough program should address those as well. Reading Kingdom does just that. You can read more about their approach on their website.
To begin, your learner will take an assessment to determine where they should be placed. This assessment is not solely on reading ability. My guinea pig chosen learner (my 6 year old son) showed he did well (slightly ahead of his first grade level) for reading, but his keyboard (and probably mouse) skills needed more work. I am not surprised since we don’t use the computer frequently enough for familiarity for him.
He has been eager to have his own learning time on the computer – and he can do it on his own. With only one computer to share for the family, scheduling time for him does not happen every day. The lessons are short (usually 20 minutes or so), it is just getting him on the computer and signed into the site. I am not ready to just turn him loose to do it all himself, though I think he could – the website is very easy to navigate. Ideally, he works about 3 times a week with the program. With the repetitiveness of the part where he is, he is not as eager as he was in the beginning. I know it is helping with those important skills with the keyboard and mouse — he is not so sure.
The nice thing with Reading Kingdom is the ability for the parent to see where the learner is in the program and what progress they are making. I get an e-mail and/or I can view a report on-line. I can also adjust the response time for him. That has helped quite a bit. He often knows the answer, but has to work a bit to get it entered soon enough. Now he has more time and his knowledge (rather than speed) is being reflected. He has gone from a green star (good performance) to a sunshine (excellent performance) with that simple change.
As much as my son thinks this is a game he plays on the computer (you can access it anywhere with an internet connection — even at Grandma’s), I know he is learning. The time spent is fun for him. There are no distracting ads or obnoxious music. The animation may be simple, but that is preferred over flashiness. I really appreciate the emphasis on learning versus fun that is found in other on-line programs.
I like that the Reading Kingdom approach teaches more than decoding skills. The program can teach your child to read and write at a third grade level. Yes, writing, too! To try this for yourself, there is a 30 day FREE trial. After the trial, you can continue at $19.99/month or pay for $199.99 for a year. Have more than one child? Additional children are only $9.99/month or $99.99 for a year. Another thing that really impresses me? If you are facing financial difficulties, they have a scholarship program. What a blessing!
As much as I believe the principles of Charlotte Mason style education work, that approach is not always the best for every child. I struggle to adapt my ideals with what my children do best with. It’s not that what we were using wasn’t working, or that he struggles with learning to read. He enjoys computer learning. He does well with it. We are in an age where computers are a common part of daily life. I still cling to the old-fashioned. I need to be more intentional on finding a balance. Reading Kingdom can be part of that balance.
For those that prefer to have paper in hand (like me!), Reading Kingdom also offers physical books, sold in sets of six to coordinate with the levels of the program, a handwriting component, and more. They even offer a paper and pencil version (Phonics Plus Five kit) of their program. If you purchase the on-line membership, you can get this option at a discount. Be sure to see all that they offer.
To read more reviews from fellow Crew mates, be sure to head over to the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog post.
