We were offered the chance to review Reading Kingdom and both Sunflower and Tulip have spent the last month using their program.
Reading Kingdom is an online programme created by Dr. Marion Blank to teach reading skills using 'Six SIM' (6 Skill Integrated Method) that teaches reading and writing skills together to complement and reinforce each other. These skills are sequencing, writing, phonics, meaning, grammar and reading comprehension.
Your child starts with an assessment activity and the website then tailors the programme to your child's needs/skills. For example Tulip (6 - basic reading skills) had to start in letter land where she had to learn where to find the keys on the keyboard before she could move to level 1 whereas Sunflower (8 - excellent reader who struggles with spelling) started part way through level 1.
The lessons take about 15 mins a day and they don't require parental supervision. In fact they clearly state during the set up that you must not assist your child with their lessons. I must admit I found this difficult when Tulip would ask 'where is the R on the keyboard' - she wasn't happy when I wouldn't tell her :)The girls used this on average 4 times a week (they suggest 3-5 times a week)
Tulip loves the animations and the stories - she thinks of it as game time not her lesson time and often asks to do it more than one session a day. Sunflower likes scoring points to advance to new levels although she does get slightly frustrated at the repetitions.
I liked how the website adapted to each individual needs and how it targeted their weaknesses to help them improve. I also liked how it is easy for younger kids to understand what to do and it helps with their keyboard skills.
The parental section is a useful way to track your child's work and you can opt into emails to keep you updated with their progress.
Reading kingdom has worked well for us, especially for Tulip who has improved in leaps and bounds.Reading Kingdom is designed for ages 4-10 and is available for $19.99 a month or $199.99 a year each additional child is at a 50% discount.
You can try Reading Kingdom out for free for 30 days to see how it works for you.
You can see what my crew mates thought over at the TOS Blog.
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