Top Learning Tools: Reading Resource Edition

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Another school year is getting under way and I know so many of you are looking for ways to help your children develop their literacy skills.

You might be a homeschooling family looking for a comprehensive (and low cost!) phonics program to use throughout the year, or you might have children in school who could use a little extra help at home with reading.

Or maybe you have a voracious reader already and are just looking for ways to keep the weekly library haul down to a manageable 40 pounds of books...

Whichever category you fall into, these great reading resources are worth checking into!


And if you have but a wee bairn who's not quite ready to read yet, then you should check out these cute phonics cards to have on hand or hang up for exposure to the alphabet.



1.  Progressive Phonics

Print out books that walk you through the entire process of learning how to read - includes handwriting, too!  

This site is free and covers everything from the alphabet to early phonics all the way through advanced reading strategies.

2.  Sight and Sound Reading

Another great free learning-to-read program, this blog gives you all the tools and lessons you need to create a little bookworm.

3.  Teach Your Monster to Read

Cute, colorful graphics and enticing games will help your little one learn to read without even realizing that learning is taking place!  

You'll need to register in order to track your child's progress, but it's free to sign up for this fun resource!

4.  StoryPlace

A feature of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System, this site is perfect for preschoolers.  Whether it's reading books aloud, engaging them in book-related games, singing songs or playing videos - this site brings library story time right to your very own home!

5.  Reading Bear

Free online phonics presentations will walk your child through the steps of learning how to read.  Who needs to purchase pricey curriculum packages when you have resources like this at your fingertips!

6.  Book Adventure

Sign up for free, search for leveled books to pick up from your local library, read them and then come back to take a quiz and earn fun prizes.  

This site is tailored more to the established reader since the quizzes require reading skills.  However, a few of Gv's favorite titles are on here, so I've gone ahead and helped her take a handful of quizzes already, by reading the questions and choices out loud and then clicking on the answers she tells me - getting a jump on those comprehension skills, you know!

7.  myOn

This site is not free, but it is fabulous.  Your child can read illustrated books online (it will even read them to you!) and if you get the app, then you can choose 20 books at a time to download onto your device for offline access, as well!  

Many schools and libraries have myOn accounts, so check with your local library branch (even if you can just access it in the building for free) and your child's teacher to see if you can enjoy this great tool without having to pay for a subscription.

8.  Epic

This is a site for educators, but it's free for them, so ask your child's teacher to sign up for an account and set your child up on it.  Once that happens, you'll be able to access tons of books, magazine articles and educational videos from home!

Have you heard of any of these great resources before?  If so, which are your favorites?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

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