Reading Kingdom Review

READING KINGDOM is a fully online individualized, adaptive reading and writing program for children.  It’s an online program that is kid friendly.

Initially, I was very excited to try Reading Kingdom.  I’ve tried various other online programs and have had my children test them out to get their honest feedback.  I chose to review this program myself and found that the pace of the program is quite slow.  It didn’t keep my interest.  The program has incredible graphics and cute characters, it appears to be geared for a younger audience. 

This program has the capability of working with either touchscreen or a keyboard.  I used my laptop keyboard and I felt like this may have caused a disadvantage.  If geared for younger kiddos they would have difficulty with finding the appropriate keys to enter in the given time.

After the assessment was completed, I(as the user) began using some of the program lessons.  The lessons were quite redundant, but this would help those who are at a very beginning level of reading.  For kids that are learning the basics, this program is great. 

Skills Survey-Part 1 determines the appropriate level for the user to begin the program.  In Skills Survey –Part2 the program determines their reading and writing skills.  If the user needs help with visual sequencing and memory skills and/or letter and keyboarding skills the program will guide them through lessons that are geared at improving these skills.  Additionally, the program offers  lessons on reading, writing, and comprehension that begins with basic words and phrases and builds into more complex language.

Pros:

The program has cute graphics, interactive capabilities, and is engaging for younger children.  Basic reading skills are incorporated into a game style format.  This program would make a great supplemental program for beginning readers, English Language Learners, or for struggling readers.  There’s an option to view reports that helps parents to know if their child’s making progress.  Reading Kingdom offers a free 30-day trial, so you can check it out before you buy.  There are discounts for multiple users.

Cons:

The initial assessment for the program was lengthy and quite slow.  The lessons follow the same slow pace.  I'm not sure that this program would be a good fit for 8-10 year olds, with regards to matching interests.  This program is costly, at $199 a year or $19.99 per month.

Overall, I thought this program offers a great opportunity for struggling or beginning readers. I’m not sure that the graphics or rate of interaction within the games would keep the interest of children past the age of 6.  Completion of the programs components can take more than a year or as little as 3 months. I recommend beginning with the free trial, you will know if the program is beneficial to continue.

Disclaimer:  As a member of Groovyin3rd, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are mine.