Tag Archives: Literacy

Learn To Read With Reading Kingdom Review

Are you looking to improve your child’s ability to read and write? Then you might want to check out Reading Kingdom online interactive curriculum.

Reading Kingdom offers a better strategy than what has traditionally been offered to help kids improve their reading and writing skills, reduce academic failure, and reach reading proficiency.

Reading Kingdom

Reading Kingdom

Online Learning Program

Interactive Curriculum

Highly effective

Adapts To Each Child

Individualized Instruction

Research based

Ages 4-10

Retail $19.99 month ($9.99 additional child).

Reading Kingdom in an online learning program developed for students ages 4 to 10 to help them become proficient at reading and writing to a 3rd grade level.   It is fun to use and kids can use the program on their own.  Because it is filled with learning games and books, kids are motivated to use it each day.  Reading Kingdom works as a standalone curriculum or as a supplement to your curriculum.  Reading Kingdom works on any device with an internet connection (including Windows, Mac, iPad, Android, Chromebooks, etc.)

Reading Kingdom uses a patented strategy called the Phonics Plus decoding system created by Dr. Marion Blank, a developmental psychologist who is also one of the world experts on reading.  Learning with Reading Kingdom has been made available in a fun online interactive program by her son Jonathan Blank, an expert in computer software development.   Now families everywhere can have access to this award winning learning system to help kids learn to read and write.

The Phonics Plus decoding system is based on learning the meanings of words, the pattern sequencing of letters, and sounds that create meaning.

Sequencing:  recognizing patterns from left to right.
Writing: understanding letter placement on keyboard and writing through out the program.
Sounds (Phonics): sounding letter blends,
Meaning: understanding the meaning of words and their context.
Grammar: grammatical rules
Comprehension: remembering and understanding what has been read.

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The Department of Education reports that two out of three kids today are failing at reading and writing proficiency and Dr. Blank believes it is because they learned to read with phonics only.  There are many reasons why learning with phonics only fails to help so many kids.

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However, rather than just learning phonics only, Reading Kingdom teaches the Phonic’s Plus decoding system as foundational for mastering reading and writing proficiency.  This method brings reading, writing, and comprehension together. As students learn these skills, they will benefit both now and later in life as many of these skills overflow into other areas in a person’s life.

How It Works:

Reading Kingdom uses fun reading games, story books, and the Phonics Plus decoding strategy to boost each student’s skills and confidence in reading, writing, and comprehension.  When kids finish the program, they will have mastered above a third grade reading level.

Reading Kingdom contains 5 Levels.  Each level is adaptable for the skill level of the person using it, so it customizes itself per the child’s needs.  Each level builds upon the skills learned in the previous level.  Before moving forward it gets kids ready for the next level so both sets of skill levels flow smoothly together. A Progress Check (review quiz) is given after each level. More practice is given if needed, or if they have mastered everything, they are promoted to the next level.

Reading Kingdom is designed to be used 4 days per week. Each level is filled with several sessions and you complete one session each day.  Each session takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete.  A child learns 1 new word or reads 1 new book during each session.

Below are a few examples of different skill levels.  The first picture shows the level, the number of new words, new words plus word variants, total new words, and new books learned in that level.  The second picture in each category below is an example of a learning game in that level.

Level 1

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Level 2

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Level 3

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Level 4

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Level 5

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The entire Reading Kingdom online program starting at the lowest level and working your way through to completing the highest level, is designed to take about 12 to 15 months to complete all the levels and skills.   However, an older child child who already has acquired some reading skills, takes the placement test and scores above the beginning level, etc. maybe able to complete the program quicker, perhaps in as little as 6+/- months.   This program could also be used for review for older students and ESL and remedial learning.  A child who is a struggling reader may take longer than average to complete.  The program is flexible and adapts to the skills of each child.  However if your student is on the Autism Spectrum or has other learning challenges, then you might want to check into another program Reading Kingdom has developed called ADS Reading.

Who is Dr. Blank?

Dr. Marion Blank

Dr. Marion Blank is known around the world as a literacy expert. She developed and directed the Light on Literacy Program. She has served on the faculty of Columbia University. She lectures around the world, and has authored several peer-reviewed articles and books. Dr. Blank has developed award winning teaching programs.  She is the author of the Reading Remedy and creator of the Reading Kingdom.

Video
Here is a short video about Reading Kingdom:

How We Used Reading Kingdom In Our Home

I was thrilled for my kids to have the opportunity to use Reading Kingdom.  We were given a one year subscription in exchange for writing an honest review about our experience.

My kids have been using the Reading Kingdom program for about 6 weeks, and have practiced almost daily during our language arts study time since getting the program.  I am using this program with my three youngest kids, ages 6, 8, and 10.  The 8 year old is the most consistent user.  He has averaged 4.3 days per week.  The 10 year old has averaged 3 days per week.  The 6 year old has an average of 2.3 days per week.

Sometimes the 6 year old isn’t as motivated as the 8 year old and 10 year old are to sit at the computer.  I think he has stopped a few times before his lesson was completely finished for the day, and I am not sure if that reduces the average number of days counted.  I think he will become more motivated to finish each lesson as he gains more skills.

This is our second time to use this program and I can see similarities in the ages in regards to skills and motivation.  We had a subscription to Reading Kingdom three years ago and the kids learned a lot at that time and loved it.  We were excited to see how much they have improved since then.

Each child has two options when starting the program.  The first option is for those starting at the beginning level and are just learning to read.  They can start at the very beginning with the very first lesson session.  The second option is to take a placement test to find out what skills the child already knows and where they should be placed.  The placement test has two parts, a keyboard typing test and a sequencing test.

Typing & Keyboard Test

Typing & Keyboard Test

These placement tests help the parent, and the Reading Kingdom program understand what skills the student already knows, and what skills they have yet to learn.  Because Reading Kingdom is an adaptable reading program, it responds to the child’s skill level and their ongoing progress.  It also recognizes what they don’t know because of the mistakes they are making, and provides extra support and training in those areas.  This helps customize the program to their learning level.

Sequencing Test

Sequencing Test

Since he is a beginning reader, I had my 6 year old start at the beginning level without taking the placement tests.  My 8 year old son and 10 year old daughter both took the placement test.  They took the letter sequencing test and a keyboard typing test.

The placement test put the 8 year old a little above where I thought it would.  He is a strong reader and quick learner and did well on the placement test.  It placed him on Level 3.  However the 10 year old struggled more while taking the test, as it is timed and she is slower to answer even if she knows the answer, and it started her in the middle of Level 1.  Both she and I thought she would place on a higher level.  It seem to us that because she struggled with speed on the placement test is the reason why she started at a lower level, and not because she didn’t know the answer.  Though she was a bit disappointed at first, it has turned out to be good review for her to go back over many of the words and practice them, and the parent report is showing she is getting an “excellent” score on her lesson sessions.

After the tests, and placement, then each kid can begin their sessions.  The program is set up to do 1 session a day, though you can do more.  After they log in, each of my kids have a dash board that shows their progress.

On the parent dashboard, I can go in to a tab and choose to review reports, change the level or speed for responses, or even set it to retake the test if needed.  For now, I have left everything at the default speed and mainly use my dashboard to review the reports.  Reports can also be downloaded and sent by email too.  I like the parent dashboard because it gives me a basic summary of how each child is progressing, what words they are learning and what words they are struggling with.

As a parent, I know each of my kids learn differently, some are fast and some are slow at picking up certain skills.  It is nice to have a curriculum that can adapt to their learning styles.

When my kids complete a level (or test out of a level) they have the option to print a diploma certificate for that level.

I would encourage other homeschool families to check out Reading Kingdom. You can help your child achieve reading proficiency when you team up with Reading Kingdom for the Phonics Plus solution to help your child succeed.

FREE

Try before you buy with FREE Sample Lessons. Reading Kingdom also offers a FREE Trial Offer, free worksheets, and many other free resources too.  They also have special discount offers to choose from when you subscribe.

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Follow Reading Kingdom on their social media links for all the latest news, teaching ideas, product updates, and special offers.

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Homeschool Review Crew

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English On A Roll Review

Kids love playing games with numbered dice.  Why not give them dice with words for learning the English language?

For the past few weeks, I have been reviewing grammar skills with my kids using the English Grammar Teaching Method from English on a Roll.

English on a Roll

English Grammar Teaching Method

150-page Instructor Manual

37 Lessons

40 Cubes

Ages 5 – Adult

Retail $79.00

 

What is included?

English On A Roll uses a researched based, highly successful, Multi-sensory Structured Language method (MSL) of instruction.  English On A Roll includes a 150 page instructor manual that contains 37 lessons, reproducible worksheets, and learning materials.

However, the lessons and worksheets are not the boring English Language instruction you would normally find in a curriculum.  Instead, this instruction manual is filled with game-like activities that involve various senses.  Kids will have fun using their visual, auditory, verbal skills, and their hands to create grammatically correct sentences.  The instruction manual contains reproducible worksheets, conversation ideas, and teaching tips that both kids and adults enjoy. No prior teaching experience is required.  It comes with everything you need and is easy to implement.

English On A Roll also includes 40 word cubes (dice) in a plastic case.  Each heavy duty plastic cube is six sided and has 6 corresponding words kids will use to make sentences.  There are 38 color coded word cubes engraved with groups of related words, and there are also 2 blank cubes for customizing.

The word cubes are color-coded to facilitate learning the different parts of speech by color association.

  • Pronoun Words = Blue
  • Question Words = Green
  • Noun Words = Dark Blue
  • Preposition Words =  Dark Blue
  • Article Words  = Dark Blue
  • Adjective Words = Purple
  • Verb Words = Red
  • Adverb Words = Orange
  • Punctuation Symbols = Black
  • Conjunction Words = Black

The 40 piece set of word cubes come in a durable plastic case so you won’t loose them and they are easy to transport and store.  They are just the right size to be portable, and the case is small enough to fit into a backpack or purse.  The set includes two blank cubes that are easy to customize with additional vocabulary words of your choice.  From their website, you can buy as many additional smaller sets of blank cubes as you need.

My kids are really enjoying the lessons.


Lesson 5 Questions (verses Statements) With “Be”.  Singular: “It is a car.” or “Is it a car?” Or Plural: “They are cars.” or “Are they cars?”

The lessons are fun and have a “game” like quality to them.  In addition to “playing” as you learn the grammar lessons, students can get creative and develop their own lessons too. English on a Roll is fun, which keeps students practicing.

Repeated practice is recognized as the most significant factor in mastery of language.

Students can learn to master grammar of the English language with English On A Roll’s multi-sensory hands on program.  It teaches both grammar and syntax and students will have a strong understanding of the structure of the English language when they complete the program.  One set of cubes can be used for up to six students at a time; and larger groups (or classrooms) will need to purchase the larger kit that contains the instruction manual and 5 complete sets of the cubes.

English on a Roll uses fun 6 sided word cubes to get the message across.  By rolling the cubes (spinning the cube around with their fingers), and coordinating the color code, students can build unlimited phrases and sentences and learn the basics of the English language.  Kids feel like they are playing a game and they want to practice because it feels seems to them they are playing a game.  It is easy to see how students have fun while learning with this program.

English On A Roll is a great addition to Homeschools.  It is easy to use, portable, and would make a handy resource for parents in many different scenarios.  A few ideas where a homeschool family might use this program in addition to home is:  in the car, at Homeschool coops, and volunteers in various settings, and at nursing home visits.  Parents could take this program along for kids to work on quietly in the lobby while the parent are in a meeting or appointment.  Here are a few more ideas of various situations where these cubes would be a great resource:

  • Homeschools
  • Literacy
  • Beginning Reading (K-4)
  • Daycares
  • Preschools
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Special Education
  • Adult Education
  • Nursing Home Visits (help with social interaction, memory, eye hand coordination or language recovery).
  • Test Preparation Programs
  • After School Programs
  • Summer School Programs
  • Libraries
  • Community Centers
  • Churches
  • Classrooms
  • Tutoring Programs

 

Check out this video link to see the creator of  English On A Roll using the program with students on their website.

FREE Sample

If you would like to try before you buy, check out the FREE Sample Chapters offer on the English On A Roll website.

Additional Resources

There are a couple of additional products available for even more hands on learning fun.  They offer additional sets of blank cubes for $8.50  Even though they include two blank cubes in the main set, you might need more blank cubes.

You can put whatever vocabulary words you want on these, however, I would like to get a couple sets of the blank blocks and make a set of alphabet blocks for my youngest child who is just beginning to learn letters and sounds.  The main set with vocabulary words was perfect for my 8 year old and the older children, but they were too hard for my 5 year old.

He preferred to sort them by color and count how many there were, and he loved to stack them and play with the blocks on the floor when the older kids were not using them for their lessons.

I plan to use the one and two letter word cubes for learning some short letter words as he begins to read, and I would like a more blank cubes that we can add more smaller sight words into his vocabulary.  I would also like to have more blank cubes to customize for the older kids and make a fun way to learn bible verses, rhyming words, and make a fun game on creating poetry, songs, story telling, etc.  I can think of many challenging ways we could use these.

English On A Roll also offers a board game for $20.  This board game looks like a lot of fun. It is designed to help kids build their vocabulary and social skills as they incorporate the use of the word cubes, as well as a game board, cards, and players. I hope to order the board game soon.

Our family enjoys learning various subjects with a hands-on approach.  It has been fun to use this multi-sensory method to practice language learning skills.  I recommend English On A Roll for families, because this program gives kids (and adults) the tools they need to learn English in a fun hands-on way.

Social Media

Be sure to check out social media links for all the latest news and product updates.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/englishonaroll/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPweHHfQ9OmKiu7Lo4Fv42Q

Homeschool Review Crew

Check out what other families on the Homeschool Review Crew had to say about using English on a Roll.

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