3 Free Technologies to Help Students Learn to Read

 

There are several free technologies available that can help students learn to read, each offering unique features to enhance the learning experience. Here are three notable ones:

1. Starfall

   I use Starfall, an educational website that offers interactive reading activities for young children. Founded in 2002 by the Polis-Schutz family, Starfall initially focused on teaching children to read using phonics. Over time, it has expanded its offerings to include mathematics and other subjects. Starfall's engaging and interactive content makes learning to read fun and accessible, particularly for young learners. It caters to different learning styles with visual and auditory elements.

2. Epic!

   Epic! (Get Epic) is a great option for early reading. This digital library is designed for children, providing access to a wide range of books and learning videos. The site includes audiobooks, learning videos, and quizzes and comprehension tests to enhance learning. It's limited free access for students through their teachers. Educators can sign up for an Epic! School account, which allows students to access a library of books and educational videos for free during school hours (7 am to 3 pm local time, Monday to Friday). This is particularly useful for classroom settings. It covers a wide variety of genres, catering to different reading levels and interests. The platform also provides personalized recommendations based on the child's reading history and preferences, making it easier for kids to find books they'll enjoy. Its Read-to-Me feature helps early readers by providing audio support. 

3. Teach Your Monster to Read

   I also recommend Teach Your Monster to Read, a free online game that makes learning to read fun for children. This engaging and interactive platform aligns with many phonics programs used in schools. It covers everything from letters and sounds to reading full sentences. The web version of this platform is free, however, apps for iOS and Android are paid.  It offers progress tracking to monitor student development which makes it a very useful platform.

These technologies are an asset when it comes to the teaching of reading. They provide valuable resources for educators and parents to support children's reading development Your kids will have fun while learning to read in a fun way.