Friday, August 31, 2012

reading kingdom

 

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The NutShell

 

  • Reading Kingdom ($19.99 monthly subscription) is a wonderfully fun and interactive online reading enhancement program for children from ages 4-10 (approximately to a 3rd grade level).  Additional children are 50% off and you can cancel your subscription at any time.
  • Designed to bridge the gap of large group instruction primarily offered in schools today to a more student individualized program.
  • Something I personally love…this program specifies that to work as intended the student must work alone!  This is to ensure true mastery.  I never realized how much mommy-hovering I do! Reading Kingdom has really challenged me to let her learn and work through her struggles without holding her hand! 
  • Reading Kingdom targets more than just reading!

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The Review

 

 

It’s not that she isn’t learning to read.  It’s just that learning to read isn’t coming easy for her.

 

 

Which is why she was totally un-thrilled when I informed her we would be exploring Reading Kingdom for awhile.  Especially seeing that it was summer!  No fair, right? 

 

 

My compromise was lessons in pjs with yummy snacks on the side.

 

 

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The very first stage of the program is the assessment.  Now, we’re not fans of online assessments because we’ve had negative experiences in the past.  Make one little careless mistake and whammo – you’re booted down to baby-ville.

 

 

We were bummed when that seemed to happen with Reading Kingdom too.

 

 

The good news is…she wasn’t stuck there!  After several lessons boring her to tears, I sent an email to the customer service requesting that she be moved to a more difficult level.  And guess what?  Within hours my wish was fulfilled!  That got two thumbs up from mommy and daughter! 

 

 

Once she moved to more advanced lessons – Reading Kingdom has become a HUGE hit!

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She actually enjoys the lessons…often doing more than one at a time!

 

 

Her little brother enjoys watching her enjoy her lessons!

 

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I can say without a doubt that since we’ve started working with Reading Kingdom her ability has improved!  She’s reading random signs while we’re out and about.  Reading words on the TV that in the past she would ignore. 

 

 

It’s great that Reading Kingdom incorporates typing and spelling skills too!

 

 

The only bummer for our family is the price point.  Not that you can put a price on the ability to read, mind you.  It’s just that we can’t afford $19.99 a month for an extended period.  Which breaks my heart because I love Reading Kingdom that much!  They do offer a scholarship application for those who truly need the program and the financial assistance.  I thought that was really sweet and generous. 

 

 

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive and mommy-free reading program for your child(ren), I would HIGHLY recommend Reading Kingdom!

 

 

…danielle

 

 

*This is my little space to disclaim that I was given a subscription to Reading Kingdom in exchange for my honest review shared on my blog.  All opinions expressed are my honest own.  I hope that you enjoyed and found my review at least a smidge helpful.  Because my voice is just one, I highly encourage you to read what my fellow TOS Crew friends thought about this product.**

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