Reading Eggs is an online learning program for pre, early and emergent readers (ages 3 to 7 primarily, with a unique online area for readers ages 7 to 12).
As my children are all older, this is primarily an informational review, kind of like "looking back" to consider how this program might have worked for our family several years ago. However, we did spend quite a bit of time using the online are for older readers, called "Reading Eggspress" - I will mention both throughout the review.
The Reading Eggs website is divided into three categories: First Steps for 3-4 years; Ready for School for 5-year-olds; Fun Practice Makes Perfect for 6-7 years. The ages are really more like guidelines, so your child could easily move through all the levels at their own pace. And when ready, they could move on to the lessons available at Reading Eggspress.
I feel this would have been a fun, easy to use resource for my children in their early years as readers. There are loads of options to choose from, which makes the learning process a whole lot more fun in my opinion. Students can build their own avatar, have pets (called Critters), add items to their house, use reading lessons, visit the playroom, go to a factory, shop in the store, do reading based puzzles at Puzzle Park, play educational games in the arcade, use the Driving Tests (one of my favorites!), go to the bank, or enjoy some reading songs at the Music Cafe.
The Reading Eggs site has a "map" for each student to use. It helps them see exactly where they are in the learning process, and I think it's a fun way to move along steadily as they learn. It's unique that each member has their own map. I really found that to be a great idea. As the child works through their map, they can earn eggs (the form of commerce used in Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress). Eggs can be spent at the arcade, to buy clothes for the avatar, and even to buy pets). At any time, the number of eggs the student has earned can be seen with a quick glance at the upper right-hand side of the screen. Constant motivation to work hard!
The learning activities vary and that keeps early readers from becoming bored. There is a built in review to help cement new words and concepts in the students memory. Another plus, since I can attest to the fact that review is a requirement for success in reading. The brightly colored, interactive web pages are a plus; engaging but not overwhelming.
Having different options for things to do makes this a worthwhile resource. For example, in the Reading Eggspress world, students can read books in the library and earn eggs by taking a quiz, or visit the Gym and do a "workout" that involves increased reading skills. Overall, I really feel Reading Eggs is a quality program worth looking into for younger readers.
I must add this disclaimer, however ~ I did find some of the subject matter failed to align with our Christian family's standards. But Reading Eggs does not promote itself as "Christian" and it was pretty easy to steer my daughter away from material not to my liking. It's not any different than the way we treat any other secular website or curriculum; take what fits our family's Biblical standard and leave the rest!
I would also caution my fellow homeschoolers that some of the spelling is based on European English - just something to consider when teaching reading to American English students :)
The educational reading available at Reading Eggs made this online reading program a plus; the learning games were fun, interactive, and good for the brain! They keep things moving at a pace that will hold the interest of most developing readers. Cross-curricular material is a favorite for many homeschoolers, and I was pleased to find that at Reading Eggs. Reading practice is gained while a science or history topic is studied. I believe Reading Eggs can also help younger students hone their typing skills. And while all children seem to have the ability to use a PC from a young age these days, not all children can actually TYPE!
My 12-year-old daughter enjoyed the book choices at the library (at Reading Eggspress) because, as she puts it, "It's fun to read the books to earn eggs. I like having my own avatar, and shopping for her is nice. But I really like seeing the number of eggs I've earned go up each time I finish a book in the library." She also shared that the portion of the webstie geared toward younger readers would have been good for her when she was learning to read.
To visit the Reading Eggs website for yourself, go to .
www.ReadingEggs.com
To purchase a subscription, go to the website and sign up for a free trial (no credit card required). From your dashboard (your home page) you can click on the Green "Purchase Reading Eggs" button. Prices are: $9.95/month, $49.95 for 6 months, $75 for 12 months.
To see what my fellow Crew mates have to say about Reading Eggs, click HERE.
(As always, I received this product free of charge for review purposes. All opinions are my own.)
Day 158 done :)
Jan L. Burt
www.HomeschoolingMothersBibleStudy.com
R's school provides each student an account for this website. She really loves playing on it! :)
ReplyDeleteReading Eggs is really the best online school for kids.
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