Reading Eggs App Review + How we use it for Homeschool

We have been using Reading Eggs in our homeschool for a few years now and I thought it might be useful to share what I like about it, what I haven't liked, and how we use it with our kids for homeschool.

Reading Eggs is an app and website that teaches reading and math through different online programs that have learning pathways. The pathways include games, videos, books, and tests/quizzes. It can be used on a computer or on your phone. It is about $10 a month and allows up to 4 chlidren on the account (there is also a month free trial).

This is not a paid post, I just like the program. :)

We started using Reading Eggs when my second oldest began to show an interest in reading. My oldest basically taught herself to read at a fairly young age and I just sat with her while she practiced reading aloud to me. When my next oldest was ready to start learning, I did the same with her but it wasn't working. I could tell we were going to need something with more structure and I already knew I wanted a phonics based program. I had heard about Reading Eggs recently and decided to give it a try. I started going through the Fast Phonics program with her and it worked really well for her (I believe she has some dyslexia). We've used it for reading (for my second and third so far) and for math.

The Reading Eggs app has some different programs on it and we use three main ones that I really like.

Fast Phonics Pathway

The first is Fast Phonics. They move through "peaks" and each peak has a pathway. This is a pathway that systematically teaches phonics through videos and games. Along the pathway, there are books and quizzes to make help the child practice the phonics they are learning.

When they are first learning (we've had Parker and Rylee use it), I sit with them each day. As they get farther into the pathway, I sit with them when they reach a quiz or book, or if they get stuck and need my help. The other activities they can do on their own.

I really like how systematic with phonics it is, so I don't have to worry about trying to teach it. I can be more of a support as they practice. I also like that it includes a lot of games on the pathway because that makes it so the kids love doing it (until they reach a book, which is harder for them, but because it is along the pathway, they can't move forward until they've read it with me).

Mathseeds Pathway

The other main pathway we use for our kids is Mathseeds. It is also a pathway. Parker and Rylee both started at or near the beginning and Ashtyn did a placement test that put her pretty far in (and by 10 already finds the math concepts they teach fairly easy). It also uses a lot of games and videos to teach concepts, with quizzes and tests along the way.

One thing I like about the pathway is the variety of methods it teaches. For example, with addition it uses things like number lines, visuals, dots and graphs, counting, and formulas. This can not only get the child used to doing the thing in different ways, but also helps them to understand addition in a deeper way and grasp the more high level concept behind what they are doing. Another thing I like about the program is that it includes things like money, telling time, etc.

I particularly like the program for younger kids and supplement their math as they get older (Ashtyn has already had separate worksheets and I think Parker, at age 9, is getting to where that would be useful as well).

Junior Reading Eggs

We've also used Junior Reading Eggs with Rylee and now with Oliver. This one isn't a single pathway, but instead has mini pathways covering different preschool topics like letters, numbers, counting, colors, etc. You can click on the topic you want to do with your child and then the pathway includes activities that help teach that topic. My favorite topics are The Alphabet (Oliver and I are working through letters together right now, supplemented with some "off the phone" activities) and handwriting.

Extra activities

My kids get a few minutes of "free time" after they complete their required work on Reading Eggs and the app has some fun things they like to use. There are videos (from math and reading to science and nature), other games (including some timed math games that the kids love), and little stores that they can decorate their avatar from.

Drawbacks

It is "screen time"

The main drawback to Reading Eggs for me is that it is on a screen. This can be a benefit, as my kids love getting on to work on school and I don't have to do anything (print, read ahead, etc) other than make sure they get on their pathway, but I do try to give them assignments for school that are not on the computer and I also try to limit how much time they spend on Reading Eggs because it is a screen. School is also dependent on a working device, working internet, and the app working (it is rare for the app to not be working, but it has happened and we couldn't do our regular school routine then).

Reading Eggs pathway

There are programs on the app that I have been very impressed with, but when I tried doing the actual Reading Eggs pathway, I was less than impressed. It didn't feel as structured, my child struggled to learn what they were trying to teach through it, and it didn't feel as engaging for my kids as the other pathways like Fast Phonics.

Some overall pluses for me:

-It gives the kids a sense of progression

-Game-based

-The pathways use a variety of learning tools

-Reading is phonics based

-Systematic in their approach (so I don't have to do a lot of planning in advance)

-Kids (especially older kids) can be more independent going through their lessons

-Allows more than one (up to four) kids on an account

-Has an app and a website

-Accessible UI (for kids and for adults)

Some overall drawbacks for me:

-It is on a screen (and every child needs a screen to use it)

-I don't use every program

-It only allows four kids on an account

-Older kids phase out

-Some things require touchscreen (or are infinitely easier with touch screen)

-Is a subscription

Overall, we have loved using Reading Eggs with our kids from the ages of about 4 to about 10. I have been impressed with some, though not all, of the programs they have available and while I supplement (with my own worksheets, reading, etc), I have found it well worth the $10 a month. Fast Phonics alone would be worth it to me, as I have found that to be a really good way for my kids to learn how to read.

Have you used Reading Eggs? What curriculum has been your favorite? I'd love to hear about your homeschool in the comments below!