So your little one is ready to start reading or struggling with reading and you’re looking for the best reading curriculums. Or maybe you’re sipping your coffee, glancing at your to-do list, and wondering how on earth you’ll get your child to actually enjoy reading. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Choosing a reading curriculum can feel overwhelming and with all the options out there, you’re not entirely sure which path leads to the finish line.

But don’t worry! I’m here to walk you through it, sharing my favorite options and my experience with a struggling reader. Here’s what we’ll get into

My Son’s Reading Journey
Best Reading programs for struggling readers
Free Reading Curriculums
Kindergarten Reading Curriculums
Elementary Reading Curriculum
Christian Reading Curriculums

This post contains affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

My Son’s Reading Journey

Let’s be honest, teaching our kids to read is not as easy as it's made out to be. My son loves math, he can calculate numbers in his head by age 4, but reading is a different story. Sitting down to read and write is not his favorite activity.

This surprised me, mostly because he loves being read to every night. I then realized it’s not that he doesn’t enjoy reading, he doesn’t enjoy struggling when learning something new.

So, as any parent would, I started doing some research and I kept seeing ads for Hooked on Phonics, which brought me back to my childhood. To be honest, I was surprised it was still around.

I read the reviews and saw how helpful it was for new readers. I decided to make the purchase and for only $1 dollar, I couldn’t go wrong.

It’s been the best decision I made so far, in my son's homeschooling journey. I love how they introduce letters and sounds before jumping into reading.

I enjoy that we can go at any pace and the hooked-on phonics app goes over the same material that was taught that same week. Now my son is reading, putting words together, and enjoys when a new Hooked on Phonics packet comes in.

It has been a game changer and the best part is, it’s not just for homeschooling. Any parent can help their kid to read with Hooked on Phonics. Start your $1 trial here and turn your little one into a full reader in no time!

Best Reading Programs for Struggling Readers

Every child learns differently, and that's especially true when it comes to reading. If your child is struggling, it’s not about finding the “perfect” program; it’s about finding the right fit for them.

Here are a few top choices that are designed specifically for kids who need a little extra support:

All About Reading: This program is like the Swiss Army knife of reading curriculums—multi-sensory, engaging, and adaptable for various learning styles. It’s one of the best when it comes to hands-on teaching.
Reading Eggs: If you’ve got a kiddo who’s more excited about screen time than flashcards, this is a great online option. It’s colorful, and interactive, and makes learning feel like a game.
Dyslexia Gold: Don't let the name throw you off—it’s not just for dyslexia. This program is amazing for kids who need to slow down and really focus on phonics and comprehension.
Hooked on Phonics: A classic for a reason! This program has been around for decades and does a fantastic job of making phonics easy and accessible. Bonus: there’s a mobile app for learning on the go!
Nessy Reading & Spelling: Perfect for those who need a bit of humor in their lessons, Nessy uses games, videos, and a silly yet effective approach to help struggling readers catch up.

Free Homeschool Reading Curriculums

Let's be real: homeschooling can get pricey. But it doesn't have to break the bank! There are some incredible free resources out there that deliver quality education without the price tag. Here are some of the best:

Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool: This all-in-one curriculum offers free, comprehensive reading lessons from preschool through high school. It’s structured and easy to follow, and did I mention free?
Khan Academy Kids: A fantastic app that’s completely free! They cover phonics, comprehension, and so much more. Perfect for ages 2-8, and the animations are adorable.
Progressive Phonics: A no-frills, straightforward program with printable books and worksheets. It’s great for early readers who are just starting to connect the dots.
Starfall: This is a free, web-based resource that's fantastic for beginners. It’s bright, and colorful, and covers phonics in a super engaging way.
Teach Your Monster to Read: Another fun and free online game that turns learning into an adventure. Your child will think they're just playing, but you’ll know they’re mastering phonics.

Kindergarten Reading Curriculums

Kindergarten is all about setting the stage for a love of reading. You want to find something that’s playful yet structured and will help those little eyes light up when they crack open a book. Here are my top picks:

The Good and the Beautiful: This curriculum is gorgeous (seriously, it’s aesthetically pleasing) and integrates phonics, sight words, and a love of literature all in one.
Bob Books: Simple, easy-to-read stories that build confidence. These little books have been a favorite in our house—perfect for those early readers who need a gentle introduction to words.
Explode the Code: A phonics workbook series that makes learning to read systematic and fun. It’s great for kids who love puzzles and problem-solving.
Letterland: This is a fantastic program that personifies letters (like Annie Apple and Bouncy Ben) to make phonics memorable and entertaining.
Sing, Spell, Read & Write: Music is a huge motivator for kids, and this program uses catchy songs to teach phonics. It’s lively and lots of fun.

If you’re looking for a fun, engaging, and proven curriculum for your kindergartener, I highly recommend Hooked on Phonics.

The simple, step-by-step approach makes reading accessible, even for the wiggliest learners. It’s playful, and structured, and makes learning to read feel like an adventure. Click here to join Hooked on Phonics today!

Elementary Reading Comprehension curriculums

Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary

Once your child moves past the basics, it’s time to get into a more structured curriculum that will grow their reading skills and comprehension. Here’s what’s worth considering:

Sonlight: This literature-based curriculum offers a huge selection of quality books. It’s perfect for bookworms who love stories and history.
Memoria Press: A classical education curriculum that’s heavy on phonics and literature. It’s structured and rigorous but perfect for parents who want a traditional approach.
BookShark: If you want your child to fall in love with reading through a diverse range of literature, this secular version of Sonlight is an excellent choice.
Literary Adventures for Kids: This is a flexible online curriculum with lots of book choices, projects, and activities. It’s great for kids who love to dive deep into stories.
Time4Learning: An online option that covers phonics, comprehension, and literature. It’s interactive and includes assessments so you can keep track of progress.

Wait, there’s more, don't be fooled into thinking Hooked on Phonics is just for the little ones—it’s perfect for elementary-aged kids too. As they grow, the curriculum evolves with them, covering more advanced phonics and reading comprehension. Join Hooked on Phonics Here! (affiliate link)

Christian Reading Curriculums

If you’re looking for a faith-based curriculum, there are some beautiful options out there that incorporate Biblical teachings along with reading skills. Here are my top picks:

Abeka: Known for its traditional and structured approach, Abeka is thorough and includes Scripture-based lessons along with phonics and reading.
Christian Light Education: A gentle, faith-based program that is especially great for early readers. It’s clear, simple, and aligns with Christian values.
My Father’s World: A blend of classical and Charlotte Mason approaches, this program is hands-on, literature-based, and integrates faith seamlessly.
Heart of Dakota: This program uses living books to teach reading, comprehension, and phonics while incorporating a Biblical worldview.
BJU Press: Another solid choice for Christian families, this curriculum includes a variety of texts and teaching tools to encourage a love of reading and Biblical wisdom.

Even if you’re opting for a Christian reading curriculum, you can still use Hooked on Phonics as a supplemental tool. This is exactly what I do with my son. I use Hooked on Phonics on specific days because It’s an excellent way to build phonics skills alongside any faith-based program you choose. Get started with Hooked on Phonics Here!

Conclusion: Finding the Right Reading Curriculum

I hope this guide has given you a clear, friendly peek into the world of homeschool reading curriculums. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all.

What works for one child might not be a fit for another—and that’s perfectly okay! It is one of the reasons I use Hooked on Phonics in my home, I can add it to my already structured routine and my son can take time to master one skill at a time. Start your $1 dollar trial with Hooked on Phonics here!

Remember to embrace the journey, take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to try something new if what you’re doing isn’t working.

And, if you’re looking for a place to start, why not mix and match some of the free resources with a curriculum you love? You might just create a blend that’s perfect for your child!

Happy homeschooling, and remember—you’ve got this!

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