Are you looking for alternative ways to teach your child to read? When my kids were learning to read, I used a lot of tools to enhance their reading skills. One reading program I am thankful for is Starfall! I am thrilled for the opportunity to review The Starfall Home Membership from the Starfall Education Foundation.
Starfall is an online reading program developed by the non-profit organization called Starfall Education Foundation. In the early stages of the elementary years, I was always on the lookout for fun but educational learning games. We used it for a long time after hearing about it through a mom's online chat forum!
The Starfall Home Membership 'Learn to Read' Review
Here's a little history for you. Starfall's founder Stephen Schutz struggled to read so he was determined to create an online resource to help other children in a similar situation! I love to hear background stories of terrific programs, especially from a non-profit organization.
The Starfall website opened on August 27, 2002, after two years of development. It has a free version and a 1-year subscription option. The 1-year subscription service is a fully developed Kindergarten English and Language Arts curriculum. It also offers a comprehensive pre-K curriculum.
Why would you need a 1-year subscription with all of the wonderful free services they currently offer? I'm glad you asked! There are additional songs, books, and LOTS of MATHematics activities extending to the second grade. Here's a great bonus too -- the Starfall app is available to paid members on mobile devices!
Are you a family that's busy and on the go? While waiting for a child to get out of piano practice or just running errands, your child can use the app. This is a wonderful program where any child can learn to read and develop math skills until reading and math fluency is achieved.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed reminiscing through Starfall's modules as it brought back a lot of wonderful memories. The animated and interactive books/games are fun and engaging. Trust me, my daughter loved this program and I never had to force her to play. In fact, she preferred it over the workbooks we were using at the time.
My daughter is kinesthetic, so this program was quite helpful with her learning style. She was a struggling reader and when I showed her the program that helped her read she lit up like a Christmas tree and told me she remembered Zac the Rat and Peg the Hen!
Awhh....memories.....
But, I digress.
Here are some KEY FEATURES of Starfall.
Starfall Modules
Computer Activities
All essential activities for learning to read are free. However, you may also purchase complete access to all activities, including expanded math and reading content for K-2nd grade. Plus, there are additional songs and rhymes! This is a full one-year membership for only $35!
Mobile Apps
The Starfall app for Android and iPhones include 4 sections: ABCs, Learn to Read, It’s Fun to Read, and I’m Reading. You can also purchase low-cost features from $0.99 to $4.99 including Numbers, All About Me, Snowman, Gingerbread, Pumpkin, and Turkey. Go to your app store on your smartphone and search for "Starfall".
Store Products
Check out the children’s books, instructional cards, and a variety of other products for purchase at the Starfall Store at store.starfall.com. You can also purchase extra apps from 99 cents to $4.99.
Supplemental Parent & Teacher Resources
Supplemental teaching resources are accessible in our Parent-Teacher Center. There are printables for pre-schoolers and those in the younger elementary grades. In addition, you can find writing sheets, printable flashcards, customizable worksheets and more. Homeschoolers kind of like printables, right?!!
Starfall's online program has a great reputation in the homeschool community. It's a perfect tool for kinesthetic and visual learners, plus, it gives us homeschool Moms a break from teaching. Remember, you can take the app anywhere at anytime to take advantage of any pockets of downtime! How awesome is that?!!! If you have additional questions, please write in the comments below.
