Articles

Inspire a love of learning through phonics.

Whether you’re a teacher, family member, tutor, or childcare professional, you can have a positive impact on a child’s life. One of the most extraordinary gifts a child ever receives is the ability to read and write.

Although literacy doesn’t come naturally to humans, it’s an essential part of our everyday lives. Explicit, effective, and encouraging phonics instruction is vital to creating a more literate world.  Explore the trusted resources, articles, and reviews from phonics.org to instill a love of learning in someone you care about.

Phonics Resources for All

Read With Phonics Games – App Review

A Simple and Playful Phonics Experience There are tons of phonics reviews at phonics.org!...

mom and her daughter having fun practicing handwriting with colored pencils

Phonics and Handwriting: Make It Fun!

Phonics and handwriting are closely intertwined. Because phonics is how children learn to read...

child playing on smartphone app

GraphoGame: Learn To Read App Review

Does The ‘World’s Most Researched Game’ Meet Current Standards?  Are you curious about how...

mom with three young children reading a children's book together

Fun Phonics Practice Ideas for the Holidays

The holidays are an exciting time for rest and quality time with family. For...

Alphablocks: Letter Fun App Review

Exploring Letter Sound Learning with the Alphablocks: Letter Fun App Check out phonics.org to...

ABC Spelling Magic App Review

Preschool University Takes On Spelling Practice Read more literacy app reviews on phonics.org to...

children sitting at a classroom table playing with English alphabet cards

Literacy Development & Phonics for English Language Learners

English Language Learners (ELLs) face unique challenges when developing literacy skills in a new...

girl reading a book in the dark

Reading Magic App 1 – Learning to Read Review

A Closer Look at Preschool University Want to read honest, expert reviews on literacy...

mom and her 3 year old playing educational game

Phonics for 3-Year-Olds

Parents play one of the most significant roles in a child’s early literacy development....

mom and child playing literacy game

Hairy Letters App Review

“Hairies” Helping Kids Learn to Read! Curious how the most popular literacy apps measure...

Reading.com App Review

Reading.com App Review

A Unique, Research-Based Approach to Teaching Children to Read At phonics.org, we evaluate phonics programs designed for children—empowering you to make informed decisions about the most suitable apps for your…

Phonics Plateau: Why Some Students Stop Progressing

Phonics Plateau: Why Some Students Stop Progressing

Your child was making steady progress. Each week brought new letter sounds, longer words, and growing confidence. Then suddenly, nothing. The forward momentum stopped. Your once-enthusiastic reader now struggles with…

Can Word Games Like Bookworm Support Literacy Development?

Can Word Games Like Bookworm Support Literacy Development?

Your child loves playing Bookworm on your tablet. They’re making long words and racking up points. You’re wondering: Is this actually helping them learn to read? It’s a fair question.…

Rocket Speller – Space-Themed Spelling Adventure Game Review

Rocket Speller – Space-Themed Spelling Adventure Game Review

A Well-Designed Spelling App That Balances Learning and Fun Are you curious about how other literacy apps measure up? Check out the other detailed literacy app reviews on phonics.org to…

Reading Mastery vs. Saxon Phonics: Which Delivers Better Results?

Reading Mastery vs. Saxon Phonics: Which Delivers Better Results?

Imagine two classrooms down the hall from each other. Same grade level, similar student demographics, but strikingly different reading outcomes by mid-year. The difference? The phonics program that each teacher…

Opposite Ocean App – Vocabulary and Antonym Learning Review

Opposite Ocean App – Vocabulary and Antonym Learning Review

A Targeted Vocabulary Tool for Elementary Antonym Practice Are you curious about how other literacy apps measure up? Check out the other detailed literacy app reviews on phonics.org to make…

Phonics and Speech Delays: When Articulation Affects Decoding

Phonics and Speech Delays: When Articulation Affects Decoding

When your child mispronounces words during conversation, you might think it’s adorable—and it often is! But what happens when those same articulation challenges show up during reading lessons? Many parents…

MaxScholar – Orton-Gillingham Based Phonics & Reading Comprehension Review

MaxScholar – Orton-Gillingham Based Phonics & Reading Comprehension Review

A Research-Backed Reading Intervention Program That Puts Struggling Readers First Are you curious about how other literacy apps measure up? Check out the other detailed literacy app reviews on phonics.org…

ChatGPT for Phonics: Why AI Can’t Replace Systematic Instruction

ChatGPT for Phonics: Why AI Can’t Replace Systematic Instruction

A frustrated parent sits at the kitchen table with their struggling six-year-old, laptop open to ChatGPT. “Can you help my child learn to read?” they type. Within seconds, the AI…

Imagine Learning Digital PreK-8 Literacy Suite Review

Imagine Learning Digital PreK-8 Literacy Suite Review

A Comprehensive Platform That Emphasizes Language Development Alongside Literacy Skills Are you curious about how other literacy apps measure up? Check out the other detailed literacy app reviews on phonics.org…

Why Some Reading Programs Are Abandoning Phonics (And Why That’s Wrong)

Why Some Reading Programs Are Abandoning Phonics (And Why That’s Wrong)

Walk into some elementary school classrooms today and you’ll witness a troubling trend. Teachers are putting away phonics workbooks. Reading programs are promoting “authentic literature experiences” over systematic letter-sound instruction. …