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

How to Compare Phonics Reviews and Choose the Best Program 

If you’re a teacher or parent of young readers, you’ve likely faced the overwhelming...

kids playing the super simple songs app

Super Simple Songs App Review

Building Literacy Foundations With Super Simple Songs Playlists At phonics.org, we review the most...

Endless Alphabet App Review

A Simple and Engaging App That Disappoints in Alphabet Instruction Take a detailed look...

dibels reading assessment for parents

A Parent’s Guide to the DIBELS Reading Assessment

Reading assessments are essential tools for identifying and addressing reading challenges in children. One...

student playing read naturally live app

Read Naturally Live App Review

Phonics.org takes a close look at literacy programs so that you can make informed...

phonetic sounds in the English language

Phonetic Sounds in the English Language 

Have you ever wondered why the English language can be so complex? While there...

child playing foundations a-z phonics program on computer

Foundations A-Z Review for Literacy Instruction

Phonics.org takes a closer look at literacy programs so that you can make more...

learn how to teach spelling

How to Teach Spelling: Beginner Phonics Instruction

Spelling is a primary skill in phonics instruction and literacy development. It equips children...

kids and the lalilo app review

Lalilo App Review

Lalilo App Review At Phonics.org, our goal is to provide educational reviews that empower...

sight words vs high frequency words

Sight Words vs. High-Frequency Words

During phonics instruction, children learn to sound out or “decode” words. With enough practice,...

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. …