Great Reading Websites and Apps

There are many things that I love about using a computer and some of them include all of the wonderful websites that are available for our children to use both in a classroom setting or to continue learning at home. Not only have I placed websites on this list, but I've also included Apps that can be downloaded to your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, or even on your child's version of the same. 


I've compiled a list of some of my personal favorites here for you to use with many different ages of kids and I've included a short description of each so that you will know what they are about before you click through to each one to see if it is appropriate for your child or even children to use.   If these look interesting t you, just click on the title (bold and blue) and it *should* take you directly to the website as I've linked everything I can.  

So without further ado... Let me introduce you to my favorites!




Starfall -- This is a great website for young readers, including those just beginning to read.  The top link is "ABCs" where littler readers can practice their letters.  As you read down the short list of options on this main page, the options grow more difficult where students can "read" increasingly more difficult books and can have entire passages or select words read to them by clicking-- Make sure to have the volume up or headphones handy!

Starfall iPhone, iPod touch and iPad App Similar to the website, but it has much more portability!

BookAdventure  Book Adventure is a fun, free way to motivate your child to read! Kids in grades K-8 can find a book,  take quizzes on what they've read and earn prizes  for their reading success.  This is one favorite of mine for parents and teachers since teachers can set up an entire classroom full of students and see what they're reading and how they answer quizzes.

SmartyGames   This website has multiple subjects, but I've linked this directly to the reading and language arts section.  This is similar to Starfall, but there is also a games piece to it as well as some writing activities (which I will cover in another Blog entry). 

 TumbleBook   When you visit this site, you can sign up for a free trial before you subscribe as it is a subscription based website.  Check with your child’s school librarian as well, though, to see if they have a log-in from the school already as many public school librarians have taught students how to use this resource already. 

Project Gutenberg    Free copies of books that are out of copyright or are older.  These books can be read right on your computer, printed or downloaded to an e-reader such as Kindle. 

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally Appisode  Anyone who knows me or who has visited my office knows that I love everything about Disney and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is no difference, especially now that I have an infant at home.  While your 2-3 year old is not reading yet, you can help them be active participants in what they are watching by watching along with them with this iPad app. Your little one gets to help Mickey Mouse and the gang in a race by touching, shaking, dragging and saying the magic words along with them (Meeska, Mouska, Mickey Mouse!) as they race to the finish line as a team.

That's all that I have for you for now.  Please share ones that you have found for your child in the comments below, I would love to know about more that are out there!  

Until next time, it's a great day at Sylvan!!

~Stefanie, Center Director of Flemington and Clinton, New Jersey Sylvan Learning Centers