Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
"Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" is a research-based program developed by Siegfried Engelmann, Phyllis Haddox, and Elaine Bruner. These educators, with profound backgrounds in teaching and educational research, crafted this curriculum to address gaps they saw in early reading education. Engelmann, a professor and advocate for the Direct Instruction method, aimed to create an effective, accessible way for parents to teach reading at home. Haddox and Bruner, both experts in reading instruction and curriculum development, contributed their extensive experience to the program's design. This curriculum has stood the test of time, impacting many by providing a structured, proven approach to reading (Simon & Schuster).
Differentiation: What Makes It Special What sets this program apart is its foundation in the Direct Instruction method, which is structured, explicit, and highly systematic. Unlike many other phonics programs, it integrates phonemic awareness and phonics through a carefully sequenced progression of lessons. The curriculum is designed to be user-friendly, providing parents and tutors with scripted, color-coded lessons that ensure both teaching and learning clarity. This program has been uniquely effective, as evidenced by its adoption and success in various educational settings beyond the home, such as clinics and schools (Start Reading) (Simon & Schuster).
How to Get Started To begin using "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons," purchase the book, which includes all necessary materials for the lessons. Start with the initial lesson and follow the structured format that outlines each teaching session for 20 minutes a day. The book is designed as a step-by-step guide, making it easy for any parent, regardless of prior teaching experience, to use effectively.
How It Works Each lesson in the program is approximately 20 minutes long, designed to fit seamlessly into a daily schedule. The lessons are scripted and color-coded, making them straightforward for the instructor. It's predominantly a parent-led approach, requiring active participation from both the child and the parent. This structure not only helps in teaching reading but also in fostering a bonding experience through learning (Start Reading) (Start Reading).
What Educational Concepts It Teaches
Phonemic awareness
Phonics (sound-letter correspondence)
Blending sounds into words
Reading comprehension at the sentence and story level
Writing letters and words
Alignment with the Science of Reading This program aligns well with the science of reading by emphasizing phonemic awareness and systematic phonics instruction, crucial components supported by contemporary educational research as essential for successful reading instruction (Start Reading).
Approach to Sight Words The program incorporates sight words strategically within its lessons, ensuring that students not only recognize these words but understand them within the context of phonics and decoding skills (Start Reading).
What’s Good About It Users often praise the structured nature of the lessons, the clear progression, and the tangible results in children's reading abilities. The script format helps eliminate guesswork for the instructor, making it easier to focus on effective teaching. The consistency and repetition built into the program are highly effective for young learners (Start Reading).
What Could Be Improved While the program is highly structured, some users find this approach a bit rigid, potentially limiting creativity and spontaneity in teaching. Additionally, the intensity and commitment required can be challenging for some parents and children, especially if the child's engagement levels fluctuate (Start Reading).
Advice from Parents Parents recommend maintaining a consistent schedule and being patient as children progress through the lessons. Supplementing the lessons with additional reading materials and engaging activities can enhance the learning experience and keep children motivated (Start Reading).
Who It’s An Ideal Fit For This program is ideal for parents who prefer a structured, step-by-step instructional approach. It's particularly beneficial for children who thrive under clear, consistent educational methods and those beginning to learn to read (Start Reading).
Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For Children who require more flexibility and creativity in their learning process might find the program too rigid. Additionally, parents looking for a more relaxed approach to teaching reading might struggle with the structured nature of this curriculum (Start Reading).
Grades The program is designed for preschoolers through first graders.
Cost The cost of the book ranges typically around $15-$25.
Ways to Get It "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" can be purchased through major book retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and directly from educational book websites.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on our site are affiliate links, which means Modulo may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no cost to you). Rest assured, we only recommend resources we’ve rigorously vetted and truly love—affiliate link or not. Thank you so much for supporting our work!
Explore More Literacy Programs and Curriculum We Recommend
Discover Touch-Type Read and Spell (TTRS), a program uniquely designed to support dyslexics with typing, reading, and spelling through an engaging, multi-sensory approach. Read our in-depth review to see how it can benefit learners across all grades.