An In-depth Review of Teach Your Monster to Read by an experienced literacy teacher
Updated on July 8, 2023
This review was written by Manisha Snoyer, the founder and CEO of Modulo, a company that provides resources and support families who are homeschooling their children. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, Manisha has instructed over 2,000 children of all ages and abilities in three countries and 18 subjects. She has tutored at some of the best private schools in the world and throughout the NYC public school system. Manisha graduated summa cum laude from Brandeis University.
If you’re looking for a highly engaging, free way to help your child teach themselves to read, Teach Your Monster is our top choice for a free literacy app for early readers. A great choice for families on a budget, or who don’t have a lot of time to devote to their children’s learning..
As parents, one of the first ways we can become involved in our children's academic education is by teaching them how to read—a profoundly rewarding and exhilarating experience for both parents and kids. However, amidst the sea of conflicting information on the subject, it can be overwhelming to determine the best approach.
Our literacy teachers spent over 10,000 hours dozens of the leading literacy apps with dozens of students reviewing them for usability, alignment with the science of reading and suitability for different learning archetypes.
Our top pick for a free, adaptive learning app is "Teach Your Monster to Read." This highly engaging phonics-based app, aligned with the science of reading, caters to learners of all ages, from early readers to children with dyslexia. With an impressive record of 300 million plays worldwide, along with accolades such as the BAFTA children's awards and primary teacher awards, this cleverly-designed game-based app transforms the process of learning to read into a fun and interactive adventure for children. By personalizing their own monster and delving into an immersive game environment, kids not only have a blast but also acquire essential phonics and critical reading skills.
And of course, it has the world’s best name:)
While we did encounter some technical difficulties and occasionally encountered games that were slightly perplexing for children, the overall experience of Teach Your Monster to Read is undeniably fantastic. It is particularly well-suited for children who gravitate towards learning apps and video games.
For all our recommendations on early literacy, see our post “The Top 4 Tools to Teach Your Child to Read.”
Cost: Free on desktop and laptop (The apps cost 4.99 on the App Store and $5.99 on Android)
Grades : Early readers
An Overview of 'Teach Your Monster to Read
"Teach Your Monster to Read" is a unique program that harnesses the power of interactive gaming to teach reading to young kids. Designed by Peter Usborne, a celebrated publisher of children's books, it creates a playful and engaging environment where kids don't just learn – they enjoy the process. It targets students in Pre-K to 2nd Grade, making it an excellent resource for early readers. It's free on the computer and also available on the app store for other devices at $2.99.
Alignment with Science of Reading
The Science of Reading refers to a vast body of research from several fields such as neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and linguistics that explores how we learn to read. This science reveals that reading is not a natural process and needs to be explicitly taught. Key components include phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, reading fluency, and reading comprehension.
In recent years, the Science of Reading has gained more appeal as there has been a growing recognition of its effectiveness in teaching reading. Despite various teaching methods employed over the years, literacy rates have remained stagnant or have even declined in some areas. The explicit, systematic instruction recommended by the Science of Reading has been found to be beneficial for all students, particularly those struggling with reading. As such, there's been a push in many educational circles to adopt approaches that align with this research.
"Teach Your Monster How to Read" is one of the few programs closely aligned with the Science of Reading. The program uses a systematic and sequential approach to phonics, teaching children the letter-sound correspondences in a specific order. It also emphasizes phonemic awareness, vocabulary building, and reading fluency, all critical components in the Science of Reading. Its interactive and multisensory approach further enhances its effectiveness, making it an excellent tool in supporting the development of early reading skills.
The Gaming and Learning Mechanics
"Teach Your Monster to Read" stands out with its unique combination of video gaming and educational techniques. Students embark on a learning journey filled with different games that are both fun and educational. The program adopts an incremental approach where students learn phonetics and then progressively combine them to form words, sentences, and eventually, full narratives.
The platform gamifies the process of answering reading questions. Students earn points, much like they would in a video game, which keeps them motivated and eager to progress. This gaming element is particularly beneficial for children who struggle with reading or maintaining their attention on conventional learning materials for extended periods.
Key Features and usability
Personalized Monster Creation
Children create their unique monster that becomes their companion throughout their reading journey.
Three Different Levels
The game caters to different reading stages, including introducing letters and sounds, blending sounds into words, and reading full sentences.
Progress Tracking
Parents and educators can monitor a child’s progress throughout the game.
Motivational Rewards
Children earn prizes for their monster, boosting their motivation and engagement.
Offline Accessibility
The app can be used without an internet connection, making it accessible everywhere.
A great fit for kids with dyslexia
"Teach Your Monster How to Read" is a highly effective tool for children with dyslexia due to several key design features:
Multisensory Approach
The program incorporates a multisensory learning approach, which is often recommended for children with dyslexia. This means that learning happens through sight, sound, and touch, helping to reinforce phonics concepts in multiple ways. The engaging visual graphics, sounds, and interactive gameplay make the learning process more intuitive and memorable.
Structured and Sequential
The program is structured and sequential, following a step-by-step approach to reading that builds from simple to more complex concepts. This structured literacy approach aligns well with recommended teaching methods for dyslexic learners.
Phonics-Based
"Teach Your Monster How to Read" is based on phonics, an approach that helps learners understand the connection between letters and sounds. This is particularly useful for children with dyslexia, as they often struggle with phonological awareness.
Personalized Learning Pace
Children can progress at their own pace, which is crucial for learners with dyslexia who may need more time to grasp certain concepts. The app adapts to the child's learning level and provides repetition and practice where needed.
Engaging and Motivating
The gamified approach makes learning fun and reduces the stress and anxiety often associated with reading for dyslexic children. By earning points and rewards, children are motivated to keep practicing and improving their reading skills.
It's important to note that while "Teach Your Monster How to Read" can be a valuable tool in supporting dyslexic learners, it should be used as part of a comprehensive learning plan that includes professional support and various learning strategies. Each child is unique, and what works best will depend on the individual child's needs and challenges.
Pros and cons of Teach Your Monster to Read
Top Five Pros
High Engagement: The game-based approach and interactive storyline keep children engaged.
Scientifically Backed: The app aligns with the science of reading, covering phonics and reading skills.
Progress tracking It enables parents to track children's progress.
Versatile: Works both online and offline, allowing usage anywhere.
Free to Play: The game is available free of charge o
Top Five Cons
Limited Age Group: Content may be too basic for older children.
In-App Purchases: Extra costs can add up quickly.
Interface Complexity: Younger children might find navigation challenging.
Limited Reading Material: Could incorporate a wider range of reading materials for further practice.
Nuts andBolts of Your Monster to Read
Type of Tool: It is available as an app and on the website.
Time Requirement: On average, students should spend around 22 minutes per day on the platform, and each section lasts about 22 weeks. This encourages regular practice without causing burnout.
Screens: Yes, an electronic device is necessary for accessing the platform.
Parent/Caregiver Involvement: The program is designed to be intuitive and learner-friendly, eliminating the need for constant supervision or assistance.
Prep Time: As an open-and-go resource, it requires no prep time, making it convenient for both educators and parents.
Accountability and Assessment: The program includes built-in assessment tools that allow parents and educators to track the learners' progress. While it's unclear whether the platform aligns directly with specific state standards, it covers foundational literacy skills that are universally crucial.
FAQ
Is Teach Your Monster to Read suitable for classroom use?
Yes, it is widely used in schools and comes with a teacher dashboard to monitor student progress.
What age is "Teach Your Monster to Read" appropriate for?
It is designed primarily for children aged 3-6, but it may also be useful for older children needing extra phonics practice.
Is there support for non-English speakers?
Yes, the game supports multiple languages, including Spanish.
How long does it take to teach my child to read with Teach Your Monster?
Teach Your Monster to Read is designed to supplement the reading instruction a child is receiving in school or at home, so the timeline for learning to read with the app can vary greatly depending on a child's prior knowledge, the amount of time spent using the app, and other learning activities the child is engaged in.
However, the app itself is structured into three progressive stages, each designed to be completed over several weeks. The duration of each stage may vary based on the child's pace, but on average, each section is designed to last around 22 weeks with the recommendation of daily practice of about 22 minutes.
Therefore, if a child starts with no prior reading knowledge, they could potentially learn to read simple sentences after using the app consistently for about 66 weeks or just over a year. However, please keep in mind that this is a general estimate and actual timelines may vary based on individual differences in learning pace and the consistency of usage.
Is Teach Your Monster to Read a good program?
"Teach Your Monster to Read" is an excellent program that combines fun, engaging gameplay with foundational reading skills, making it an ideal choice for early learners.
Can you Teach Your Monster to Read for free?
Yes, you can use "Teach Your Monster to Read" for free on a computer. However, there is a minimal cost for accessing it on other devices through the app store.
What does Teach Your Monster to Read teach?
Teach Your Monster to Read" teaches a range of critical reading skills, starting from letter-sound recognition and phonics to reading full sentences. It follows a structured, step-by-step approach to make the learning process comprehensive and effective.
Final Thoughts
In my extensive experience as an educator, I've rarely come across learning tools that balance entertainment and learning as effectively as "Teach Your Monster to Read". It is a fun, interactive, and effective solution for teaching young children to read. By bringing together the thrill of video gaming and the structured discipline of reading, it turns learning into an adventure, helping to cultivate a love for reading from an early age.
However, as with any educational tool, it should be part of a balanced learning diet that includes various resources and methods to cater to the diverse needs of learners.
It's essential to note that Teach Your Monster to Read is primarily designed to teach children the basics of phonics and reading. It does a fantastic job of teaching letter sounds, blending sounds into words, and simple sentence reading. However, reading proficiency and literacy involve a broad set of skills, including vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and the ability to read fluently, which are typically developed through a combination of methods including direct instruction, guided reading, independent reading, and activities that support comprehension and vocabulary skills.
Thus, while Teach Your Monster to Read is a highly beneficial tool, it should ideally be used as part of a comprehensive approach to literacy development.
For more reviews on "Teach Your Monster to Read", visit Common Sense or to get started with the program, sign up here.
As educators and parents, our role is to guide our young learners as they explore the world of letters, sounds, and stories. With tools like "Teach Your Monster to Read", we can make this journey a thrilling adventure that they look forward to every day.
Sources
Jiban, C. (2022, January 12). The Science of Reading Explained. NWEA. https://www.nwea.org/blog/2022/the-science-of-reading-explained/
Kristof, N. (2023, February 11). Two-Thirds of Kids Struggle to Read, and We Know How to Fix It. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/11/opinion/reading-kids-phonics.html
Mangham, A. (n.d.). Is Your Curriculum Aligned to the Science of Reading? The Center for Development and Learning. https://mycll.org/is-your-curriculum-aligned-to-the-science-of-reading/
National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). Reading Achievement of Fourth-Grade Students in the United States. https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reading/nation/achievement/?grade=4
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. (n.d.). What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to Children's Brains? https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/
Schwanenflugel, P. J., & Knapp, N. F. (2017, November 4). Precocious Reading: Reading beyond their years. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/reading-minds/201711/precocious-reading
Suggate, S. P., Schaughency, E. A., & Reese, E. (2013). Children learning to read later catch up to children reading earlier. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 28(1), 33-48. ISSN 0885-2006. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0885200612000397
