Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers: 15 Best With Pros and Cons
Today’s post is all about homeschool reading curriculum for struggling readers.
This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart because I was a reading teacher and then public school librarian for 10 years!
I am excited to help you unlock the love of reading for your kid, no matter what age they are.
In today’s article, you’ll find my top 15 favorite homeschool curriculum options for supporting your struggling reader.
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The Best Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
To be sure I’ve got something that works for everyone, I’ve included as many secular (non-religious) reading curriculum options as I possibly can.
You’ll notice that a big part of supporting struggling readers involves multisensory options and explicit phonics instruction.
Many of my curriculum choices here offer ways you can teach your kid to read in bite-sized lessons with lots of fun games.
I hope you find these homeschool reading curriculum options helpful for you and your kids!
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All About Reading: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
All About Reading is a multisensory, Orton-Gillingham-based program that teaches reading through a step-by-step approach using phonics, decodable readers, and hands-on activities.
The Orton-Gillingham method is such a great choice because it’s a direct approach that’s made to teach readers who struggle (including those with dyslexia).
Pros:
- Explicit, scripted lessons
- Fun, engaging activities and stories
- Fantastic for dyslexic or struggling readers
Cons:
- Can be time-consuming for parents to prepare and teach
- Higher cost due to multiple components
- Tip: Check your local library or used book options!
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons + Bob Books: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons offers a direct-instruction phonics approach, while Bob Books provides simple readers to reinforce skills.
Many homeschool parents feel that the 100 Easy Lessons curriculum is an option that needs more options for repeated review.
That’s why I suggest adding Bob Books’ “simple readers” to this curriculum option!
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Very straightforward material
- Easy to follow with a structured script
- Short, manageable lessons
Cons:
- Not multisensory or interactive
- Can feel repetitive for some children
Sing Spell Read & Write: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
This phonics program incorporates music, games, and colorful workbooks to teach reading and writing skills.
Pros:
- Fun, engaging songs and activities
- Great for auditory learners
- Covers both reading and writing skills
Cons:
- Music-based approach may not work for all learners
- Can feel dated in style
- New copies are currently not being sold ☹️, but the curriculum can sometimes be found at the library or via use book options.
Memoria Press’s First Start Reading: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
A traditional, phonics-based program rooted in classical education, using workbooks to teach reading, writing, and phonics.
Although Memoria Press often offers religious curriculum, this reading curriculum has no religious components.
Pros:
- Strong phonics foundation
- Clear, straightforward format
- Includes handwriting practice
Cons:
- May be too rigorous for some learners
- Not as multisensory or interactive as other options
IEW’s Primary Arts of Language (PAL): Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
An integrated reading and writing curriculum that uses a multisensory approach, focusing on phonics, spelling, and handwriting.
This curriculum is great for struggling readers that shut down easy because it’s got tons of games, activities, and even includes stickers!
Pros:
- Engaging, multisensory activities
- Combines reading and writing instruction
- Great for tactile learners
Cons:
- Complex and time-consuming for parents to implement
- Expensive due to various components
Phonics Pathways: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
A systematic phonics program that uses a straightforward, no-frills approach to teach reading skills through incremental steps.
If you end up liking the Phonics Pathways curriculum, there’s also a very affordable Reading Pathways book that you might like, too!
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to implement
- Simple, logical progression
- Great for remedial work
- Said to be great for those with short attention spans or who shut down easily
Cons:
- Lacks interactive or hands-on activities
- Some children may find it dull
Reading Eggs Fast Phonics (app): Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
An app-based reading program that uses games, activities, and rewards to teach phonics and decoding skills.
This curriculum was designed with homeschoolers and military families in mind. 🙂
Pros:
- Highly engaging and motivating for kids
- Self-paced and interactive
- Great for practicing and reinforcing phonics skills
Cons:
- Requires screen time
- Not as in-depth as some traditional phonics programs
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Logic of English Foundations: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
A comprehensive, multisensory phonics program based on the Orton-Gillingham approach that teaches reading, spelling, and handwriting.
Another one I love because of its roots in Orton-Gillingham! Again, this approach is GREAT to teach struggling readers and dyslexic learners.
Pros:
- Strong multisensory components
- Great for struggling readers and dyslexic students
- Covers reading, spelling, and handwriting
Cons:
- Time-intensive for parents to teach
- Higher cost due to multiple materials
Hooked on Phonics: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
A popular phonics program that offers a choice of physical workbooks, readers, and/or a digital app to teach reading through phonics.
Pros:
- Engaging for young learners
- Easy-to-follow lessons
- Affordable and widely available
- Digital and print curriculum options available
Cons:
- Not as comprehensive for older readers
- Limited focus on comprehension
Pinwheels by Rooted in Language: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
A multisensory reading program focused on phonemic awareness, phonics, and comprehension.
This program was designed for struggling readers and children with dyslexia.
Pros:
- Explicit, research-based lessons
- Great for struggling readers and dyslexic kiddos
- Engaging, hands-on approach
- Offers free sample curriculum!
Cons:
- Limited availability, as it’s a newer program
- Can be time-consuming for parents
- PDF download only; requires self-print or digital viewing (or an extra cost of paying for their printing and binding service)
Explode the Code: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
A super popular workbook-based phonics program that teaches decoding, spelling, and reading comprehension skills through simple, incremental lessons.
Recently, they started offering an app-based option, too!
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to implement
- Incremental, self-paced learning
- Great for reinforcing phonics
Cons:
- Limited engagement for young learners
- Not a comprehensive curriculum on its own
The Good and The Beautiful: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
A Christian-based curriculum that combines phonics, grammar, and literature, using beautiful, wholesome content and artwork.
They have FREE full-year curriculum for Language Arts (grades K-8)!!
Pros:
- Visually appealing and engaging content
- Combines phonics with literature and grammar
- Affordable and faith-based
Cons:
- Christian worldview may not fit all families
- Not as focused on struggling readers
Jolly Phonics: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
A synthetic phonics program that uses songs, actions, and stories to teach letter sounds and decoding.
Pros:
- Fun, engaging for younger children
- Multisensory approach
- Simple to implement
Cons:
- Geared more toward early readers
- Limited depth for older or struggling readers
UFLI Foundations: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
A structured literacy program based on the science of reading, focused on phonics and decoding for struggling readers and dyslexics.
They offer a free “foundations toolbox” with TONS of excellent resources, but you have to either view these digitally or print them yourself one-by-one.
Pros:
- Explicit instruction in decoding
- Research-backed
- Great for struggling readers
Cons:
- Requires structured teaching time
Reading for All Learners: Homeschool Reading Curriculum for Struggling Readers
Summary:
A systematic phonics program that includes decodable readers and explicit instruction, designed for struggling readers and beginners.
They have tons of supplemental resources you can add on (for an affordable price, but it’s an extra cost).
Pros:
- Easy to follow with simple decodable readers
- Affordable
- Effective for struggling readers
Cons:
- Limited content for older learners
- Less engaging than more interactive programs
BONUS: Reading Rockets Website for Struggling Readers
Although it’s not curriculum, this was one of my all-time favorite resources to support struggling readers when I was a teacher!
Reading Rockets is a FREE online resource designed to support struggling readers.
Their site offers a large range of tools, articles, and activities that are the perfect helper for struggling readers, making it an excellent support system for homeschool families.
Here’s what Reading Rockets provides:
- Expert advice on how to teach reading effectively
- Free printable resources like lesson plans and activities
- Video interviews with literacy experts
Best of all, everything on Reading Rockets is free!
That’s everything you need to know about homeschool reading curriculum for struggling readers!
I hope you found some reading homeschool curriculum ideas that’ll help your struggling reader!
When teaching homeschool, one of the best things is that you get the option of being flexible.
So if you try a curriculum and it’s just not working for your family, always remember that you can change it up to make things work for you!
Before You Go, Comment Below!
What reading curriculum will you choose for your struggling reader?
What other homeschool reading curriculum options do you suggest?
Leave a comment below and let me know!
I love reading your suggestions and always try to update my posts with your ideas as often as I can.
For everything homeschool, we can PlanIt! ❤️
