Reading Eggs is an online program designed to teach children to read through interactive games, stories, songs and more.  Designed for ages 4-8, Reading Eggs has 120 lessons that walk the child through individual lessons while teaching them to read. As the child progresses through the lessons, she earns golden eggs which equals rewards.

When you sign your child into Reading Eggs, the first step is for them to take an assessment test. The test consists of 40 questions. Once your child has missed 3 questions, the test is over and she can begin the program. Based on the assessment, Reading Eggs places your child at the appropriate level. As your child uses the program, she can track her progress on her map.

As lessons are completed, golden eggs are earned. The golden eggs are then used to play games, “buy” items and more.  Levels are locked so that your child is not allowed to skip ahead but must follow the progression of the program. There are three levels: Level 1: Lessons 1- 40 Starting Out for the beginner; Level 2: Lessons 41-80 Beginning to Read for the emerging reader; Level 3: Lessons 81-120 Building Confidence for Early Readers.

Reading Eggs also offers reports on each child’s progress. You can see which lessons have been completed, how many golden eggs have been earned, etc. It isn’t a greatly detailed report but does keep the parent/teacher informed of progress in the program. Free activity sheets are also available to  reinforce what is being learned.

There are a few different purchasing options for Reading Eggs.  A 12 month subscription is available for $75.00;    6 month subscription is $49.95 or you can choose monthly at $9.95. Reading Eggs also offers book packs that coincide with the levels of the online program. (Book packs were not a part of this review.)

Here is a video that provides more details on how the program works:

Our Thoughts:

I used Reading Eggs with two different children. I was surprised at where Reading Eggs placed my 8 year old daughter. It had her working at an almost 6 year old reading level. She is an excellent reader and is reading well above that level. My second daughter seemed to be placed at the appropriate level as she is still in the beginning stages of reading.

I was not greatly impressed with what Reading Eggs has to offer. I am not a fan of all the games, “shopping”, etc that so many online programs seem to use as incentives for learning.  I would love to see the incentives for learning to be built directly into the lessons and not be “extra”. Having multiple children sharing a computer means that the time on the computer must purposely and focused.

My 6year old daughter did not enjoy Reading Eggs. She found that the instructions were not always clear and the program seemed to assume at times that the instructions would just be understood.  The activities were often repeated to the point that interest was lost and was not a productive use of time. It came across as busy work. The program was just not engaging for her.

You can see for yourself if Reading Eggs would be a useful resource for your beginning or early reader by taking advantage of the 2 week free trial available at ReadingEggs.com. You can also try a free sample lesson before signing up for the free trial.

Also, swing by the Crew to see what others are saying about Reading Eggs!

Disclaimer: As a member of TOS Review Crew, I received complimentary access to this program. No compensation was made. The thoughts/opinions expressed in this post are my own.