What Reviewers Say

All About Reading is one of the most respected phonics programs in the homeschool community, earning Cathy Duffy's '103 Top Picks' designation. Founded by Marie Rippel after successfully teaching her severely dyslexic son to read, the program uses Orton-Gillingham methodology with multisensory instruction. Reviewers consistently praise the fully scripted, 'open-and-go' lessons that require minimal prep work. As one parent noted, 'Everything I needed was right there in the guide, laid out in a way that was simple, effective, and—most importantly—enjoyable for my child.' The program builds confidence through mastery-based progression, teaching one concept at a time. Common concerns include the higher cost (~$160 per level), the slow-feeling pace compared to sight-word approaches (though this often leads to breakthrough moments), and the need to purchase separate spelling and grammar curricula. Parents of struggling readers and children with dyslexia report remarkable success.

How It Works

A typical session lasts about 20 minutes, with the parent reading directly from a scripted manual while the child uses magnetic letter tiles to build and decode words. Each lesson follows a predictable routine: reviewing past phonics flashcards, learning a new concept through the tiles, and completing a hands-on activity like a word-sorting game. Parents do not need to prepare in advance; they simply open the book and read the bold text to guide the conversation. The week is rounded out by the child reading short, illustrated stories from hardcover books that only use the specific sounds they have already mastered.

Switching to This?

Because the program is grouped by mastery level rather than grade level, parents should always use the free placement tests available on the publisher's website before purchasing. It is common for a child in second or third grade to start at Level 1 or 2 if they have gaps in their phonics foundation, and the community advice is to trust the test results rather than the grade number. Families can start this curriculum at any point in the year because the lessons are self-paced and do not follow a calendar. If you are switching from a program that relied heavily on memorizing 'sight words,' be prepared for your child to find the initial phonics-heavy approach slower as they learn to decode every sound instead of guessing based on context.

Curriculum Details

Price

$119 - $759

Pre-reading Level: $119.95. Levels 1-4: $159.95 each. Basic Interactive Kit (letter tiles, magnets, app, divider cards): $21.85 required for first level. Deluxe Kit: $43.85. Student Packets are reusable; only need to repurchase activity books ($42.95) for additional students. Full program cost for one child through all 5 levels: ~$760. Cost for additional children significantly lower due to reusable components. 365-day guarantee offered.

Grades

PRE-K - 4

Available As

Print

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Reading/Language Arts

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

20-30 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Needs instruction

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Secular

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Parent Role:

Parent teaches scripted lessons. Open-and-go format with no prep needed.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Logic of English, which combines reading, handwriting, and spelling into one comprehensive lesson, All About Reading focuses exclusively on reading, allowing parents to move at a different pace for spelling. When weighed against Hooked on Phonics, All About Reading is much more multisensory and teacher-led, using physical letter tiles and games rather than digital apps or videos to teach the mechanics of reading. Parents often choose this over 'Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons' because it is much more visually engaging and uses short, successful steps to build confidence, though it requires more physical storage space for the teacher's kit and activity books.

Getting Started