Teach Your Monster to Read
by Teach Your Monster Limited (website )
Engaging, game-based phonics practice where children build a monster to master letter sounds and full sentences through play.
Best Fit For
Young children (ages 3-7) who need extra phonics practice but find traditional lessons boring, and families looking for a high-quality free digital supplement.
Not Recommended For
Families looking for a comprehensive, multi-sensory reading program, or parents who want to strictly limit all screen time.
What Reviewers Say
Teach Your Monster to Read is universally praised for its high production value and ability to engage children who are resistant to traditional phonics workbooks. Reviewers from Common Sense Media and The Homeschool Mom highlight that it successfully turns repetitive drills into an addictive adventure. However, a common sentiment among homeschooling parents (noted in Well-Trained Mind forums) is that while it is excellent for reinforcement, it lacks the depth required to be a primary, standalone reading curriculum. It does not teach the 'why' behind many phonics rules. The most significant advantage cited is the free accessibility on desktops, making it a low-risk, high-reward resource for early literacy.
How It Works
A child creates a custom monster avatar that travels through various lands, completing mini-games to help 'repair' its broken spaceship. Each game focuses on specific phonics skills, starting with individual letter sounds and progressing to blending and full sentences. A typical session lasts 15-20 minutes, during which the child plays independently on a computer or tablet. Parents can log into a dashboard to see which sounds the child has mastered and where they are struggling.
Switching to This?
The game offers three distinct entry points: 'First Steps' (for those starting letters/sounds), 'Fun with Words' (for those beginning to blend), and 'Champion Reader' (for those starting to read short sentences). Parents can move their child between these levels at any time. Because it is supplemental, it can be started mid-year alongside any phonics program like All About Reading or Hooked on Phonics.
Curriculum Details
- Price
- $0 - $5
- Grades
- PRE-K - 2
- Available As
- Digital
- Coverage
- Supplement
- Subjects
- Reading/Language Arts
- Pacing
- Self-paced
- Parent Time
- 0-5 min/day
- Parent Involvement
- None
- Student Independence
- Fully independent
- Academic Level
- Grade level
- Worldview
- Secular
- Engaging for Reluctant Learners
- Yes
The computer/web version is completely free. The mobile apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) are typically a one-time purchase of $4.99 - $5.99, though they are occasionally offered for free during promotional periods.
Videos
Teach Your Monster to Read Review – PHONICS app / game! OUR EXPERIENCE!
by Learning Reading Hub
Reviews We Consulted
Praises the app's alignment with the "Science of Reading" and its ability to cover foundational skills through a captivating adventure that keeps children motivated.
"The core concept is simple and captivating: your child creates their own unique monster and embarks on a magical adventure. To progress, they must complete challenges that cleverly teach them everything from letter sounds to reading full sentences."
Enthusiastically recommends the game for its ability to keep children engaged with phonics through a simple, effective "video game" format.
"It teaches them to read by playing games, learning letter sounds, blends, and advanced combinations. It’s a simple format, and it really works."
Recommends the program as a high-quality supplement that offers more substance than typical "flashy" reading apps that rely too heavily on sight words.
"If you would like an online program to supplement your day-to-day work, I would recommend Teach Your Monster to Read... Most are just fancy ways to teach sight words."
Highlights the high pedagogical quality and philanthropic mission of the project, though notes the importance of educator feedback to refine its effectiveness.
"The Usborne Foundation’s sole aim is to help parents and teachers to improve literacy and we can only do this if we get good feedback from those at the coalface."
Updated: April 2026
How This Compares
Reading Eggs offers a much broader range of subjects and deeper progress tracking but requires a monthly subscription. Starfall provides more diverse educational content (Math, Music) but has a more dated interface. Duolingo ABC is a similar free mobile-only alternative but lacks the 'monster-building' narrative that keeps kids engaged in this program. Lexia is more data-driven and school-oriented, whereas Teach Your Monster to Read feels more like a pure video game.
Getting Started
Try It Free
The complete version of the reading game is free to play through a standard web browser on desktop and laptop computers.
Find Your Level
Provides a summary of "First Steps," "Fun with Words," and "Champion Reader" to help parents determine the appropriate starting point for their child.
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