Children Learning Reading Review: A Teacher’s Honest Experience Using This Program
As both a teacher and a parent, I have seen firsthand how early reading skills can shape a child’s entire academic journey. Children who learn to read confidently early on often approach school with more curiosity, independence, and self-belief. On the other hand, children who struggle with reading by third grade are statistically far more likely to fall behind long-term.
That reality is what pushed me to constantly look for better, more effective ways to teach reading to young children.
Over the years, I have worked with children between the ages of three and eight, both in classrooms and at home. I have tried worksheets, apps, flashcards, tutoring programs, and more than a few “miracle” reading systems that promised results but delivered frustration instead.
One program that consistently stood out for me is Children Learning Reading.
In this Children Learning Reading review, I am sharing my real experience using the program with my students and my own children. I will walk you through what the program actually includes, how it works in practice, who it is best suited for, and where I think it falls short. I will also explain what matters more than any single reading program when it comes to helping kids succeed.
This site may contain affiliate links. That does not change my honest evaluation.
Why early reading matters more than most parents realize
Reading is not just another school subject. It is the foundation for almost everything else a child will learn.
Children who read fluently early often:
- Perform better across subjects
- Develop stronger vocabulary and comprehension
- Gain confidence in school environments
- Are more willing to learn independently
Meanwhile, children who struggle with reading often struggle with motivation, confidence, and academic self-esteem. That does not mean they are less capable. It often means the method used to teach them did not match how their brain learns.
This is why I take reading programs seriously and why I am cautious about recommending any system without using it extensively.
Who I am and why I reviewed this program
My name is Victoria Taylor. I have been an early childhood educator for over twenty years, specializing in early literacy and phonics-based instruction. I have taught children from age three through ten and have worked closely with struggling readers as well as advanced learners.
I have gone through the Children Learning Reading program multiple times with different groups of children. That repetition allowed me to see how it works across different learning styles, personalities, and ability levels.
This review is not based on theory. It is based on real use.
What is the Children Learning Reading program
Children Learning Reading is a parent-led reading program created by Jim Yang and his wife Elena. It is designed for children roughly between ages three and eight, although younger or older children can also benefit depending on readiness.
The program is built around synthetic phonics, which teaches children how to read by learning letter sounds and blending them together to form words. Instead of memorizing whole words, children learn how words actually work.
This is the same approach used in many of the highest-performing school systems worldwide.
Unlike many modern programs, Children Learning Reading is not a hands-off app where a child sits in front of a screen. It requires adult involvement, guidance, and interaction.
That is not a downside. It is one of the program’s greatest strengths.
How the program is structured
The program is divided into two main stages, with a total of 32 structured lessons.
The first stage focuses on foundational phonemic awareness. Children learn how sounds work, how letters represent sounds, and how to blend those sounds together. This stage prepares them for actual reading without pressure.
The second stage builds on that foundation and moves children toward reading full words and simple sentences.
Each stage is supported by detailed guidebooks that explain:
- What to teach
- How to teach it
- Why the method works
- What to do if your child struggles or loses interest
The premium version also includes video demonstrations where Jim teaches lessons directly to his own child. For parents who feel nervous about teaching reading, these videos are extremely helpful.
What makes this program effective
It focuses on sounds, not letter names
One of the biggest mistakes I see parents make is focusing too much on alphabet letter names instead of sounds. Knowing the letter name “B” does not help a child read the word “bat.” Knowing the sound does.
This program corrects that issue immediately.
Lessons are short and manageable
Each lesson can be completed in as little as five minutes. This is critical for young children.
Long lessons cause frustration and boredom. Short, focused lessons build confidence and consistency.
It is hands-on, not screen-dependent
Children learn best through interaction, movement, and engagement. This program encourages games, repetition, and parent-child connection rather than passive screen time.
Parents are fully guided
This is not just a set of lessons. Parents are taught how and why the approach works. That understanding makes it much easier to stay consistent and confident.
It works well for struggling readers
I have used this program successfully with children who were already frustrated with reading. The playful, low-pressure approach helps rebuild confidence while teaching real decoding skills.
Who this program is best for
Children Learning Reading is ideal for:
- Parents who want to teach reading at home
- Children ages three to eight
- Struggling or hesitant readers
- Parents who want a clear step-by-step system
- Families who prefer hands-on learning
It is not ideal for parents looking for a fully automated app or minimal involvement.
What I do not love about the program
No program is perfect, and this one is no exception.
The delivery platform feels dated
The download area and interface feel outdated compared to modern learning apps. The content itself is excellent, but the presentation could be improved significantly.
It focuses more on decoding than story love
The program excels at teaching how to read, but parents still need to actively read storybooks aloud to build a love of reading. I always recommend pairing this program with daily story time.
Neither of these issues is a dealbreaker, but they are worth noting.
Cost and refund policy
The Children Learning Reading program is not free, but in my professional opinion, the price is reasonable for what you receive.
At the time of writing, the standard listed price is higher than it used to be, but there is a special discounted link that reduces the cost to $39, which is about a 69 percent discount from the regular price.
For a structured, step by step reading program that can be reused with multiple children, this is extremely affordable. I have spent far more on individual textbooks, classroom resources, and short term tutoring sessions that did not offer the same long term value.
Another important factor is that the program is sold through ClickBank, which is a well established digital marketplace. This matters because ClickBank handles the payment and refund process, not the product creators themselves.
If you decide to try the program and feel it is not right for your family, you are covered by a money back guarantee, as long as you stay within the stated refund window. That removes a lot of risk for parents who are unsure.
Is Children Learning Reading a scam
This is a question I see often, and I want to answer it clearly.
No, Children Learning Reading is not a scam.
It is a legitimate, well thought out reading program created by educators who clearly understand how children learn to read. The program delivers exactly what it promises, and the refund policy is real and reliable.
The fact that it uses ClickBank sometimes raises red flags for parents, but in this case, it actually adds a layer of protection. You are buying through a platform that guarantees your ability to get your money back if you are unhappy.
In my experience, scam products avoid refunds. This one does not.
Is Children Learning Reading worth it
Based on my experience as an educator and a parent, yes, it is worth it for the right family.
If you are willing to spend a few minutes a day actively teaching your child, this program provides a clear, effective roadmap. It removes the confusion many parents feel when trying to teach reading on their own.
It is especially valuable if:
- Your child is struggling with reading
- You feel unsure how to teach phonics
- You want a structured system instead of guessing
- You prefer hands-on learning over apps
If you are expecting a passive, hands off solution where your child learns independently on a screen, this program will not be a good fit.
Is this program good for struggling readers
Yes, and this is one of its strongest points.
Many struggling readers are not incapable. They were simply taught in a way that did not match how their brain processes language. Synthetic phonics gives children a logical framework for understanding words instead of memorizing them.
I have used this program with children who were already frustrated and discouraged by reading. The short lessons, games, and sense of progress helped rebuild their confidence while improving actual skills.
Struggling readers often need:
- Clear structure
- Short, manageable lessons
- Consistent repetition
- Low pressure instruction
This program provides all of that.
At what age can a child start this program
The program is designed primarily for children ages three to eight, but readiness matters more than age.
If a child is speaking in sentences and can focus for a few minutes at a time, they are usually ready to begin. Some children benefit from starting earlier, while others need more time.
There is no harm in starting slowly and adjusting the pace based on your child’s interest and attention span.
What is the average age children learn to read
Most children learn to read fluently around age six, but early exposure makes a difference.
Reading to your child daily, introducing sounds naturally, and making literacy playful all support earlier success. Programs like Children Learning Reading can help children build strong foundations that prevent future struggles.
What is the best method to teach a child to read
In my professional opinion, the most effective approach combines:
- Phonics for decoding
- Repetition for mastery
- Real books for meaning and enjoyment
Children Learning Reading focuses heavily on phonics, which is essential. Parents should complement it by reading storybooks aloud daily to nurture comprehension and love of reading.
No single method works in isolation. Balance is key.
Are there alternatives to Children Learning Reading
Yes, there are other reading programs available, such as Reading Eggs or Teach Your Monster to Read. These programs rely more on digital interaction and games.
Some children enjoy them, but I have found that hands-on, parent guided programs often lead to deeper understanding and stronger skill transfer.
The best program is the one you can use consistently and confidently.
Is there a discount or coupon for Children Learning Reading
At the moment, the only known discount is through a special link that reduces the price to $39. There are no public coupon codes beyond that offer.
Because pricing can change, I always recommend checking the official site through the discounted link to confirm current offers.
Final thoughts on Children Learning Reading
After using Children Learning Reading with my students and my own children, I can say this program was clearly created with care, research, and real classroom experience.
It is not flashy. It is not app based. And it does not promise overnight miracles.
What it does offer is something far more valuable. A clear, logical, and effective way to teach children how reading actually works.
If you are a parent who feels overwhelmed, unsure, or frustrated by your child’s reading progress, this program can provide clarity and direction. When paired with patience, consistency, and daily reading for enjoyment, it can be a powerful tool.
Nothing replaces parental involvement. But the right system makes that involvement easier and far less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can parents with no teaching background use this program
Yes. The guides and videos are designed specifically for parents with no formal teaching experience.
How long does it take to see results?
This varies by child. Some show progress within weeks, others take longer. Consistency matters more than speed.
Does my child need to finish all lessons?
Not necessarily. You can move at your child’s pace and repeat lessons as needed.
Can I use this with more than one child
Yes. The program can be reused with multiple children.
Will this replace school reading instruction
It is best used as a supplement or foundation. It works well alongside school instruction.
