Lexia Reading for homeschool

Ever since my kids tried an “online school program” that was really more of a game, I’ve been dubious of computer school programs.  I wanted my kids to be out in the world and learning things, but I also recognize they need to know how to use a computer and interact.

Lexia reading interactive online learning for your kids

So, I decided to give Lexia Reading a try.  I’m glad I did, it’s shoring up some weaknesses in my kids’ reading that I haven’t had a chance to work on.

 

How do you set up Lexia Reading?

First you the parent sign up, and set up your classroom.  I had a few bumps getting that set up, but thankfully the people at Lexia were more than willing to help me fix where I wasn’t getting it right.  Then your kids come in and take the reading assessment.  This is where my surprise came in.

My strongest reader tested the lowest, and by several grade levels below his level.  But, then I looked at his test, and how the testing goes:

  1. He has a very bad habit of not completely reading the passage and guessing the answer.  He was being called on this.
  2. He’s a terrible speller, and still occasionally reverses B and D.  That put him back a couple of levels all by itself.

Lesson learned: when your child is taking their placement test make sure they take their time AND they check their answers before entering them.Lexia skill work

I’m actually glad this happened to him because he’s being forced to reread and make sure he knows the answer before he continues on.  Nothing makes him more upset than to be taught a lesson a second time.

 

The flow of a Lexia Reading Lesson

Your child signs in and they are given several different areas to work on for their level.  I’ve noticed my kids tend to pick the easier areas first, but they have to complete every lesson before they can move on.

Lexia screen shot notation

Here’s a screen shot of a “game.”  You’re reconstructing 2 syllable words the computer has said.  Each game starts with a short bit of instruction and then continues on to “drill the students” with a fun game.  If they miss the problem more than 2 times in a row they are given more instruction.

Once they’ve gotten a certain number right (it varies per game) they get a fun animation that always makes my kids laugh.

During a 20 minute session my kids can usually get 2-3 lessons done at a time, keep in mind they are doing materials that are review for them because of their poor spelling skills.

 

Why I like Lexia Reading

I can log in as teacher and see how my kids are doing.  The teacher section gives me an overview of what areas they’re working on, what areas they’re struggling in, and what areas I might need to teach more on.  If there is an area I want to help them with while not on the computer, I can print off a lesson covering exactly that, OR save it to my Nook and use the lesson from there.

Lexia reading teacher instruction

If you’re feeling really unsure about your ability to teach your kids this is a great program because it’s scripted, and gives you just what to say.

I LOVE it because I can “fix it and forget it,” I get the site loaded and walk off, leaving me free to work with other kids.

Lexia reading for multiple kids

Actually I have to walk out of the room, otherwise I try to correct them and tell them the correct answer when they’re about to get the answer wrong, and that would take away from their learning.

Things to be aware of with Lexia Reading

  1. I tried my kids using Lexia Reading on my laptop and they struggled with it because I didn’t have a mouse, just the touch pad, so that may be an issue for some.
  2. It can be time consuming.  Lexia strongly recommends 20-40 minutes on their site at a time.  If you’ve got multiple kids that can be a large amount of time, but it’s time you are probably already spending working on the subject.
  3. It is Common Core Aligned.  For some this is a big plus, for others it’s a big drawback.

 

Overall Lexia has been a great addition to our homeschool.  While we are not using it as our primary reading curriculum, I can easily see how it could be used that way with more parent interaction.

Lexia reading, pride in accomplishment


Comments

10 responses to “Lexia Reading for homeschool”

  1. I see that you use several programs for their English work. If you had to recommend only one, which would it be?

    1. That would depend on what you’re wanting.

      For reading my hands down favorite is All About Reading. I like the personal interaction of All About Reading. Lexia is going to be very good for a Mom who is feeling hesitant about teaching reading, and it’s going to work very well for kids who enjoy learning through technology.

      For grammar, I am loving Applied Grammar, we just got it, but it works really well for our family.

      For writing, I like the one we just picked up also that uses Writing Idea Tiles, Write Minded Education. They have a nice simple break down of how writing works, and I appreciate the versatility and not having to buy a new one every single year.

  2. I am with you about not using a computer-based reading curriculum. I know that there are some available, but I still believe in reading old-fashioned way first. Other than that, it looks like an interesting program!

    1. That’s why I think it could be a stand alone since it does have an offline component that breaks down lessons really well. It’s just not quite how the kids and I think on the offline lessons.

  3. I use quite a number of computer based programs – for music, vocabulary, math and spelling practice…to fill in the time when I can’t be right there with each of the children – they work well for that, but you’re right – I wouldn’t want to depend on them too heavily.

  4. Interesting program. My kids are not online at home at all to the moment, but they use computers at school quite a bit ( side effect of living in Silicon Valley).

  5. I have never heard of the Lexia Reading program. My girls are still too young to use the computer but its good to hear a review that they might try out when they are older.

  6. This was several years ago, but I just found the post! My question is, does this cost anything to use? How do you get it?

    1. Hmmm, I know it did when I was using it, but their website has changed now, and I’m not sure where to find the answer for you. In my looking through the site, I didn’t see a specific place to find prices.

    2. Lexiaforhome.com

      It cost 175 for first student and each additional is 110.

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