all about reading: a review

All About Reading (AAR) has been a strong foundational reading skills curriculum in the homeschool community for many years. It consists of 4 levels (with an optional pre-reading level before level 1), with level 1 being your “kindergarten” year program. AAR covers foundational phonics and word study and, when paired with All About Spelling, rounds out your basic reading skills for the K-3 years. AAR is mostly open-and-go, although you will need to punch out perforated word cards and prepare or purchase letter tiles. Each AAR level includes a teacher guide, interactive student workbook, phonogram and word cards, decodable readers, and phonogram tiles. I have a look-inside and review of AAR in foundational reading program comparison YouTube video here.

All About Reading may be a great fit if:

• Your child is beginning reading instruction with solid pre-literacy skills (knows letters, most consonant and vowel sounds)

• You are beginning reading instruction at 5.5-6.5 years old

• You want an open-and-go program

• Your child is switching from another program that was not a good fit

• You suspect your child might have significant gaps in their understanding/retention of skills

All About Reading may not be the right choice if:

• You are beginning reading instruction early (under 5.5 years old)

• You want a comprehensive program that includes foundation writing skills

• Your child needs a slower pace than AAR provides

Program Cost and Components:

• Each All About Reading level includes a teacher manual, student packet, and 3 hardback readers. You will need to purchase each level separately for $159.

• You will also need to purchase the Basic Reading Interactive Kit (once) for $23. They also sell a Reading Review box for your phonogram and word cards for $14