Review
All About Reading uses an Orton-Gillingham-influenced, multisensory approach to teach phonics and reading fluency, with scripted lessons, letter tiles, and readers designed specifically to work well for kids who struggle with traditional phonics instruction.
Editorial rating: 3.54 / 5, equivalent to our 63.5 / 100 score. How we calculate it.
Curriculum scorecard
Evidence across nine decision factors
- Academic Rigor4/5
Why this score
The Orton-Gillingham-influenced, mastery-based sequence is genuinely rigorous and thorough in how it builds phonemic awareness and decoding skill.
- Ease of Use5/5
Why this score
Fully scripted lessons mean a parent with zero reading-instruction background can teach it effectively straight out of the box.
- Parent Time Required2/5
Why this score
One-on-one, scripted daily lessons require dedicated, focused parent time each session — this is not a hand-off program.
- Cost Value3/5
Why this score
$40-120 per level across several levels adds up, though the specialized, purpose-built materials justify the cost for struggling readers.
- Engagement4/5
Why this score
Letter tiles, games, and engaging readers are specifically designed to keep struggling readers motivated through a slower process.
- Flexibility3/5
Why this score
Mastery-based pacing lets a family move as slowly or quickly as the student needs within each level.
- Independent Learning1/5
Why this score
Explicitly a one-on-one, parent-taught program by design — not built for independent student use.
- Support & Community4/5
Why this score
Extensive official support (placement tests, videos, coaching) plus a strong reputation in the dyslexia/struggling-reader community.
- Special Needs Support5/5
Why this score
Purpose-built and widely recommended by reading specialists specifically for dyslexic and struggling readers — one of the strongest options on this list for this dimension.
Pros
- Multisensory, Orton-Gillingham-influenced method is widely recommended for dyslexic and struggling readers
- Fully scripted lessons make it easy for a parent to teach without reading-instruction background
- Mastery-based pacing lets a struggling reader take as long as needed on each concept
Cons
- Slower, more repetitive pace than needed for a strong natural reader
- Full level set (readers, tiles, guide) is a real per-level cost across several levels
- One-on-one, scripted lessons require dedicated daily parent time
Best for
Families of struggling or dyslexic readers who need an explicit, multisensory, mastery-based approach to phonics.
Visit All About ReadingEditorial evidence
Last editorial review: July 20, 2026.
These are research-based editorial assessments, not classroom trials or parent survey ratings. Prices and package contents can change; check the linked publisher page before buying. Read our methodology and limitations.