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.
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.
Our grades are editorial judgments, not objective facts. If a claim is factually outdated, tell us so we can recheck it.