Parent's Guide
Everything you need to support your child's reading journey at home. No teaching degree required.
Tips for Success
Simple ways to help your child get the most out of Rev & Read.
Keep Sessions Short
5-10 minutes daily is more effective than longer occasional sessions. Young children learn best in short, focused bursts.
Celebrate Effort, Not Just Success
Praise your child for trying, not just for getting words right. 'I love how you kept trying!' builds resilience.
Let Them Lead
If your child wants to replay a level they've mastered, that's okay! Repetition builds confidence and fluency.
Connect to Real Life
When you see words from the app in books or signs, point them out. 'Look! That says CAT, just like in Rev & Read!'
Be Patient with Speech Recognition
The app listens for your child's voice. If it doesn't understand, encourage them to try again clearly and slowly.
Make It Fun, Not a Chore
If your child resists, take a break. Learning to read should be joyful. Rev is their friend, not a taskmaster.
Understanding the Approach
You don't need to be a reading expert, but here's what's happening behind the scenes.
What is blending?
Blending means connecting letter sounds smoothly to form words. Instead of saying 'c-a-t' with stops between each sound, your child learns to say 'caaaat' as one continuous sound that morphs into 'cat'. This is how fluent readers actually decode words.
Why does my child drag letters?
The dragging motion helps children physically feel the blending process. As they slide letters together, the sounds blend together. This multisensory approach (seeing, hearing, and doing) helps the concept 'stick' better than just listening.
What are the 10 levels?
Levels 1-3 start with simple 3-letter words (cat, dog, sun). Levels 4-6 introduce consonant blends (stop, clap) and digraphs (ship, chat). Levels 7-10 tackle silent-e words (flame, stone) and complex blends (shrimp, splash). Each level builds on the last.
Why does the app use speech recognition?
Speaking words aloud reinforces learning. When your child says the word after blending it, they're connecting the sounds to their own voice. The app listens to verify they said it correctly, providing immediate feedback without needing a parent present.
Recommended Practice
Every child is different, but here are general guidelines.
| Age | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 4-5 | 3-4 times per week | 5 minutes |
| Ages 5-6 | 4-5 times per week | 5-10 minutes |
| Ages 6-7 | Daily | 10-15 minutes |
Track Progress in the App
The Parent Dashboard (protected by a math problem so little fingers can't access it) shows you:
Words Mastered
See which words your child has learned and which need more practice.
Time Spent
Track daily and weekly practice time to build consistent habits.
Struggle Patterns
Identify which sounds or blends your child finds difficult.
Level Progress
See how far your child has progressed through the 10 levels.