An Online Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum: Ideal For Struggling Readers

Are you looking for a different approach to reading and language arts in your homeschool? This online homeschool language arts curriculum is perfect for struggling readers.

While there are plenty of reading programs available for homeschoolers today, most are devoted specifically to rote memorization and practice. (Think flashcards and sentences with sight words.)

For most children, these programs are effective and help transition the learner to reading fluently. But for some kiddos, like my own, more is needed.

If your child is a struggling reader, you know. The basic, straightforward approach to teaching reading simply isn’t enough.

It only gets more complicated and pressure filled as your child gets older.

“This is for babies.”

“Why are we doing the same thing over and over again. It’s not working!”

“Ugh. Not the flashcards.”

I heard all of this and more on a daily basis with my struggling reader. For years, we tried program after program, looking for something that would accommodate both his reading level and his age.

More than anything, he wanted to practice in a way that felt mature and age-appropriate. Being eleven and still having a reading program with cartoon-y animals on every page was not good – for his confidence or his level of engagement in the learning itself.

Is it possible to have a reading program that works for older struggling readers as well?

LightSail for Homeschoolers

LightSail for Homeschoolers is an adaptive online language arts program for grades pre-K through 12, with a foundation in the science of reading and writing, LightSail has created a family-friendly learning experience for advancing skills in reading, writing, vocabulary, and fluency.

This online platform and eLibrary adapts to and challenges growing readers and writers while personalizing their educational journey.

One of the most engaging aspects of LightSail, is its extensive collection of tens of thousands of engaging books and multimedia content from respected publishers (such as World Book and Lerner Publishing), as well as trusted homeschool and faith-based publishers. Parents can customize this online book collection to the individual needs of their children.

Writing activities complement reading assignments, and LightSail’s chat feature allows parents and children to interact and engage through the platform. Furthermore, parents have real-time access to data about their children’s reading and writing trends, comprehension, and growth that allows them to guide, create, and enhance the learning experience.

LIGHTSAIL PILLARS OF LITERACY

LightSail’s program is grounded in what they’ve defined as four pillar of literacy: reading, writing, vocabulary, and fluency.

LIGHTSAIL READING

As I mentioned, one of the most engaging parts of this program is the vast online library. Books are available across multiple topics and subjects, allowing your child to follow their interests.

Every 15 days, LightSail automatically updates your child’s Lexile score, allowing every feature of the program to be tailored precisely to their reading level. This helps eliminate any frustration for your child and works to build confidence.

LIGHTSAIL WRITING

LightSail has writing activities that complement the reading assignments. There is also a chat feature for parents and children to interact within the platform. This allows learners to practice writing in ways that are natural and integrated into the reading itself. (No more random worksheets!)

LIGHTSAIL VOCABULARY

LightSail uses an individualized, spiral approach to teaching vocabulary. This includes Spelling Bees that build phonemic awareness and vocabulary skills. The Spelling Bees are based on your child’s Lexile level. You can assign your own spelling practice or use the provided lists.

LIGHTSAIL FLUENCY

LightSail fluency tools allow your child to record themselves reading a portion of a book aloud and then send it to you. The learner can play their own recording back, and re-record it until they are happy with it. This interactive and multisensory approach to reading practice is revolutionary. It’s also so much more fun!

Why This Online Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum Is Ideal For Struggling Readers

LightSail is an excellent option for struggling readers. Every step of the way is designed in an accessible, multisensory format. And, best of all, it accommodates both reading level and maturity in it’s application.

These are just a few benefits of this program specifically for the struggling reader:

• A line isolating tool highlights text as your child reads, eliminating any other distractions on the screen.
• An audio interface allows your child to listen to books, instructions, and comprehension questions as well. (This was huge for my son as he was able to see his Lexile score is actually quite high when the comprehension questions are read aloud. This accommodation alone is invaluable for a struggling reader!)
• Writing is naturally included as part of the work, instead of as a separate subject. This allows context clues for a child struggling with writing.
• The entire program is easily customizable to your child’s interests and learning needs.

LightSail For Homeschoolers Special Offer

Right now, LightSail for Homeschoolers is available at a special launch price of $99/year for Premium; $65/year for Standard, now through 8/31/21. 

This platform is extensive and well worth much more than this. I highly recommend you take a look and take advantage of this offer!