Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Today we are talking language and reading comprehension with a review of MaxScholar from MaxScholar Orton-Gillingham Software.

So what is MaxScholar? It is a comprehensive and multi-sensory online phonics and reading program that will help improve their language and reading skills. MaxScholar can be used both at home and at school.

We have been using this program for awhile now. I’ve been encouraging my kids to use the program at least a few days a week but it’s been SO nice out that we haven’t been quite as consistent as we would like. My crew is in 3rd, 2nd and preschool levels so our experiences and what and how they have used this has varied by child and I want to share a bit about how each of them have used it. My older two kids are both using all of the options except MaxPhonics.

MaxReading allows the student to select a chapter, choose a book and then choose a chapter. Once they select the chapter, they read through the text. You will notice highlighted vocabulary words they learn first. Then your child works through a variety of different activities that you can see across the top. They do not have the option to click around and do them in any order, they follow the same order. Then they do reading of the text, highlight the main idea, topic and important ideas of the text and check their work. Then they complete an outline and do writing exercises. They finish that chapter with questions and games. I love the different ideas that force them to pull out important ideas from what they are reading.

Let’s talk about MaxPhonics a little bit. Henry has been using this. This program progresses with your child learning to identify and say the letter sound. Then, they practice drawing it in different ways; the cloud, the sand and then using the mouse, your child traces the letter on the screen. Then they choose from a series of pictures and select the pictures that are the same letter sound as the letter they are learning. It covers visual, tactile and auditory learning.

Overall, we like the program and will continue using it. I really like the way that it encourages them to think as they are reading and teaches them to pull out the important information. If you want to hear what more people are saying – check out what my blogger friends are saying.