Private or public school? Classical education or homeschooling? Online or in-person learning? As parents, we are bombarded with conflicting claims regarding the best choices that will result in happy and healthy kids. We want our children to develop to their full potential and worry about whether we are making the right choices.
As a reading coach with twenty years of experience, I can assure you that a top priority (with undeniable results) for my kids is to set a solid foundation in reading. For children ready to build their reading skills quickly and confidently, accelerated reading programs offer an effective solution. These programs provide personalized, structured pathways that help kids progress faster through reading levels without sacrificing comprehension.
Here are seven key benefits of accelerated reading programs and why they could be the perfect fit for your child.
1. Builds Reading Fluency Faster
One of the primary goals of accelerated reading programs is to improve a child’s reading fluency. Fluency refers to a child’s ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. The faster a child reaches fluency, the more enjoyable and effortless reading becomes.
Why it matters:
- Fluency helps children focus on understanding rather than decoding every word.
- Fluent readers are more confident, making them more willing to engage in reading activities.
How accelerated programs help:
These programs use repetition, specific practice at their level, and progress tracking to help children build fluency quickly. Regular practice with appropriately leveled texts ensures kids are reading at a pace that keeps them motivated while reinforcing their skills.
2. Improves Comprehension Skills
A common misconception is that accelerated reading programs focus only on speed. However, these programs also emphasize comprehension—the ability to understand and make meaning from text.
Why it matters:
- Comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading.
- Kids who understand what they read are more likely to remember information and apply it in other areas of learning.
How accelerated programs help:
By pairing phonics instruction with varied discussion questions, these programs teach kids to think critically about what they’re reading. Comprehension questions, story retellings, and other strategies, such as finding the main idea and details or comparing and contrasting, help ensure children understand the content rather than just mindlessly reading the words on the page.
3. Encourages a Love of Reading
For some children, reading feels boring and something they have to do. Accelerated reading programs are designed to make reading enjoyable by providing children with engaging, age-appropriate content that matches their interests and abilities, turning reading into something that they look forward to and choose to do in their free time.
Why it matters:
- Kids who enjoy reading are more likely to practice regularly, which strengthens their skills.
- A love of reading sets the stage for lifelong learning and curiosity.
How accelerated programs help:
These programs offer access to a wide variety of books and digital resources, including fiction, nonfiction, and multimedia content that allow them to practice working with words and concepts. Giving kids the freedom to choose books they’re excited about fosters a sense of ownership and enjoyment in their reading journey.
4. Provides Personalized Learning Paths
No two children learn at the same pace or in the same way (As any parent with multiple children will readily acknowledge!). Accelerated reading programs recognize this by offering personalized learning paths that adapt to each child’s progress and needs.
Why it matters:
- Personalized instruction ensures kids aren’t stuck on content that’s too easy or overwhelmed by content that’s too difficult.
- Tailored learning builds confidence and reduces frustration.
How accelerated programs help:
These programs often begin with a placement assessment to determine a child’s current reading level. A quality assessment will determine a child’s reading level but also measure fluency and comprehension. The results allow educators to provide leveled books, activities, and lessons that adjust as the child makes progress, keeping them challenged and engaged.
In a recent reading session, a young learner excitedly told me, “I leveled up! I am so glad because last week it was kind of easy for me.” Noticing strengths and weaknesses and adjusting to meet student needs keeps children excited about meeting the next reading goal.
5. Boosts Confidence and Motivation
When children see measurable progress in their reading skills, their confidence grows. Accelerated reading programs track milestones and celebrate achievements, reinforcing the connection between effort and success.
Why it matters:
- Confident readers are more likely to take risks and tackle more challenging texts.
- Motivation increases when children feel a sense of accomplishment.
How accelerated programs help:
Many programs include reward systems such as badges, certificates, coins, or prizes. These small rewards keep children motivated to continue practicing and reaching new milestones.
One of my reading students has been saving his “coins” for months, providing daily motivation to work hard to reach his goals. When he was finally able to claim his long-awaited prize, he was rewarded with a tangible item, but also the satisfaction of knowing how much progress he had made due to his own effort!
6. Prepares Kids for Academic Success
Strong reading skills benefit children across all academic subjects. Whether it’s understanding word problems in math or researching for a science project, reading comprehension is critical to success in school.
Why it matters:
- Kids who read fluently and understand what they’re reading perform better in all other subjects.
- Early success in reading sets the stage for a positive attitude toward school and learning.
How accelerated programs help:
These programs focus on building foundational skills—such as phonics, fluency, and comprehension—that children need to succeed academically. By keeping kids ahead of grade-level expectations, accelerated programs reduce the risk of future struggles.
7. Teaches Goal Setting and Accountability
One of the lesser-known benefits of accelerated reading programs is that they help kids develop important life skills, like goal setting and accountability.
Why it matters:
- Learning to set and achieve goals is a valuable skill that extends beyond academics.
- Accountability teaches kids responsibility for their own learning.
How accelerated programs help:
Many programs encourage kids to set personal reading goals, track their progress, and reflect on their achievements. This process helps children take ownership of their learning and develop self-motivation. When students are provided specific feedback and praise, they are more engaged in their learning and willing to tackle more challenging goals.
Conclusion
Choosing an accelerated reading program is a non-controversial, easy win, knowing you are making a choice that will benefit your child for the rest of their life. Accelerated reading programs offer more than just a faster way to move through reading levels—they build fluency, comprehension, and confidence while fostering a lifelong love of reading. These programs provide personalized learning paths that help children achieve academic success and develop critical skills like goal-setting and accountability.
If you’re looking to help your child improve their reading skills and stay motivated, consider enrolling them in an accelerated reading program like Savvy Learning. With the right support, your child can unlock their full potential as a confident, capable reader ready to take on new challenges.
Ready to see your child thrive? Explore our accelerated reading programs today and give your child the gift of lifelong learning!