I’m a reading teacher that scoured the Internet to find the very best, and free, phonics websites for kids. These websites allow students to learn phonics and practice reading through online games.
Are you looking for free websites that can help teach kids how to read through phonics?
Kids already love to play on the computer – so let’s meet them where they’re at!
I’ve spent hours scouring the Internet for the BEST phonics & reading based websites for kids. I can honestly say that I am shocked that these are free.
Note: Due to school closures (March 2020), many of these websites are offering their services for free for a limited time. While I am working on updating this post, it is important to note that these websites were free as of March 26, 2020.
Free Phonics Websites for Kids Learning to Read
For each website or app, I’ve included a brief description of what the website has to offer and any current limitations on free trials.
Free trials include parents unless otherwise noted. =)
Reading Eggs
When I started the search for free phonics websites for kids, this was one of the first “worthy” websites that I found!
What is it: Reading Eggs is a website and app where kids can follow structured, self-paced lessons for learning phonics, sight words, spelling, and more! It is truly individualized, which I find amazing.😍
I love that these online reading games and activities are based on scientific research!
It also shows reading level growth, books read, quiz scores, and motivates kids with certificates that they can earn! (Ages range from 2-13 and it includes Mathseeds, too!)
Free Offer Details: Until March 31, 2020, Reading eggs is offering one month [30 days] free. This includes the website and the app. There is no credit card required, although you do have to make an account.
click here to sign up for reading eggsRaz-Kids: Headsprout
What is it? Headsprout is an adaptive online reading program. The program is individualized for each student based on their responses.
It provides instant feedback, assesses mastery, and generates reports. All of this is happening while students play online interactive learning games!
Free Offer Details: They are currently offering a free 90-day trial. When you sign up for the 14-day free trial, and it will automatically extend it to 90-days.
Click here to sign up for HeadsproutNote: Headsprout and Reading A-Z are under the same umbrella company, Raz-Kids. If you made an account after reading my blog post about free online books for kids, you’ll want to use the same log-in!
Teach Your Monster to Read
What is it? Teach Your Monster to Read is an award-winning series of games that have helped millions of kids learn how to read.
It teaches students reading by teaching letters, sounds, blending, and all of the phonics skills. The best part is there are enough games to last 2 years!
Teachers: You can go to this page to see exactly which skills are covered in which games. Talk about targeting & differentiation! 😍
Free Offer Details: Great news! The desktop version of Teach Your Monster to Read is always free.
click here to sign up for teach your monster to readLearn with Homer
Ok, I really debated on whether or not to include this website!
I hesitate because it does require a credit card (or PayPal) in order to sign up for your 30 day free trial. [After 30 days, the cost is $7.95/month.] If you’re not interested in doing that, skip down to the next website.
However, I decided to list it because it is AMAZING. And also, I really hope that schools will open again in the next 30 days. 😭
So be like me and sign up, but put a reminder on your phone for 28 days out to cancel. And add another reminder for 29 days out, in case you forget to cancel the first time! 😉
Then in the end, your kids got 28 days of reading practice while school was out. #winning 💃🏻
What is it? Learn with Homer is a personalized step by step learning plan that includes over 1,000 guided lessons and games for phonics, sight words, handwriting, comprehension, and more.
When you sign up, it asks you the child’s “passions”, figures out their current reading level, and generates a plan/program for them. It’s research-based and it shows!
Free Offer Details: As I previously mentioned, it is free for 30 days, but it does require a credit card in order to activate the free trial.
(It was also advertised on the site that it is free for educators, however, I could not get that page to work. The individual student page free trial worked perfectly.)
click here to sign up for learn with homerLalilo
What is it? Lalilo is a free online tool for K-2 teachers and students. It provides kids with personalized exercises that are playful and interactive.
Then it takes information from that and provides teachers with data to track whole class and individual progress. Teachers can assign specific lessons to their students, too!
Free Offer Details: Their website says that in order to support educators and their students, all of Lalilo is entirely free. Whohoo!
click here to sign up for LaliloNote for Parents: You do need a code from your child’s teacher in order to access Lalilo. They’ve made it easy for you to request a code on their website. They’ll send that request straight to the teacher!
Do you know of any shockingly free phonics websites for kids?
If you know of any other amazing websites that offer free phonics lessons and games, please (with a 🍒on top) let me know in the comments below! 👇🏼
Let’s keep fueling every child’s passion for reading (even when schools are closed)!
More Free Phonics & Reading Resources!
Have you checked out these free websites where kids can read books online?
Did you download and share this free at home reading challenge?
Thanks for all your research Lauren!
You’re so welcome, Jannine!
Hi Lauren thanks for the suggestions😃
Just wondering if you are aware of any literacy websites which offer translation to languages other than english? Many of my families will have difficulty understanding concepts and instructions🤔
Hi Peta,
I don’t know of any. However, once they are set up, the kids should be able to “play” on their own and work through the games and lessons.
For the one that requires a code from the teacher, do you know if there any way for a homeschooler to be able to use it?
Hi Sherri,
That’s a great question! I would contact each company/website directly and ask. =)
Thank you so much! I’m excited to try these out. You are AMAZING!
Thanks for your kind words, Leigh!
Hi Lauren.
Thank you for all of ideas and resources that you have provided. I saw a site that had music and movement while learning phonemic awareness and sight words but forgot to bookmark it. Do you know which sites offer that?
Hi Madeline,
Hmm. The only one that comes to mind is Fluency & Fitness. But, the free trial has ended so I didn’t include that here.
Thank you! Love your ideas.
Thanks for saving us time.
You’re very welcome!
Thank you so much for all this helpful information!!
You’re very welcome!
Hi, I tried to take this opportunity to register for the above programs. While registering, they take all pieces of information and that’s the end by pop-ups – “Oops something is wrong!” Kept looking back and correcting and nothing worked out. I am just wondering is this program only for teachers in states.
Hi Jessi,
I’m sorry you’re having trouble.
I tested all of these website myself for multiple days before blogging about them, but I am in the USA. Since I’m not located outside of the USA, I really have no way to know if it works in other countries. Sorry about that!
Thank You SO much, Lauren, for all of your resources! They are so well developed and presented! Beautiful!
Thank you for your kind words, Denise! I appreciate it!
Thank you so much for the great lists! They are very helpful! Have you looked at Phonics Hero? It offers a pre-assessment to help level kids.
Hi Laurie! Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll be sure to check it out. =)
Starfall is a great resource it has a section (more phonics). It has reading on there as well as ELA sections. My kids love it!!! Check it out!!!
Thanks Helena!
Have you tried Lalilo and/or Headsprouts? I’m trying to decide which of the two is best for my kindergarteners?
Hey Mary, This is totally a personal opinion, but I like Headsprouts over Lalilo. I hope that helps!