Starfall has been in operation since 2002. The Starfall phonics program is designed for classroom use, as well as home school use. The lessons are based on the concepts of phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. They offer four main categories for learning phonics, which include:

• ABCs – Learning each letter of the alphabet and associating its sound with interactive pictures
• Learn to Read – 15 online books that read to you and concentrate on specific phonic skills
• It's Fun to Read – Interactive stories that your child can read along with
• I'm Reading – Practice reading stories alone and click on words that are difficult to hear their pronunciation

The starfall phonics program was designed primarily for first grade students, but has been found to be beneficial for pre-K through second grade as well. It allows homeschooled children to learn phonics at any stage of their ability to comprehend the concepts taught.

In addition to the online stories and activities that focus on phonic skills, you can also purchase educational companion products in the Starfall phonics online store that compliment the online lessons. These products include workbooks, journals, and other materials that help reinforce phonic skills through writing and activities. You will also find puzzle sets, readers, stickers, awards, and other items to further reinforce phonics skills and award children for their achievements in the online store.

Cost:

Using the activities on the website is free, but are most beneficial when used in combination with the companion materials available in Starfall's online store. Products vary in price. A limited number of worksheets and activities can be downloaded for free, but in order to get the full sets in color, you will have to purchase them in the store.

Features:

• Online interactive stories and activities, along with companion materials purchased through the online store.
• Limited free downloads in black-and-white copy.
• Companion materials are low cost.
• Concepts based on the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development recommendations.
• Lesson are in sequential order to assure reading success.

Strengths:

• Designed by educators
• User-friendly format
• Multiple children can use the online program at the same time
• Works with Window and Mac programs

• Just using the online portion of the lessons will not benefit your child. You really need the companion materials to make the lessons complete.
• Opportunity to run into technical issues, which may not allow the program to run properly.