More than 65% of 8th graders read below grade level.
About Smart Steps
Most reading programs begin by teaching children to memorize high frequency words so they can begin to read earlier. However, because of this focus on memorization and not enough focus on phonemic awareness, the child learns to guess on unfamiliar words rather than spending the time developing their decoding skills. This lack of practice in decoding makes a huge negative impact in the student’s ability to read, especially as the reading becomes more difficult.
The Smart Steps Reading apps build phonemic awareness and decoding skills one sound at a time — mastered before moving on, then practiced until reading becomes automatic. Your child works through short daily lessons on their own: reading aloud, recording themselves, and building real fluency. No prep, no printing, no hovering required.
Here's the problem with every reading app out there: nobody's listening. Your child practices, taps the screen, moves on — and the little mistakes nobody catches get practiced deeper.
Smart Steps is different. Your child reads out loud and records it, right in the app. A real teacher listens to that reading, circles the exact words they missed — and the next time your child opens the app, it warms them up on those very words before anything new.
It's like piano lessons: daily practice, plus a teacher who actually hears the practice. That's how little mistakes get caught early, instead of becoming habits.
(Available with our Daily Listening plans.)About Smart Steps
Five sequential apps — Letters, Foundations, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced — with daily lessons giving the systematic practice each child needs to become a fast and effortless reader. One subscription unlocks every level, for every child in your family.
Your child records their reading in the app every day — and a real teacher listens, circles missed words, and the app makes sure they’re fixed before moving on. A teacher’s ear on your child’s reading, every single day.
Add live online lessons with a tutor, one or more times per week. Live sessions focus on teaching new material — because the daily review already happened through Daily Listening. For kids who need momentum fast.
Where to Start
Unlock the world of knowledge with access to learn anytime, anywhere.
I believe that reading should be effortless and fun without endless practicing or expensive tutoring. When a child can read well, it dramatically increases their self-confidence in learning. They can do better in every other subject in school, because reading is the foundation for all learning. You can give them the skills they need to be a strong reader in just minutes a day! I’m a special education teacher and a mom of six — and I taught every one of my kids to read with this exact method.
Contact Us
Reach out for inquiries or assistance – we’re here to help! Contact us via email or phone for a prompt and friendly response to any questions you may have.
Pricing
Check which program is best for you and your kids.
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One subscription unlocks the complete suite — all five apps, for every child in your family. Start each child wherever they fit, and move freely between levels. If a child needs to step up or step back, it’s one tap, never another purchase.
Testimonials
The interactive and engaging curriculum has not only sparked a genuine love for learning but also allowed our children to thrive academically.
FAQ's
Flexible scheduling allows kids to learn at their own pace while enjoying a curriculum that fosters both academic growth and creativity.
Each app moves at your child’s pace. Most children spend a few months in each level, and the full journey from first sounds to fluent reading can take a year or more — but daily practice is only 10-20 minutes, so it never feels like a burden. Your subscription covers every level, so there’s nothing new to buy as your child moves up.
None at all. Your child opens the app and it does the rest — every lesson tells them exactly what to do, out loud, step by step. No printing, no prep, and nothing you need to study ahead of time.
The most common reason kids don’t like to
read is because it is difficult. It takes too much
mental energy to decode (or guess). When the
decoding is difficult, comprehension is low
and they don’t enjoy it. My program fills in
the information gaps and divides practice into
small, manageable chunks so over time, this
systematic learning makes a BIG difference.
When it isn’t as difficult to read, they will enjoy
it so much more.
I have a Master’s Degree in Special Education,
so I was especially mindful of children with
learning disadvantages when I created this
program. The program is clear and simple and
isn’t overwhelming for a child that has a short
attention span. In a short time each day, they
will get the practice and information needed
to become a strong reader — as opposed to
traditional instruction that can be frustrating
and create resistance to reading.
With this one-on-one approach, you will be
able to identify gaps and make sure they are
understanding each section before moving on.
Yes! When a child does not have the
knowledge or practice they need decoding, the
more they practice reading, the more
frustrated they become. They need effective
instruction to progress. This program is
designed for the individual. The student
moves at their own pace, but because of the
systematic introductions and specific decoding
practice, they will make progress quicker than
in a group teaching setting. You will also avoid
information gaps that you can have in a group
setting when your child is absent or not paying
attention.
The key to helping your child be a successful reader is to use the program consistently. Your
child will be practicing sound combinations,
which will be reviewed on consecutive days so
they can be remembered and mastered. The
program is easy to follow and implement, but
must be done consistently. As you are consistent, you will see big gains in their reading
ability and they’ll begin to enjoy reading!
Recording is built right into the lessons — your child reads out loud and taps to record, which builds fluency all by itself. On our Daily Listening plans, those recordings also go to a real teacher, who listens every day, circles any missed words, and the app walks your child through fixing them before the next lesson. (Recordings are only shared with the teacher, never publicly.)
Start wherever fits: Letters if they’re still learning letter names and sounds, Foundations if they know sounds but aren’t blending yet, Beginner for early readers, Intermediate for developing readers, and Advanced for older struggling readers who want age-appropriate material. Since one subscription unlocks everything, you can’t pick wrong — moving between levels is instant and free.
At Smart Steps Reading, we help children love to read by teaching them the steps necessary for reading to be effortless in a safe and encouraging environment.
Feel free to contact us anytime! We’re here to assist with any questions you may have.
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