New research shows The Reading Skill Set boosts children’s confidence and reading progress

Unlike developmental skills such as walking or talking, learning to read isn’t something children simply pick up naturally. It requires intentional teaching and lots of practice – and we know children are more likely to practise when learning feels fun.

Practice builds confidence, confidence fuels motivation, and motivation leads to more practice. This was the principle behind the design of The Reading Skill Set. But what does that mean for real-world reading progress? Can a play-based, screen-free programme actually improve literacy skills in young children and keep them motivated along the way?

Our new six-week study says: yes, it can.

Study overview
Fifty-one families with children aged 4 to 8 used The Reading Skill Set at home over six weeks. They engaged with the games, activities, and books for at least 20 minutes a day, five days a week. Before beginning, the children’s reading abilities were assessed using a variety of standardised tests*. Parents were also asked about their child’s enthusiasm, confidence, and motivation to read or to learn to read. Here are the results:

Almost all children (98%) improved their reading skills after using The Reading Skill Set

Children were assessed before and after the six-week study. The results offer promise for parents and educators concerned about national literacy levels. Nearly all of the children showed progress. On average, their scores rose by 68% – a statistically significant gain over such a short period.

Effect sizes help indicate how meaningful these gains are. In educational research, an average effect size is around 0.40 – in our study, effect sizes ranged from 1.26 to 1.95 across the three parts of The Reading Skill Set.

“I can see that my child is blending words with ease. She’s gone from knowing letter sounds and practising blending to reading and understanding simple texts. She now blends sounds much more fluently and has started recognising some CVC words (consonant-vowel-consonant, like dog, pig, sit) by sight.”
— Amanda G., St Augustine, Florida, parent of a 5-year-old

Over 90% of parents reported that their children felt more enthusiastic, motivated, and confident

How a child feels about learning to read can greatly impact their progress. When children feel nervous, overwhelmed, or bored, it becomes much harder. Because The Reading Skill Set is rooted in play and activities, children were eager to keep going – even after their daily 20 minutes. Reading practice felt like play, not a chore.

By the end of the study, parents said their children were more confident and more motivated to read and practise their skills.

“I’m just so thankful she was chosen for this study. In six weeks, her personality and confidence have blossomed. My anxious child has started to believe in herself – and for that, I’m eternally grateful. Six weeks ago, I never imagined these skills would help her in more ways than just literacy. Thank you so much.”
— Amanda H., Pendleton, Indiana, parent of a 5-year-old

94% of parents felt more prepared – and 88% felt more confident – to support their child’s reading journey

Children typically need plenty of support when learning to read, but parents don’t always feel equipped. Our study found that the intuitive games, clear skill progression, and included parent guide in The Reading Skill Set offered the right amount of information and guidance. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, parents felt confident.

Families strongly agreed that they had the tools and understanding to support their child and follow the skill progression effectively. In short: The Reading Skill Set helps parents just as much as it helps children.

“Even as a teacher, I found teaching my own child to read overwhelming. Having a cohesive set of materials and a parent guide was incredibly helpful… I didn’t have to guess, and the books and activities worked so well. It felt manageable, and I felt like I had a clear path to help us succeed.”
— Cecilia S., Baltimore, Maryland, parent of a 4-year-old

Every parent said they would continue using The Reading Skill Set

On average, parents rated the skill set 9.5 out of 10. The main reason? Their children were motivated to play and learn – so reading practice was no longer a struggle 😊

“For me, internal motivation and confidence are the most important parts of learning to read. The games and books helped him gain confidence and practise – without me having to fight to get him to do it.”
— Chelsey B., East Islip, New York, parent of a 4-year-old

“She likes that it’s fun – she doesn’t even realise she’s working. It feels more like play. The materials are manageable and make sense. I understand what each one is aiming to teach or reinforce.”
— Jasmine D., Upton, Massachusetts, parent of a 6-year-old

What’s next for The Reading Skill Set?

Lovevery conducted this initial efficacy study to confirm what we’d already seen in our play testing. A larger, controlled study of The Reading Skill Set is currently being planned.

Want to learn more and see the games in action? Click here to find your child’s starting point.* Children’s reading skills were assessed pre- and post-study using portions of Acadience Reading, CORE Phonics Survey, and Phonemic Awareness Skills Assessment by Literacy Resources.

The Reading Skill Set

A phonics-based program that motivates your child to read through play.

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