Learn with Homer is a learning app (or online learning program) that teaches children literacy through a series of books, music, and adventures. The program offers more than 1,000 lessons and activities, including stories, games, history, science, art and music — with more activities already in the works and coming soon!
I started Learn with Homer with my one year-old first because he was the first child available to use it with me after I got everything set up. I didn’t expect him to be able to do much with the program (since it is technically designed for children age 3-8), or for it to hold his attention, but he really liked it. His favorite are the songs/music, but he also really enjoys the stories. I like that I can hold him and start a new song or story and Learn with Homer will play/sing/read it with him without anything else needed of me. The stories are read to him clearly and quickly, captivating his attention each time the page turns. [Homer currently has four types of stories that can be read aloud: poems (18 poems), fables (9 stories), folklore (15 stories), and Homer stories (18 stories). ]
My preschooler was the next little one I could grab to join me for a few minutes of learning. Her favorites were the songs/music and the “Learn to Read” lessons. She liked answering questions and thought the new hats she earned were funny. She wouldn’t change her thinking cap because she really likes her princess one.
What you need to know:
Learn with Homer is available for use on the Computer (PC or Mac) OR as an app available at the iTunes store. Please note that you will choose ONE platform, and you don’t automatically receive both. (Note: My kids prefer the app.)
The creator (and advisors) recommend daily use for 15-20 minutes a day, that they experience lessons in order (jumping from level to level is not recommended), and revisit each lesson 3 times.
The Homer Method™ guides children through the 4 proven steps to reading success. We begin by introducing a letter and the sound it represents, one at a time. As soon as possible, we have children blend those sounds into words, and then segment whole words into composite sounds. This linking of decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling) helps children understand the reversible nature of our alphabetic system.
As we introduce each letter, the range of words a child can read and spell increases. But The Homer Method™ teaches more than just phonics. We know that, for children to be enthusiastic readers, they need exposure to great literature and to dynamic nonfiction stories. Our rich library integrates with lessons, so that as children learn to read, they also read to learn. We infuse the lessons and stories with vocabulary in context and general knowledge topics, introduce classic literary tropes and genres, and encourage critical thinking with response questions and opportunities for kids to express what they’ve learned. For more information on The Homer Method™, check out The Research Behind Homer.
The parent area/login allows you to monitor your child’s progress, see the pictures they colored (and print them), and learn more about using Learn with Homer. It is an easy dashboard to navigate so you can see everything in one place.
Computer Web App vs. iPad App
There are differences between the app and online computer program that may matter to you (or your child). The first noticeable difference is that with the computer program your child chooses an animal avatar, but on the iPad you have the ability to take a picture of your child to use instead.
The second thing I noticed is that the iPad app is easier for children to navigate. They can choose the area of the Pickle Wickle Park they want to visit by moving the carousal (actual carousal) from left to right. Whereas, the computer web app requires the use of the mouse to choose the area of the park/island they want to visit. That is much less fun than spinning the carousal (the carousal has a little whimsy and fun)
Finally, with the iPad app the user waits for a few moments for each new story to download onto their device, but once it is there they have access to it anytime. With the computer web app, the initial/first time wait isn’t as long but you don’t have access to it offline.
Signup for Learn with Homer
Learn with home is available for free for 30 days, but as a Mom Does Reviews reader, you can use the following link to receive 50% Off Your First Year! This will give you access to all of the lessons AND everyone’s favorite fables, poems, songs, and so much more!
Signup HERE+
