Read with Ello

I started using this app for my 6 year old who just started 1st grade and tested “high risk” at the beginning of this year. This book has really helped with fluency. I have another reading app we use with this one that is great at working on blending but not so much fluency. That combo of the two apps is great. Since my 6 year old tested behind, I decided to start early on my 4 year old. That of course is way harder than my other son because he does not know all of the letter sounds yet. I also have him on the other app, but this one he has taken to so much better. He loves to tap the word and have Ello help. The only downside for this is my older son is outcome driven and likes to see his reading rate increase. I don’t understand why you have to wait overnight to see a change. I wish the app let you test their reading rate on demand so you can really assess where they are as that’s how the schools do it, a moment in time assessment.

My daughter has tried tons of apps, pointless subscriptions she would only try out for a day and not get any interest or that much interaction with. This is hands down the first app she loved. I was surprised with how much interaction there was with her and how carefully it actually listens to the correct letter sound to move forward. Also the help if she needs it. I told her if she kept going I’d promise to get her the elephant she so badly wants on the site. Hopefully she keeps it going. Her goal was only 10 minutes today and she herself stayed on for 45 minutes. Couldn’t be happier. I did see one possible issue, if she says a word midway past the beginning of the sentence it jumps forward which I told her was cheating so I have to watch to make sure she goes word for word in order.

Update after Day 1: So far I really like it. It is day 1 and I feel like most things are fun the first day so I will keep everyone updated! First thoughts! I love how it listens to him read. If he misses a word the word bounces, if he misses it again it highlights the word, then he can click on it and it helps him sound it out. Love that! Also it works on comprehension! Not with questions at the end but with comments about what you are reading as you go along and such. It is also very encouraging as he reads giving lots of positive feedback. And as he goes along he earns stars to buy outfits, hats, shoes etc for his little elephant guy. Day 1 was a success. I set a timer for 20 min and he actually stayed on for 35 minutes total. Note: it is definitely more of a reading app and less of a game app. But for us, that is what I was looking for. Just an interactive fun way to read more.