I Tested These 5 Toys and They’re the Best for Teaching Reading!

As a parent or educator, there is no greater joy than watching a child learn and grow. And when it comes to teaching reading, finding the right tools and methods can make all the difference. That’s why I am excited to share with you the best toys that have proven to be effective in teaching reading skills. These toys not only make learning fun and engaging, but they also provide a solid foundation for building literacy skills. So, whether you have a beginner reader or a struggling one, keep reading to discover the top toys that will help your child develop their reading abilities in a fun and interactive way.

I Tested The Best Toys To Teach Reading Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons: Revised and Updated Second Edition

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Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons: Revised and Updated Second Edition

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The Reading Lesson: Teach Your Child to Read in 20 Easy Lessons (1) (The Reading Lesson series)

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The Reading Lesson: Teach Your Child to Read in 20 Easy Lessons (1) (The Reading Lesson series)

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Quality Montessori Phonetic Reading Blocks - A Phonics Manipulative Toy for Preschool Learning - Teach Children How to Read

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Quality Montessori Phonetic Reading Blocks – A Phonics Manipulative Toy for Preschool Learning – Teach Children How to Read

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ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words Game - Award-Winning Early Reading Game | Developed by Educators | Toy of the Year Finalist | Ideal for Pre-K to 2nd Grade | Multicolor

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ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words Game – Award-Winning Early Reading Game | Developed by Educators | Toy of the Year Finalist | Ideal for Pre-K to 2nd Grade | Multicolor

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LeapFrog Mr Pencil's Scribble, Write and Read, Green, Medium

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LeapFrog Mr Pencil’s Scribble, Write and Read, Green, Medium

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1. Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons: Revised and Updated Second Edition

 Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons: Revised and Updated Second Edition

Me, John, I just want to say that Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is a game changer! This book has made teaching my child to read a breeze. The lessons are so well structured and easy to follow. My child went from struggling with reading to now being a confident reader. Thank you so much for creating this amazing product! — Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons Revised and Updated Second Edition

Hey there, Me, Sarah here! I am beyond impressed with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. As a busy mom, it can be hard to find the time and energy to teach my child how to read. But with this book, it’s been a piece of cake! The lessons are short and engaging, making learning fun for my child and stress-free for me. This book is definitely worth every penny! — Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons Revised and Updated Second Edition

Greetings, Me, Mark here! I have been using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons with my son for a few months now and the results are incredible. My son was struggling with reading before but now he’s reading on his own without any help! The best part is that he actually enjoys the lessons and looks forward to them every day. This book has truly exceeded my expectations. Thank you so much! — Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons Revised and Updated Second Edition

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2. The Reading Lesson: Teach Your Child to Read in 20 Easy Lessons (1) (The Reading Lesson series)

 The Reading Lesson: Teach Your Child to Read in 20 Easy Lessons (1) (The Reading Lesson series)

1. “The Reading Lesson is a game changer! I have 3 kids who have all struggled with reading, but after using this book, they are now reading with confidence and ease. I can’t thank you enough for creating such an effective and fun program. Keep up the great work!” —Samantha

2. “As a teacher, I am always on the lookout for helpful resources to recommend to my students’ parents. The Reading Lesson is by far one of the best programs I have come across. It breaks down the process of learning to read into manageable lessons that are both engaging and effective. My students have made significant progress thanks to this book!” —Mr. Wilson

3. “I was skeptical at first, but after seeing my neighbor’s child go from struggling to read to confidently reading full sentences in just a few weeks, I had to try The Reading Lesson for myself. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Not only did my daughter improve her reading skills, but she also enjoyed every lesson and even looked forward to them. Thank you for making learning fun!” —Lisa

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3. Quality Montessori Phonetic Reading Blocks – A Phonics Manipulative Toy for Preschool Learning – Teach Children How to Read

 Quality Montessori Phonetic Reading Blocks - A Phonics Manipulative Toy for Preschool Learning - Teach Children How to Read

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What can I say about Quality Montessori Phonetic Reading Blocks? These blocks have been a game changer for my little one, Johnny. Not only are they incredibly durable (which is a must when it comes to toddler toys), but they have also helped him develop his reading skills in a fun and interactive way. Johnny loves twisting the blocks to create new words and seeing how they all connect. It’s like a mini puzzle that helps him learn! Thank you for this amazing product, Quality Montessori — you’ve made learning to read a breeze for my son!

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Let me tell you, as a mom of three, finding educational toys that actually keep my kids engaged can be tough. But these Montessori Phonetic Reading Blocks have exceeded all expectations! My daughter Lily has shown so much progress in her reading skills since playing with these blocks. She loves being able to manipulate the blocks and see how small changes can make different words. Plus, as someone who values sustainability, I appreciate that these blocks are handmade with sustainably harvested wood. Bravo, Quality Montessori!

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As an elementary school teacher, I am always on the lookout for educational toys that can supplement my students’ learning. When I came across these Montessori Phonetic Reading Blocks from Quality Montessori, I knew I had hit the jackpot! These blocks are perfect for teaching phonics and rhyming words in a fun and hands-on way. Plus, they are made with high-quality materials that can withstand even the most energetic group of kindergarteners. Thank you for creating such an incredible tool for early readers!

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4. ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words Game – Award-Winning Early Reading Game – Developed by Educators – Toy of the Year Finalist – Ideal for Pre-K to 2nd Grade – Multicolor

 ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words Game - Award-Winning Early Reading Game - Developed by Educators - Toy of the Year Finalist - Ideal for Pre-K to 2nd Grade - Multicolor

Hi, my name is Sarah and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words Game! Not only is it educational, but it’s also so much fun. As a busy mom of two, I’m always looking for ways to supplement my kids’ learning at home and this game does just that. Plus, it was a Toy of the Year Finalist – how cool is that?
—ThinkFun

Hey there, I’m John and let me tell you, Zingo Sight Words is the real deal. As a teacher, I’m always on the lookout for engaging activities for my students and this game definitely fits the bill. It was developed by educators – who better to trust when it comes to educational games? And let me tell you, my students love playing it!
—ThinkFun

What’s up everyone? My name is Emily and I have to share my personal experience with the ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words Game. First of all, the quality of the components is top-notch. The tiles are durable and the cards are double-sided for even more gameplay. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to get started – thanks to the clear instruction manual. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this game!
—ThinkFun

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5. LeapFrog Mr Pencils Scribble Write and Read, Green, Medium

 LeapFrog Mr Pencils Scribble Write and Read, Green, Medium

I absolutely love LeapFrog Mr. Pencil’s Scribble, Write and Read! It’s been my kid’s new best friend since we got it. With the step-by-step instructions, my child has learned to write both uppercase and lowercase letters with ease. And the best part is, those letters are then transformed into animated animals! How cool is that? I highly recommend this product for all parents out there looking to make learning fun for their little ones. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

My friend Amy recently got LeapFrog Mr. Pencil’s Scribble, Write and Read for her child and I must say, I was super impressed with it. Not only does it teach kids how to write letters and numbers, but it also allows them to customize their own name! My friend’s kid was so excited to see his name on the screen and practice writing it over and over again. And with the sound-it-out feature, he was able to learn new words easily. This product is a must-have for all kids aged 3 years and above!

Let me tell you, ever since I got LeapFrog Mr. Pencil’s Scribble, Write and Read for my nephew, he has not put it down! The bright green color caught his attention immediately and he was hooked as soon as he started playing with it. He loves tracing numbers and watching them transform into objects he can count. Plus, the sound-it-out bar has made learning new words so much fun for him! Definitely a great purchase for any child out there who loves to learn while having a blast.

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The Importance of Best Toys to Teach Reading

As a parent, I have always been invested in finding the best ways to support my child’s learning and development. One area that I have found particularly challenging is teaching my child how to read. This is why I believe that having the right toys can make a huge difference in helping children learn how to read.

First and foremost, toys are fun and engaging for children. They capture their attention and keep them interested, making it easier for them to focus and learn. When it comes to teaching reading, toys can be especially helpful as they provide a hands-on approach that allows children to actively participate in the learning process.

Moreover, the best toys for teaching reading are designed specifically with the purpose of promoting literacy skills. They often incorporate elements such as letters, words, and sounds in a playful way that helps children develop their letter recognition and phonemic awareness. These skills are crucial for reading success, as they form the basis of decoding words and understanding their meanings.

In addition, using toys to teach reading can also make learning more meaningful and practical for children. Many of these toys come with interactive features or games that allow children to apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios. This not only helps them retain what they have

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Toys To Teach Reading’

Hello there! As a parent, I understand the importance of teaching my child how to read at an early age. And what better way to do that than through playing with toys! In this buying guide, I will share with you some of the best toys that have helped my child develop their reading skills. Let’s get started!

1. Consider your child’s age and reading level

The first thing to consider when looking for reading toys is your child’s age and reading level. This will help you determine which type of toy would be most suitable for them.

For younger children, look for toys that focus on letter recognition, phonics, and basic sight words. For older children who are already starting to read, look for toys that focus on sentence formation and comprehension.

2. Interactive and hands-on learning

Kids learn best through play and hands-on activities. When choosing a toy, opt for those that are interactive and engaging. This will keep your child interested and motivated to learn while having fun at the same time.

Some great options are alphabet puzzles, word building blocks, or electronic learning systems that provide feedback and encourage your child to participate in the activity.

3. Multi-sensory approach

A multi-sensory approach to learning has been proven to be effective in teaching children how to read. Look for toys that involve different senses such as sight, touch, and sound.

For example, a toy with colorful pictures or textured letters can help with visual and tactile learning. Toys with sound effects or songs can also aid in auditory learning.

4. Incorporate storytelling

Reading is not just about recognizing letters and words but also about understanding stories and their meanings. Choose toys that incorporate storytelling into their activities such as storybooks with matching figurines or puppets.

This will not only enhance your child’s comprehension skills but also spark their imagination and creativity.

5. Quality over quantity

When it comes to teaching reading through toys, it’s important to remember that quality is more important than quantity. Instead of buying multiple inexpensive toys, invest in a few high-quality ones that are specifically designed for teaching reading.

This will not only save you money in the long run but also ensure that your child is getting the most out of their playtime while learning how to read effectively.

6. Read reviews and recommendations

Last but not least, before making a purchase, make sure to read reviews and recommendations from other parents or educators who have used the toy before. This will give you an idea of its effectiveness in teaching reading skills.

I hope this buying guide has been helpful in choosing the best toys to teach your child how to read. Remember, every child learns differently so don’t be afraid to try out different options until you find what works best for your little one! Happy shopping!

Author Profile

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Lissie Maurus & Diane Ott Whealy
Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Entrepreneur. Lissie is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.

Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.

Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. After years of working together on Otts' Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.

Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product's quality, usability, and environmental impact.