All About Reading vs Teach Your Child to Read vs Phonics Pathways: Complete Reading Curriculum Comparison

Teaching your child to read is one of the most critical decisions in homeschooling. After using multiple reading programs with different learning styles, here's my comprehensive comparison of the three top phonics-based reading curricula.

Program Overviews

All About Reading

A complete phonics program using the Orton-Gillingham approach. Features color-coded materials, hands-on activities, and systematic phonics instruction from pre-reading through fluent reading.

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

Based on the DISTAR method, this single book promises to teach reading in 100 scripted lessons. Uses a unique font system and requires just 20 minutes daily.

Phonics Pathways

A simple, systematic approach to phonics using clear rules and patterns. Progresses from basic sounds to complex words through carefully sequenced lessons.

Detailed Comparison

Teaching Method & Philosophy

All About Reading: Multi-sensory Orton-Gillingham approach using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning. Emphasizes mastery before progression.

Teach Your Child to Read: Direct Instruction Method with Scripted Lessons. Uses modified orthography (special symbols) to simplify initial learning.

Phonics Pathways: Traditional phonics approach with clear, simple rules. Emphasizes understanding phonetic patterns and spelling rules.

Materials & Components

All About Reading: Teacher's manual, student activity book, letter tiles, phonogram cards, word cards, and readers. High-quality, colorful materials.

Teach Your Child to Read: Single paperback book with all lessons included—no additional materials needed except paper and pencil.

Phonics Pathways: Single spiral-bound book with clear, simple layout. Optional pyramid books are available for additional practice.

Age Range & Levels

All About Reading: Ages 4-10+, Levels Pre-1 through 4: each level builds systematically on previous skills.

Teach Your Child to Read: Ages 4-7, single level covering beginning to intermediate reading skills in one book.

Phonics Pathways: Ages 4-adult, single book covering beginning sounds through advanced phonics patterns.

Cost Analysis

All About Reading: $200-250 per level (complete package). Most expensive but includes extensive materials.

Teach Your Child to Read: $15-20 for complete program. Most economical option available.

Phonics Pathways: $40-50 for the main book, an additional $30-40 for the pyramid books. Mid-range pricing.

Time Commitment

All About Reading: 15-20 minutes daily plus prep time: requires parent involvement and material preparation.

Teach Your Child to Read: 20 minutes daily, minimal prep. Scripted lessons require little parent preparation.

Phonics Pathways: 10-15 minutes daily, no prep needed. Simple format requires minimal parent preparation.

Strengths & Weaknesses

All About Reading

Strengths: Excellent for struggling readers, multi-sensory approach, beautiful materials, systematic progression, includes readers, and works well for dyslexic learners.

Weaknesses: Expensive, requires storage space, can move slowly for quick learners, and extensive parent involvement is needed.

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

Strengths: Very affordable, proven track record, scripted lessons, quick results, minimal materials needed, and works for most children.

Weaknesses: Boring format, modified orthography confuses some children, limited comprehension focus, and can feel repetitive.

Phonics Pathways

Strengths: Clear, logical progression, affordable, simple to use, excellent for visual learners, good spelling foundation, flexible pacing.

Weaknesses: Limited hands-on activities, may be too simple for some learners, lacks readers, and minimal comprehension work.

Best Fit Recommendations

Choose All About Reading if:

Your child has learning differences, needs multi-sensory instruction, you want a complete program with readers, or you have the budget for premium materials.

Choose Teach Your Child to Read if:

You want quick results on a tight budget, prefer scripted lessons, have a typically developing child, or enjoy a proven, straightforward approach.

Choose Phonics Pathways if:

Your child is a visual learner, you want flexibility in pacing, prefer a simple approach, or want to supplement another program.

Real Family Experiences

Success Stories

All About Reading: Excellent results with children who struggled with other programs. The multi-sensory approach helped dyslexic learners succeed.

Teach Your Child to Read: Many families report that their children read fluently after completing the 100 lessons—quick confidence building.

Phonics Pathways: Great for children who like clear rules and patterns. Builds strong spelling skills alongside reading.

Common Challenges

All About Reading: Some families find the pace too slow or the materials overwhelming to organize.

Teach Your Child to Read: The modified orthography can confuse children when transitioning to regular books.

Phonics Pathways: Some children need more hands-on activities or struggle without additional readers.

Supplementary Materials

Recommended Add-Ons

All About Reading: Additional readers from the same publisher, letter tiles for siblings, and extra activity books.

Teach Your Child to Read: Easy readers for practice, phonics games, writing practice books.

Phonics Pathways: Pyramid books, easy readers, phonics games, and handwriting practice.

Final Verdict

All three programs can successfully teach children to read, but the best choice depends on your child's learning style, your budget, and your teaching preferences. Consider your child's needs, try sample lessons when possible, and remember that you can always switch or supplement if needed.

The most important factor is consistency and finding a program you'll use regularly with your child.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These reading program recommendations are based on extensive use with multiple children and learning styles.