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Best homeschool reading curriculum with video lessons

A video or app component can take some of the teaching off your plate, especially if you're anxious or short on time. These programs pair video or app lessons with real books and paper practice.

Updated September 2026 · 25 programs compared · rankings from our published scoring rules

Every child is different. Add your child's grade, reading stage and your teaching time for a personal ranking.

Try it with video lessons selected

What matters for video lessons

The program shares the teaching. A video or app component explains the lesson, so your role shifts toward reading together and checking progress rather than teaching every sound yourself.

It's rarely all-or-nothing. Most of these programs still use real books and paper practice alongside the video or app part, rather than replacing reading entirely with a screen.

Watch a sample first. A child who likes the on-screen teacher or character is far more likely to stick with it, so most publishers offer a free sample lesson worth trying before buying.

Our top 5 for video lessons

  1. BJU Press Reading

    Illustrated, comprehension-focused readers with an optional video course

    • A mix of screen and paper
    • Watch for: cost adds up with videos
    Grades K–6Traditional, comprehension-focusedCost: BJU Press Reading Grade 1 Homeschool Kit (5th Edition): $181.20 at Christianbook (25% off list $241.66)

  2. Reading Horizons Discovery

    Flexible online-only, teacher-guided or blended Orton-Gillingham software

    • A mix of screen and paper
    • Watch for: full bundle is expensive
    Grades K–4 (ages 4–9)Orton-Gillingham, systematicCost: About $199 for the Discovery software alone, up to $545 for the full at-home bundle (software plus printed materials)

  3. Alpha Omega LIFEPAC/Monarch Language Arts

    Colorful, self-instructional units in print (LIFEPAC) or online (Monarch)

    • A mix of screen and paper
    • Watch for: less direct teaching for kids who need it
    Grades K–12Traditional, self-instructionalCost: About $102–$108 for a full-grade LIFEPAC Language Arts set (individual units $11.50 each); Monarch (online) runs a similar cost

  4. All About Reading

    Scripted, multisensory Orton-Gillingham lessons with reusable readers

    • Books-based, little screen time
    • Watch for: needs daily one-on-one time
    Grades PreK–4Orton-Gillingham, masteryCost: $159.95 per level (Levels 1–4); Pre-Reading level $119.95. Letter tiles $25.95 one-time, reusable into All About Spelling

  5. Logic of English Foundations

    All-in-one phonics, spelling, handwriting and grammar, fully scripted

    • Books-based, little screen time
    • Watch for: four levels add up in cost
    Grades PreK–2Orton-Gillingham, systematicCost: About $88–$115 per level bundle (Foundations A–D); a digital-only version runs about $75 a year

Questions parents ask

Can I teach reading if I'm not confident doing it myself?

Yes. Programs with a video or app component are built for exactly that; you'll still read with your child and check progress, but you don't have to explain every phonics rule yourself.

Do these programs replace reading real books together?

Most don't, and shouldn't. Even video-based programs work best paired with reading real books aloud and independently.

How much screen time do video reading programs add?

It varies by program, from a few minutes a day to a fully online lesson. Check each program's format if screen time is a concern.

How this list is made: each program is scored against the needs above using features documented in parent reviews and publisher materials (sources are listed in each program's profile). It's a starting point, not medical or educational advice.