One Minute Reader App Review
Disclosure: I was provided the One Minute Reader App for review purposes, any and all opinions are my own and have not been influenced.
Reading is very important to me and making sure that my children are learning and improving those skills are top priority in my house. I was excited about getting an opportunity to review the One Minute Reader App from Mosaic Reviews. All along I had my idea of what the app would be like and I was a bit disappointed when I finally started using the app. We got the Level 1 app for review, it was pretty easy to get started using the app and you can do a test to determine your child’s reading level. They recommend certain stories based on your answers. I really liked that the stories were short and there was a quiz section to make sure your child comprehends what they are reading. There is also audio support giving definitions for vocabulary words in the story. What I liked least about the app is that there is a speed reading element to it. My daughter is only six and at this stage I prefer she reads at her own pace and take her time to understand what she’s reading. We are going to continue using the app at her pace and not focus so much on the fast pace reading and the amount of words she can read in one minute.
About the App:
One Minute Reader is a fun and effective way for students to get extra reading practice. There are six reading levels (E, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) each featuring interesting, nonfiction stories, packed with fascinating information. It’s important to work in the appropriate level. Level 1 is a middle first-grade reading level, and the stories consist of a few short, simple sentences with very few difficult words. You may want to use the placement process in the free version of the One Minute Reader app to determine the best fit.
Reading is important for students’ success.
Reading is a fundamental skill, one which adults sometimes take for granted. But many students have trouble learning to read. As they struggle to master this skill, they often find other subjects difficult too, and their self-esteem may suffer. Becoming able readers is crucial to students’ success in school and in life.
Struggling readers need more than just books. They need a structured reading program that applies research-based principles to keep them on track and maximize results. They need a reading program like One Minute Reader.
You can get a free version of the app here. You can also purchase additional features for $2.99, $4.99 and the full version of any levels for $19.99
Engaging Content
One Minute Reader features interesting, nonfiction stories, packed with fascinating information. This engaging content taps into students’ curiosity, so they want to find out more. Examples of book topics are Natural Wonders, Cool Creatures, and Fun Festivals.
Develops Reading Fluency
The One Minute Reader program is based on learning strategies that research has shown are effective ways to develop reading fluency:
Modeling by a fluent reader: Readers read along with a recording of a fluent reader to help them learn how to say the words and how to read in a natural voice.
Repeated reading: Readers practice reading each story several times until they know the words and can read accurately and expressively.
Enhances Vocabulary
One Minute Reader includes audio-supported definitions for selected vocabulary words in the stories. This helps readers learn the meanings and pronunciations of words they may find challenging. One of four comprehension questions at the end of each story also focuses on vocabulary. And an optional crossword puzzle in each book gives readers additional exposure to key words from the stories.
Promotes Comprehension
A quiz step asks questions about the story to make sure students think about what the story is about and the ideas in it. The questions generally focus on identifying the main idea, attending to details, understanding words in context, and making connections in the text.
Motivating Feedback
Readers see graphs of their initial cold-timing score and then of their final hot-timing score, which shows how much they’ve improved. Watching their scores go up motivates readers to keep working.
The Right Fit for Each Reader
One Minute Reader offers books in a range of reading levels from early reader through fifth grade, so each reader can find stories that are a good fit for his or her ability.
You can connect with the creators of the app on Facebook and Twitter.
You can also read reviews from other members of the Mosaic Reviews Team.