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Free reading tools for parents
Quick answers to the questions parents ask us most about their own child: is their reading speed normal, where does their phonics break down, what should they be reading at this age, and should I be worried?
Calculator
How much should my child read each day?
Pick an age (3–12) or grade (PreK–6) and get a daily target split into read-aloud minutes and independent reading minutes — plus an age-by-age chart with fluency benchmarks.
Open the calculator →Fluency checker
Is my child's reading speed normal for their grade?
Time a one-minute read at home, enter the words read and the mistakes, and see words correct per minute against the published grade 1–6 norms for that time of year.
Check reading fluency →5-minute home check
Where does my child's phonics break down?
Your child reads short lists of real and made-up words, from letter sounds to two-syllable words. You tap right or wrong, and you see the first pattern to practise.
Start the phonics check →Age check
What should my child be able to read at this age?
Pick your child's age and tick what you've actually seen them do. You'll see which reading stage they're in and the next skills to work on.
Check by age →Printable checklist · ages 3–6
Is my preschooler ready to start reading?
An interactive pre-reading checklist: letters, sounds, rhymes and books. Tick what's in place, see the gaps with a simple activity for each, and print it.
Open the checklist →2-minute quiz
Is my child behind in reading?
Nine questions about what you actually see at home — letters, sounding out, fluency, and attitude — and a clear, supportive next step. Not a diagnosis, and no email needed to see your result.
Take the quiz →Reference chart
School year & grade equivalents by country
Reception, Prep, Primary 2, Junior Infants — what each one means in US grades, lined up by age across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Canada, plus where phonics is formally checked.
See the chart →Teachers, librarians and bloggers: these tools are free to link to and free to use with families. If you'd find another one useful, tell us what to build next.