Parents' Guide to

Reading Rewards

By Dana Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Rewards, social features encourage kids to read and connect.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Free Education
Reading Rewards Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

  • Reading Rewards App: Screenshot #1
  • Reading Rewards App: Screenshot #2
  • Reading Rewards App: Screenshot #3
  • Reading Rewards App: Screenshot #4
  • Reading Rewards App: Screenshot #5

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Privacy Rating Warning

  • Personal information is not sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is not shared for third-party marketing.
  • Unclear whether this product displays personalised advertising.
  • Unclear whether data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • Unclear whether this product uses a user's information to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Unclear whether this product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
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What’s It About?

To begin using READING REWARDS, kids must first create an account. Parents, teachers, or librarians also can create an administrator's account for a "reading group" to track kids' progress. Kids younger than 13 must enter a parent's email address and get a code. After choosing an avatar, kids can log reading time by tapping "Log My Reading." Tap "+" then enter a book title, searched via Amazon.com. Tap on the correct book to add to your library. Enter your minutes read, or tap on Start Timer to begin reading. Add comments, connect with friends, write a blog post, earn badges, and more.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This digital reading log may be a handy support tool for kids who are reluctant readers, as well as for kids who love to read, though the emphasis on rewards might not work for everyone. Reading Rewards' incentive program and its social features can act as carrots for kids who don't already love to read. For kids who do love reading, they can use it to log their abundant reading time/books read, to grow in reading comprehension, and to practice expression by sharing their thoughts about what they've read with friends. The one potential drawback for older kids may be the intensive parent/teacher oversight. If parents and/or teachers use the optional administrator account features to monitor ("validate" is the term used by the app) what kids are reading and for how long, it's likely that some kids (especially teens) may be turned off. If parents use the app with a kid's needs in mind, help kids choose awesome books, and wean them off external rewards, this app can be a real win-win.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the importance of reading for both academic success and personal enjoyment. Sure, the rewards in Reading Rewards are fun, but reading itself is the biggest reward!

  • Talk about how to select books that will interest your kid. Reading Rewards suggests books based on what your kid's friends are reading. Choosing the right book is just as important -- maybe more important -- than setting aside time to read. Check out recommended book lists, such as Common Sense Media's 50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12.

  • Talk to your kid about why keeping a reading log/journal can help motivate and keep track of your reading. When you see how many books you've read over time, it gives both a sense of pride and nostalgia for all the wonderful adventures you've had through these books.

App Details

  • Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
  • Subjects: Language & Reading : reading, reading comprehension, writing
  • Skills: Self-Direction : achieving goals, motivation, personal growth, work to achieve goals, Tech Skills : social media
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Release date: May 5, 2017
  • Category: Education
  • Publisher: Cachelle
  • Version: 1.1
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.0 or later
  • Last updated: May 16, 2017

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