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How to Make Learning Fun with Reading Eggs

May 29, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

*This is a sponsored post with Reading Eggs. To be transparent, I have used their program for a while, and have highly recommended it to anyone asking how I’ve taught my kids to read.

Kids playing game to learn to read

All of my children have developed a deep love for reading and books, and, as a mother, it has been one of the most beautiful things for me to experience with them. The best lesson I’ve learned, is the importance of making learning fun. I wanted to start teaching my kids to read, because they learned their ABC’s and phonics young. Since my kids aren’t in school yet, I struggled to find a good stepping stone for getting them to a point where they could read on their own.

About a year ago, we started doing something we called “Reading Lessons” with my oldest, Dolly. She is now 5 and reading chapter books with ease. I’ve tried a lot of different programs and used a lot of different resources. Through this process, the single most important thing I’ve learned, is that our “Reading Lessons” need to be engaging and exciting. If doing these lessons together feels boring and unfulfilling, it becomes more of a chore for both of us. When it’s fun for my kids, they ask every day when they can do “Reading Lessons”. After some trial and error, we are now to the point where they ask, every single day, if they can do “Reading Lessons”.

Learning is Fun with the Reading Eggs Program

Reading Eggs has been one of our very favorite programs for learning to read. As a parent, I feel like it’s engaging, but very focused on learning. As a child, it is fun and exciting, with learning mixed in. I feel like it is a perfect combination! I also love how simple it is to use. After you sign up, you have the option to do a placement test or just start with the first lesson.

Reading Eggs placement test

We have worked on learning to read, so I do the placement test. That way my kids can do lessons that match their ability. They’re asked questions, and based on what they’re able to answer they’re assigned which lesson to start with. From that point, they’ll just do one lesson after another. I love how straightforward it is for them to progress through each lesson. I’m also impressed by how much my kids learn from Reading Eggs.

Reading Eggs placement test learning fun

Prior to using the Reading Eggs program, I didn’t know how to gauge my kids’ reading levels. It has been one of my favorite features to be able to regularly assess their progress and see how well they’re reading and understanding what they’re reading. I quickly learned that being able to read words is different from reading comprehension. It is also a lot of work to try and regularly teach reading comprehension, but it is built into Reading Eggs seamlessly.

Introduction to the Mathseeds Program

Mathseeds Placement Test learning fun

Reading Eggs actually includes 4 different programs: Reading Eggs Junior, Reading Eggs, Reading Eggpress, and Mathseeds. We have loved using Mathseeds in addition to the various reading programs. (Okay, you have to stop to enjoy the pun there!) I’m not a teacher by profession, and feel a little intimidated about how to teach my kids math. I like that I’m able to test their knowledge with the placement test and that they’re given the exact lessons they need for their skill level.

Mathseeds math activity
Girls playing on the ipad learning with a reading program

Reading Eggs is a program that I love for my kids! Bonus points, that they get excited every single time they get to do it. They gave me a link to a 30-day free trial of all of their programs, so click here to sign up and get started with your little ones. Even if your oldest is only 2 there are fun and engaging songs and activities you can sit and do with them. I really hope you’ll give it a try! It’s free, it’s fun, and it has really helped my kids learn so much about reading and math! If you try it out, you’ll have to let me know how it goes.

Lastly, if you’re looking for resources that make learning fun don’t forget to check out my post loaded with great ideas for teaching and entertaining kids at home. And here’s one more favorite learning activity we did a few days ago!

Sincerely,

Sarah

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hi, I’m Sarah!

My husband, Kurt, and I live in Birmingham, AL with our three little ones {4}, {2}, & {1}. My husband is currently completing a medical residency. Prior to living here we lived in Texas and Utah for schooling.

This is where I'll be sharing recent reads, favorite recipes and products, everyday style, details about our travels, etc. I'll also be sharing freebies I've designed, so don't miss out! I'm so happy to have you here!

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📍 Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park Save th 📍 Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park

Save this stop for your Yellowstone trip! You cannot leave Yellowstone without walking the short (paved) 0.2 miles round trip for this stunning view. 

They called it Artist Point for a reason. 🎨

One look at this view and you’ll understand why artists have been inspired by the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” for generations.

This famous, scenic overlook offers a classic, postcard view of the Yellowstone River, towering canyon walls, and Lower Falls. The stunning landscape comes together to create one of the most breathtaking views in the park.

And yes… it’s even more beautiful in person. I didn’t want to ever leave! 

#familytravel #yellowstonenationalpark #yellowstonewithkids #nationalparkfamily #travelwithkids
My brain: DO NOT PET THE BISON. 😂🦬 My heart: BUT L My brain: DO NOT PET THE BISON. 😂🦬
My heart: BUT LOOK HOW CUTE HE IS. 🥹

One of my favorite parts of Yellowstone is seeing wildlife up close in their natural habitat. There’s something so incredible about watching these amazing animals! 

In case I get major hate, just remember: admire them from a safe distance—no matter how pettable they look! 😂

Have you ever wanted to pet a Yellowstone bison? 👇Asking for a friend 😅😉

#familytravel #yellowstonenationalpark #yellowstonewithkids #traveltheworld #outdooradventures
If seeing Yellowstone’s wildlife is on your bucket If seeing Yellowstone’s wildlife is on your bucket list, don’t skip these two places!

📍 Hayden Valley + Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park

These are two of the best places in Yellowstone to spot wildlife and they’re completely different experiences!

🦬 Hayden Valley
Located in the heart of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley is famous for bison, elk, bears, coyotes, and sometimes wolves. The wide-open landscape makes it easier to scan the hillsides and riverbanks for animals. It’s also a beautiful drive with plenty of places to pull over and take in the views.

We drove through this area in the evening on our way out of Yellowstone and saw bison, a grizzly bear, deer, and elk. We even got to see a baby bison nursing. So special!!

🐺 Lamar Valley
Often called the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the park to look for wolves, bison, pronghorn, bears, and other wildlife. Get there early, bring binoculars, and watch the hillsides carefully—you never know what you might spot!

👀 Our biggest tips: Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed. Look for groups of people stopped along the road (while following all park rules). Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens, and animals are most active before 9 AM or after 4 PM. 

📌 Save this for your Yellowstone trip!

#YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneWithKids #YellowstoneWildlife #FamilyTravel #travelwithkids
📍 Fountain Paint Pot Trail — Yellowstone Staying 📍 Fountain Paint Pot Trail — Yellowstone

Staying west of Yellowstone and entering through the West Entrance? Make the Fountain Paint Pot Trail one of your first stops! 🌋 It’s an easy 0.6-mile loop featuring bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and steaming geothermal features—a great introduction to Yellowstone’s unique landscape! #travelwithkids #YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneTravel
#familytravel #familytraveltips
Visiting Yellowstone with little kids? You don’t h Visiting Yellowstone with little kids? You don’t have to hike miles to see the best of the park.

These were our family’s favorite easy hikes and stops that kept everyone excited (and didn’t require endless carrying!):

🦬 Fountain Paint Pot – An easy boardwalk loop with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and colorful pools.

🌈 Grand Prismatic Spring Boardwalk – Get up close to one of the most famous hot springs in the world.

🌊 Lower Falls Viewpoints – Multiple short walks to breathtaking views of Yellowstone’s largest waterfall.

🌼 Artist Paint Pots – A fun trail with colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots that kids loved.

💦 Porcelain Basin – A beautiful boardwalk where geothermal features extend across a beautiful landscape 

🐉 Mud Volcano Area – Steaming vents, bubbling mud, and the famous Dragon’s Mouth Spring make this stop unforgettable. Even better, the kids hardly had to walk more than a few feet from the parking lot to see it all.

⛲ Old Faithful – A Yellowstone classic that’s absolutely worth seeing with kids.

🏞️💛Artist Point- Iconic views of Lower Falls plunging into Yellowstone’s colorful Grand Canyon. An easy, family-friendly stop with an unforgettable view! 

🦌 Hayden Valley – An amazing wildlife viewing area, especially early in the morning or near sunset.

Yellowstone is one of the most kid-friendly national parks we’ve visited. Many of the most spectacular sights are just a short walk from the parking lot, making it perfect for families with toddlers and young kids.

📌 Save this post for your Yellowstone trip and send it to someone planning a family adventure!

What’s your favorite stop in Yellowstone?

#YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneWithKids #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #nationalparks
Stop the scroll if your summer reading list has ro Stop the scroll if your summer reading list has room for one more book. ☀️📚

Whether you’re reading by the pool, at the beach, on your porch, or sneaking in a few pages after the kids are asleep, these books are worth adding to your TBR:

💕The Summer of Broken Rules
💕 Better Than the Movies
💕 Nothing Like the Movies (sequel)
💕 Pictures of You 
💕 Happy Place 
💕 The Summer of Yes

There’s nothing better than finding a book you can’t stop thinking about long after you’ve finished the last page.

Now I need your recommendations! 👇

What’s the BEST book you’ve read this summer? Share it in the comments so we can all add a few more great books to our reading lists!

#BookRecommendations #SummerReading #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #BookLover
The real family vacation MVP! Some heroes wear c The real family vacation MVP! 

Some heroes wear capes. Others carry the cooler, chairs, towels, and half the house. Loving this Spider-Man soundtrack to Kurt’s heroic beach efforts. 

#BeachDad #DadLife #FamilyVacation #Relatable #BeachDay
Looking for white sand, warm Gulf water, and fewer Looking for white sand, warm Gulf water, and fewer crowds? Here’s why Orange Beach, Alabama should be your next family vacation. 🏖️☀️

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach trip without the packed shores, Orange Beach deserves a spot on your list.

✨ Here’s why our family loves it:
🏖️ Beautiful sugar-white sand perfect for building sandcastles and long beach walks.
🌊 Warm, calm Gulf water that makes it easy for kids to splash, swim, and play for hours.
☀️ Less crowded beaches, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and actually relax.

Have you been to Orange Beach? Or is it on your family’s travel bucket list? Tell me in the comments! ⬇️

Save this post for your next beach vacation and share it with someone who’s planning a family getaway!

#FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #AlabamaTravel #beachvacation #KidFriendlyTravel
Skip the crowded beaches—here’s where to go instea Skip the crowded beaches—here’s where to go instead. Orange Beach might just be Alabama’s best-kept beach secret. 🌊☀️

With sugar-white sand, calm turquoise water, family-friendly beaches, incredible seafood, and unforgettable sunsets, Orange Beach has a way of feeling both adventurous and peaceful at the same time.

One of our favorite places to stay is The Caribe. It’s a resort-style stay without the resort cost. Onsite there’s a lazy river, mini golf, multiple pools with giant slides, indoor pools, a sauna, tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, an incredible restaurant, and so much more! 

If you’re looking for a Gulf Coast getaway without the crowds of some bigger beach destinations, this is your sign to add Orange Beach to your travel list.

Have you been to Orange Beach yet? Tell me your favorite thing to do there! ⬇️

#OrangeBeachAL #AlabamaTravel #FamilyTravel #GulfCoast #TravelWithKids

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📍 Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park Save th 📍 Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park

Save this stop for your Yellowstone trip! You cannot leave Yellowstone without walking the short (paved) 0.2 miles round trip for this stunning view. 

They called it Artist Point for a reason. 🎨

One look at this view and you’ll understand why artists have been inspired by the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” for generations.

This famous, scenic overlook offers a classic, postcard view of the Yellowstone River, towering canyon walls, and Lower Falls. The stunning landscape comes together to create one of the most breathtaking views in the park.

And yes… it’s even more beautiful in person. I didn’t want to ever leave! 

#familytravel #yellowstonenationalpark #yellowstonewithkids #nationalparkfamily #travelwithkids
My brain: DO NOT PET THE BISON. 😂🦬 My heart: BUT L My brain: DO NOT PET THE BISON. 😂🦬
My heart: BUT LOOK HOW CUTE HE IS. 🥹

One of my favorite parts of Yellowstone is seeing wildlife up close in their natural habitat. There’s something so incredible about watching these amazing animals! 

In case I get major hate, just remember: admire them from a safe distance—no matter how pettable they look! 😂

Have you ever wanted to pet a Yellowstone bison? 👇Asking for a friend 😅😉

#familytravel #yellowstonenationalpark #yellowstonewithkids #traveltheworld #outdooradventures
If seeing Yellowstone’s wildlife is on your bucket If seeing Yellowstone’s wildlife is on your bucket list, don’t skip these two places!

📍 Hayden Valley + Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park

These are two of the best places in Yellowstone to spot wildlife and they’re completely different experiences!

🦬 Hayden Valley
Located in the heart of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley is famous for bison, elk, bears, coyotes, and sometimes wolves. The wide-open landscape makes it easier to scan the hillsides and riverbanks for animals. It’s also a beautiful drive with plenty of places to pull over and take in the views.

We drove through this area in the evening on our way out of Yellowstone and saw bison, a grizzly bear, deer, and elk. We even got to see a baby bison nursing. So special!!

🐺 Lamar Valley
Often called the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the park to look for wolves, bison, pronghorn, bears, and other wildlife. Get there early, bring binoculars, and watch the hillsides carefully—you never know what you might spot!

👀 Our biggest tips: Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed. Look for groups of people stopped along the road (while following all park rules). Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens, and animals are most active before 9 AM or after 4 PM. 

📌 Save this for your Yellowstone trip!

#YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneWithKids #YellowstoneWildlife #FamilyTravel #travelwithkids
📍 Fountain Paint Pot Trail — Yellowstone Staying 📍 Fountain Paint Pot Trail — Yellowstone

Staying west of Yellowstone and entering through the West Entrance? Make the Fountain Paint Pot Trail one of your first stops! 🌋 It’s an easy 0.6-mile loop featuring bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and steaming geothermal features—a great introduction to Yellowstone’s unique landscape! #travelwithkids #YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneTravel
#familytravel #familytraveltips
Visiting Yellowstone with little kids? You don’t h Visiting Yellowstone with little kids? You don’t have to hike miles to see the best of the park.

These were our family’s favorite easy hikes and stops that kept everyone excited (and didn’t require endless carrying!):

🦬 Fountain Paint Pot – An easy boardwalk loop with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and colorful pools.

🌈 Grand Prismatic Spring Boardwalk – Get up close to one of the most famous hot springs in the world.

🌊 Lower Falls Viewpoints – Multiple short walks to breathtaking views of Yellowstone’s largest waterfall.

🌼 Artist Paint Pots – A fun trail with colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots that kids loved.

💦 Porcelain Basin – A beautiful boardwalk where geothermal features extend across a beautiful landscape 

🐉 Mud Volcano Area – Steaming vents, bubbling mud, and the famous Dragon’s Mouth Spring make this stop unforgettable. Even better, the kids hardly had to walk more than a few feet from the parking lot to see it all.

⛲ Old Faithful – A Yellowstone classic that’s absolutely worth seeing with kids.

🏞️💛Artist Point- Iconic views of Lower Falls plunging into Yellowstone’s colorful Grand Canyon. An easy, family-friendly stop with an unforgettable view! 

🦌 Hayden Valley – An amazing wildlife viewing area, especially early in the morning or near sunset.

Yellowstone is one of the most kid-friendly national parks we’ve visited. Many of the most spectacular sights are just a short walk from the parking lot, making it perfect for families with toddlers and young kids.

📌 Save this post for your Yellowstone trip and send it to someone planning a family adventure!

What’s your favorite stop in Yellowstone?

#YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneWithKids #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #nationalparks
Stop the scroll if your summer reading list has ro Stop the scroll if your summer reading list has room for one more book. ☀️📚

Whether you’re reading by the pool, at the beach, on your porch, or sneaking in a few pages after the kids are asleep, these books are worth adding to your TBR:

💕The Summer of Broken Rules
💕 Better Than the Movies
💕 Nothing Like the Movies (sequel)
💕 Pictures of You 
💕 Happy Place 
💕 The Summer of Yes

There’s nothing better than finding a book you can’t stop thinking about long after you’ve finished the last page.

Now I need your recommendations! 👇

What’s the BEST book you’ve read this summer? Share it in the comments so we can all add a few more great books to our reading lists!

#BookRecommendations #SummerReading #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #BookLover
The real family vacation MVP! Some heroes wear c The real family vacation MVP! 

Some heroes wear capes. Others carry the cooler, chairs, towels, and half the house. Loving this Spider-Man soundtrack to Kurt’s heroic beach efforts. 

#BeachDad #DadLife #FamilyVacation #Relatable #BeachDay
Looking for white sand, warm Gulf water, and fewer Looking for white sand, warm Gulf water, and fewer crowds? Here’s why Orange Beach, Alabama should be your next family vacation. 🏖️☀️

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach trip without the packed shores, Orange Beach deserves a spot on your list.

✨ Here’s why our family loves it:
🏖️ Beautiful sugar-white sand perfect for building sandcastles and long beach walks.
🌊 Warm, calm Gulf water that makes it easy for kids to splash, swim, and play for hours.
☀️ Less crowded beaches, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and actually relax.

Have you been to Orange Beach? Or is it on your family’s travel bucket list? Tell me in the comments! ⬇️

Save this post for your next beach vacation and share it with someone who’s planning a family getaway!

#FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #AlabamaTravel #beachvacation #KidFriendlyTravel
Skip the crowded beaches—here’s where to go instea Skip the crowded beaches—here’s where to go instead. Orange Beach might just be Alabama’s best-kept beach secret. 🌊☀️

With sugar-white sand, calm turquoise water, family-friendly beaches, incredible seafood, and unforgettable sunsets, Orange Beach has a way of feeling both adventurous and peaceful at the same time.

One of our favorite places to stay is The Caribe. It’s a resort-style stay without the resort cost. Onsite there’s a lazy river, mini golf, multiple pools with giant slides, indoor pools, a sauna, tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, an incredible restaurant, and so much more! 

If you’re looking for a Gulf Coast getaway without the crowds of some bigger beach destinations, this is your sign to add Orange Beach to your travel list.

Have you been to Orange Beach yet? Tell me your favorite thing to do there! ⬇️

#OrangeBeachAL #AlabamaTravel #FamilyTravel #GulfCoast #TravelWithKids
📍Cathedral Caverns, AL Part 2: If you’re planning 📍Cathedral Caverns, AL 
Part 2: If you’re planning a visit to Cathedral Caverns, these are the things you won’t want to miss:

✨ Goliath — one of the largest stalagmites you’ll ever see.
💧 A “frozen” waterfall… made entirely of stone.
🦄 A rock formation that really does look like a unicorn.
💚 Keep an eye out for “The Grinch.”
⛪ The Cathedral — an incredible open chamber filled with breathtaking formations.
💜 Natural amethyst crystals hidden throughout the cave.
🔒 The Gem Room — a hidden section that’s off-limits to visitors. It’s only accessible to scientists through a 40-foot wormhole crawl! You can see where the entrance is, learn about it in the museum, and trust me… our kids spent the entire walk back trying to figure out how they could become the ones to explore it someday.
🎬 Fun fact: Disney’s Tom and Huck (starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas) was filmed here!

This cave surprised us at every turn. Which feature would you be most excited to see?

#familytravel #travelwithkids #explorealabama #huntsvilleal #90ssummer

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