How children learn to read with Bubba
Tiny Hands Learn: Reading follows phonics, the way most schools teach reading. Children learn what sound each letter makes, then blend sounds together to read words, then read short sentences and stories. Bubba the whale says everything out loud, so children who can't read yet can play on their own.
- Letter sounds: all 26 letters, taught by their sound (the sound "t" makes, not its name), in the order schools use: s, a, t, p first.
- Blending: putting sounds together to read words like sat, pin and dog.
- Writing: tracing letters with a finger, then spelling words sound by sound.
- Tricky words: common words like the, to and said, which don't sound out.
- Little stories made only of what your child has learned, with questions to check they understood.
Made for ages 2 to 7
A 2-year-old hears sounds, finds pictures and pops balloons. A 4-year-old matches letters to sounds and builds words. A 6-year-old reads, spells and answers questions about a story. Each child starts at their own level, and anything they find hard comes back more often until it sticks.
Five minutes a day
Each level takes about five minutes and ends with a sticker. A few levels a week is enough to make steady progress; you don't need to sit with your child, though they'll love it if you do.
Questions parents ask
What is phonics?
Phonics teaches children to read by the sounds letters make. Instead of memorising whole words, children learn that s-a-t makes sat, so they can read words they've never seen.
At what age can my child start?
From about 2. The youngest children start with listening games and letter sounds; reading words usually comes from around 4.
Is it free?
Yes. No ads, no paywall, no in-app purchases. A free parent account keeps your child's progress. Tiny Hands is made by a dad, Mauro, and kept free by voluntary donations from parents: make a donation · read our story.
Does it work on a tablet or computer?
Yes. It works in the browser on tablets, phones, Chromebooks and computers, with touch or a mouse.
