Reading and Math Help: Start with Your Child

Start with the skills your child needs today

Does your child need extra reading practice, help understanding math, or a calmer way to work through homework? Start with one concern. See how your child responds before choosing an individual level or the complete family program.

A practical starting point for families with children in grades 1–5. Lessons are available across the full K–12 program.

Watch the program demonstration

Choose what you want to explore first

Try a reading lesson and a math lesson together

The free Windows demo includes 20 colorful reading and math lessons for grades 1–5. Use the two checks below with a reading lesson and a math lesson from that demo. These are parent observation activities, not additional software lessons or a diagnostic test.

Get the free Windows sample and installation steps

On your phone or using a Mac? Watch the video now or arrange a personal demonstration. The downloadable sample requires a Windows computer; the full Smart Learner program is available for Windows and Mac.

Reading check: can your child explain the idea?

  1. Choose a reading lesson from the sample and sit together for a short session.
  2. Pause after a manageable part. Ask, “What was that about?” and “What helped you figure that out?”
  3. If your child is unsure, revisit the explanation together. Notice whether a second look helps.

What to notice: Can your child follow the screen and audio, explain something in their own words, and comfortably try again? Write down what required your help.

Math check: can your child explain a step?

  1. Choose a math lesson from the sample that looks relevant to your child.
  2. Listen to the explanation together, then let your child attempt the practice.
  3. Ask, “How did you decide what to do?” Revisit the teaching when needed.

What to notice: Does your child understand the instructions, attempt the work, and explain a step? A correct answer alone does not tell you how well the idea is understood.

A first week you can adapt to your family

Suggested routine: aim for 20–30 minutes, 3–5 days a week, adjusting to your child’s attention and needs. Shorter sessions are fine. This is an example routine for the full program; the free sample has limited content.

  1. Session 1 — choose a starting point. Set up your child’s profile, identify one reading or math concern, and use an available assessment to help choose where to begin.
  2. Session 2 — learn one skill. Complete a relevant guided lesson together. Let your child explain what they understood.
  3. Session 3 — practice and review. Revisit that skill and use suitable practice or a printable workbook activity.
  4. Optional sessions 4–5 — repeat or take the next step. Review completed work and available progress reports. Decide whether to repeat the skill or move on.

Look for a workable routine first. Note lessons completed, where help was needed, and whether your child can explain the skill with less prompting. A first week can help you judge fit; it is not a promise of a grade increase.

Your role as a parent

Help with setup and choosing an appropriate starting point, stay nearby during early sessions, and check the work and progress reports. Adjust the amount of help as you learn what your child needs.

Study Buddy is separate online AI support. For a child under 13, an adult must enter the requests, review the responses, and conduct the learning activity. Students aged 13–17 need parent or guardian permission. AI answers can contain mistakes, so check important explanations.

See lessons that fit your child

Explore lessons for your child’s grade and the skills they need to practice. Schedule a free demonstration to see the program in action.

Request a Free Demonstration

Complete our website form with your child’s grade, your preferred contact method, and a convenient time. We’ll contact you to arrange the demonstration.

Prefer to call or text from your phone?
Call: (708) 675-7640  ·  Text: (833) 204-3904

Free home demonstrations are available in the Chicago area, with online presentations nationwide. There is no obligation to purchase.

Choose your starting point

Individual Levels — $289 per level, Windows only. Choose Primary (K–3), Intermediate (4–6), Advanced (7–9) or High School (10–12). Purchase more levels when needed.

Complete K–12 Program — $690, Windows or Mac. All four curriculum levels are included from the start.

Both options include lifetime family access to the curriculum you purchase, Workbook Viewer and Study Buddy.

Choose a Level — $289View Complete Program — $690

What happens when your child moves to the next level?

For example, Primary covers K–3. When your child is ready for grade 4, Intermediate (grades 4–6) is a separate $289 purchase. Your Primary access and saved progress remain available.

The Complete K–12 Program includes all four levels for $690 from the start. Individual-level purchases are not credited toward a later purchase of the Complete Program.

Individual Levels: Windows only. Your program arrives on USB. After copying it to your computer, email your Activation ID, name, order number and purchased level to sales@starlearningsystems.com. We send your activation code within two business days after receiving those details. This response time begins when we receive your activation request, not when you place the order.

Before you decide

  • Price: $289 for one curriculum level or $690 for all four levels. Both are one-time purchases with lifetime family access to the curriculum purchased.
  • Devices: individual levels and the free sample are Windows only. The Complete Program is available for Windows and Mac. Study Buddy requires internet access. Ask us to confirm compatibility with your computer before ordering.
  • Payment options: financing is subject to eligibility and the terms shown at checkout. Interest may apply; review the total repayment amount.

Compare programs and purchase options

Start with today’s needs. Choose one level now and purchase more later, or get all four levels with the Complete Program.