Adult Phonics Program – Learn to Read & Spell at Any Age

Adult reading instruction requires a fundamentally different approach than teaching children. Adults learning to read face unique challenges:

  • Years of academic struggle – Many adults have tried and failed with traditional reading methods designed for children
  • Work and family responsibilities – Adults need flexible, self-paced learning that fits their busy schedules
  • Emotional barriers – Shame, embarrassment, and low confidence can interfere with learning
  • Age-appropriate content – Adults need materials that respect their life experience and maturity
  • Different learning pace – Adult brains process phonics instruction differently than children’s developing brains

Why Do So Many Adults Struggle With Reading?

It’s not your fault. Millions of adults struggle with reading because they were never taught the code. Discover the real reason behind adult literacy challenges—and why systematic phonics is the answer you’ve been looking for.

Discover The Literacy Code

Our comprehensive adult reading program is specifically designed for learners age 16 and up who struggle with reading:

Self-Paced Online Learning: Study at your own pace, on your own schedule. No pressure, no judgment. Access 720 phonics lessons 24/7 from any device.

Systematic Phonics Instruction: Unlike programs that rely on memorization, our approach teaches the underlying phonetic structure of English. Once you learn the rules, you can decode any word.

Age-Appropriate Content: All examples, stories, and exercises are designed for adult learners. No childish material—content respects your intelligence and life experience.

Affordable Alternative to Tutoring: Professional reading tutors charge $65-160 per hour. Our complete program costs just $73 per month for unlimited access to all 720 lessons.

Understanding the true cost of adult phonics instruction helps you make an informed decision. Professional reading tutors typically charge $65-160 per hour, and comprehensive programs like Wilson Reading System can cost $10,000-40,000 for complete tutoring. Our online program provides the same systematic Orton-Gillingham phonics instruction at a fraction of the cost. For a detailed breakdown of how different adult phonics programs compare in price, effectiveness, and value, see our Adult Phonics Cost Comparison Guide.

Privacy and Comfort: Learn in the privacy of your own home. No need to disclose your reading challenges to anyone. Progress at your own pace without embarrassment.

Our adult reading program serves a diverse range of learners:

  • Adults with limited literacy skills – Those who never learned to read properly in school
  • English language learners – Non-native speakers mastering English phonics and pronunciation
  • Adults with dyslexia or learning disabilities – Systematic phonics works especially well for dyslexic learners
  • High school students – Teens who have fallen behind in reading can catch up with age-appropriate instruction
  • Career advancers – Adults who need stronger literacy skills for job advancement or career changes
  • GED candidates – Students preparing for high school equivalency exams

Does This Program Work for Dyslexic Adults?

Absolutely. Our program uses the Orton-Gillingham approach, which was specifically designed for dyslexic learners. Adults with dyslexia can achieve fluent, confident reading—it typically takes 18-30 months with consistent practice. Learn more about how adults with dyslexia can learn to read, including realistic timelines, why Orton-Gillingham works for dyslexic brains, and success stories from dyslexic students.

No matter your age or background, if you struggle with reading, our systematic phonics approach can help you finally master this essential skill.

“I loved this course. The We All Can Read Program starts at the very beginning. It was created for adults that have problems with reading and spelling. The information given stays on course and builds upon itself. It is an ideal program for one who wants to learn how to read and write.”

This program is very intense, but you can replay the classes until you master them which is different than being in a classroom and not keeping up.  Mr Williams spent many hours creating this course and he answers the phone help you if you have questions. I don’t think there is another course like it. I hope your friend gives it a try.

I started the course May 29, 2015 and completed it today, August 18, 2015. It was a lot of work, but I am so glad I found the program. You would never receive this much information in a normal classroom. You sound out all of the words and learn how to hear the sounds of our own language. The information given stays on course and builds upon itself. It is an ideal program for one who wants to learn how to read and write. I am on overload right now and need a rest from studying, but I will go over my notes which are profuse after my break. Thank you for providing this wonderful course.

Carole M. / California

After completing this course I feel that my life has forever changed. Now with my new skills, I’m confident to pursue any future avenues that I most likely wouldn’t have explored without having the We Can All Read program under my belt. I can’t thank you enough for putting together a wonderful program that truly works. 
Brad Sly / Australia

In three months, I used your program to help a second-language learner escape grade retention. In another three months, I taught reading to a 5th grader who had no phonemic awareness, taking him from kindergarten level to 4th grade. No one had been able to help him, even though he had attended the same school since kindergarten. And, now I am using your program to help a fifth grader with higher-order phonics trouble that impacts his ability to adapt to new vocabulary. Indeed, it works! As a professional tutor of many subjects for children through adults, I reach consistently for nothing but your program for reading support.
Sharron Stephens, Ph.D. / Educational Theory and Practice

“I have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of the reading and phonics exercises provided. The program is comprehensive and well-structured, making it easy for users to follow along and track their progress. I have found the exercises to be engaging and effective in helping to improve reading skills. The online platform is user-friendly and accessible, making it convenient to practice phonics anytime, anywhere. Overall, I highly recommend the ‘We All Can Read‘ online phonics program to anyone looking to improve their reading and phonics abilities. Thank you for creating such a valuable resource.”
Craig, Leeds, England

“I figured to get the same skill set from a personal tutor it would cost me at least $3,000, maybe $4,500 over a year. This course is inexpensive and works!”
Alan W. Yoakum, Kansas City

See Real Results: Read inspiring success stories from adult students who achieved measurable improvement in 8-18 months, including standardized test score improvements and career advancement.

I wish I was introduced to your program when I was in grammar school. I am 60 years old and dyslexic… Your program is great and is quickly giving me confidence in reading for the first time. – Robert, Age 60

The only school in the area that uses similar teaching methods costs over $20,000 a year to attend. Comparable tutoring in our area costs $70 an hour. I can get a month’s worth of tutoring through We All Can Read for that amount. Annie Beth Brown Donahue / North Carolina

This reading program is fantastic, simple and very easy to follow. It takes you through the basic steps and progresses to amazing levels very quickly. You don’t realise that missing one or two links or steps in the learning process can have a huge impact on the ability to progress. I used this program originally to improve the reading and spelling of my 11-year-old child, but it was amazing how much I learned and improved along the way as well. Thank you so much. It has given confidence to my son’s ability to read and spell. / Linda McDermott – Australia

We are pleased to notify you that the We All Can Read Program has been endorsed by the National Right to Read Foundation, as an exemplary instructional program for teaching children and adults to read. / Robert W. SweetPast President of National Right to Read Foundation / former Professional Staff Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, U.S. House of Representatives

Subscribing to our online program is like hiring a full-time reading specialist available to work with you at home twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week.

The Internet has changed everything in education. Now for the first time, it is completely possible and realistic for an adult to teach himself to read and spell in the privacy of his own home without an instructor. How is this possible?

With our online adult phonics program a student does not have to be computer literate to complete these lessons. All of our lessons are point and click. No other skill is required to be able to proceed through our online lessons.

With our online program you do not have to hire an instructor, enroll in a literacy class, or be placed on a waiting list for an available tutor. You can teach yourself to read and spell in the privacy of your own home! And you can access our program at any time day or night on your schedule – not someone else’s. No driving or finding other alternate forms of transportation to attend class is required. You learn at home!

Our online license provides access to a complete phonics-based reading and spelling curriculum for adults – no additional purchase of any kind is necessary. And you don’t even need a computer! Access our lessons on your smartphone or tablet.

What Makes Our Program Different:
1. 720 lessons combine video and text – most comprehensive available
2. All lessons are printable
3. Point-and-click simple – no computer skills needed 
4. Works on any device – phone, tablet, computer
5. 203 built-in quizzes – track your improvement
6. Progress tracking – never lose your place 

Our online phonics reading and spelling program really does work!

Many adults ask how we compare to programs like Hooked on Phonics, which markets itself as an adult reading solution. The key difference: Hooked on Phonics was designed for children ages 3-8 and repurposed for adults, while our program was built specifically for adult learners from the ground up using proven Orton-Gillingham methods.

Key differences:

  • Program depth: 720 comprehensive lessons vs. 180 basic lessons
  • Teaching method: Pure systematic phonics vs. mixed whole language approach
  • Age-appropriateness: Designed for adults vs. children’s content repackaged
  • Effectiveness for dyslexia: Proven Orton-Gillingham methodology vs. limited research for adult learners

Read our detailed comparison: Hooked on Phonics vs We All Can Read to see which program actually works better for adults with serious reading challenges.

Want to compare us to other programs like Wilson or Barton? Read our complete guide to adult reading programs →

Our comprehensive adult phonics program teaches every foundational skill you need to read and spell with confidence. Here’s what you’ll master:

Phonogram Mastery: Learn all 80 phonograms—the building blocks of English reading and spelling. A phonogram is a letter or letter combination that represents a single sound. You’ll systematically learn each phonogram, from basic letter sounds to advanced combinations like “ough” and “eigh.” Our multisensory approach helps you see, hear, say, and write each phonogram until it becomes automatic.

Syllable Division & Word Analysis: Master the six syllable types that unlock pronunciation of any English word: closed, open, vowel-consonant-e, vowel team, r-controlled, and consonant-le. You’ll learn systematic syllable division rules that show you exactly where to break words apart, making even long, complex words manageable. This skill is critical for reading multisyllabic words fluently and spelling them accurately.

Integrated Spelling Instruction: Reading and spelling are two sides of the same coin. Every lesson includes spelling practice alongside reading instruction. You’ll learn common spelling patterns, spelling rules, and how to apply phonogram knowledge to spell words you’ve never seen before. Our dictation exercises strengthen the connection between sounds and written letters, building both decoding and encoding skills simultaneously.

Decoding Strategies for Any Word: Develop systematic strategies to decode unfamiliar words. You’ll learn to identify phonograms, divide words into syllables, apply vowel rules, and blend sounds together smoothly. These decoding skills work for any word you encounter—whether in a textbook, at work, or in everyday life. By the end of the program, sounding out words becomes second nature.

Multisensory Learning Throughout: Based on Orton-Gillingham principles, every lesson engages multiple senses: seeing the letters, hearing the sounds, saying the words aloud, and writing them. This multisensory approach creates stronger neural pathways, making learning more effective and permanent—especially important for adults with dyslexia or learning differences.

New to Learning About Adult Reading?

If you’re just starting to explore how adults learn to read, these comprehensive guides answer common questions:

These guides explain the learning process and help you understand why systematic phonics works for adults.

Don’t let poor reading skills hold you back another day. Join thousands who’ve already changed their lives. 


Start Your 10 Free Lessons

GED Reading Skills → Why GED students fail and how to build the reading foundation first

ESL Phonics Program → Phonics instruction for English language learners worldwide