Duolingo ABC

how we teach

Duolingo ABC’s approach to teaching kids how to read is built on serious science. Our playful lessons feel more like a game than a textbook, and that’s by design: learning to read is easier when you’re having fun.

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the science behind abc

Our program is based on the science of reading, which is what research tells us about how children learn to read, and uses delightful content to create a fun, effective learning experience.

Learn by doing

Interactive activities that maximize learning.

Bite-sized chunks

Lessons take 5 minutes or less, keeping kids motivated.

Differentiated learning

With 9 levels to start from, kids move at their own pace.

Engage through play

Our gamified approach fosters a love of reading.

Build kids’ skills

Scaffolded lessons build on what kids know.

Independent use

Kids can play and learn on their own, no wifi required.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DUOLINGO METHOD

our curriculum

We teach the five components of literacy instruction that kids need to become successful readers. Our sequenced cumulative learning paths also align to National Reading Panel recommendations and the Common Core Standards for Grades K–2.

phonics

We use explicit, systematic phonics instruction to teach letter sounds, syllable types and other spelling patterns.

Activities guide kids to start decoding and spelling words as quickly as possible.

phonemic awareness

We teach kids to recognize the individual sounds in spoken words.

Activities include rhyming, identifying specific sounds, and blending those sounds together.

reading comprehension

We teach comprehension through interactive stories, engaging kids with questions mid-story to encourage active reading.

Activities guide kids to use comprehension skills like predicting story events and inferring the meaning of new vocabulary.

fluency

ABC is designed to build fluency so kids can read with speed, accuracy, and expression.

Activities include reading along with a story narrator, repeating sentences aloud, and identifying sight words.

Vocabulary

We deepen and expand kids’ vocabulary by scaffolding words that appear in our interactive stories.

Activities include helping kids identify meaningful prefixes and suffixes like “-ed.”

For a deeper look at our curriculum, check out our Common Core Standards Alignment Guide or our full scope & sequence.

SCOPE & SEQUENCE

effective screen time

After 2 months of Duolingo ABC, kids show improvements in literacy comparable to 2 months of kindergarten!

READ THE FULL REPORT

stories that teach & delight

Kids come to know and love our characters as they follow along story adventures. Our stories highlight humor, social emotional skills, and relatable situations while also checking for comprehension and vocabulary.

why teachers choose abc

Every single student enjoys it. They don’t want to stop. That’s a really amazing thing to watch! I’ve seen 23 classes use it and enjoy it. It’s a really fun way for kids to boost their learning.

Stacy

Tech Lit, Lower Elementary

ABC is simple for kids and doesn’t require a lot of teacher support. Initially, I used it with my kids who were struggling. But once I saw how much they enjoyed it and what it taught, I put everybody on it.

Barbie

Pre-K Teacher

Kids can be successful with ABC. Other programs can be dry but ABC is character driven, fun, and story-like. I love how comprehension is built into the stories, and how sight words and vocab are interspersed with phonics.

Heidi

2nd Grade Teacher

Stacy

Tech Lit, Lower Elementary

bring abc to your learners

Download the app today and join our community group to connect and get tips from other teachers already using ABC.

questions?

Get help or share feedback with our Teacher Support team!