Learning Sight Words vs Reading Train Alphabet Lite
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Learning Sight Words
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Studies have shown that good readers look at some words and automatically decode them. The Sight Words app lets beginning readers get a head start on learning these words. It helps older students who are struggling with reading master the sight words. There are 208 words organized by level of difficulty–Pre-Primer, Primer, Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3. The colorful photos provide a visual cue for the word. The phrases and sentences help the student visualize the word in context. Once the student is familiar with the words, use the Settings button to switch to the Practice mode. The app will display each of the words along with foils. The default is to find three targets in a field of fifteen foils. Both the number of targets and the number of foils can be changed in the Options. When the student is doing well in the Practice level, tap the Settings button to look at the options for the Challenge level. The Challenge level has foils that are not necessarily familiar to the student. The default is to find three targets in a field of fifteen foils. At first the foils are words that (usually) have no letters in common with the target word. If the student finds all of the targets in less than 20 seconds per screen with few mistakes, the app automatically changes the foils to words that look more like the target. When all of the target words have been practiced, the app moves the student to the next level of difficulty—all words start with a capital letter. When all the words have been viewed, the app again moves to a more difficult level—words randomly starting with a capital or lowercase letter. Appropriate for neurotypical children ages K-3rd grade, and children or adults having difficulty reading due to problems with with Auditory Processing, Auditory Conceptualization, Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD), TBI, or Stroke. This app is based on the Sight Words DVD from LocuTour.
Reading Train Alphabet Lite
This app helps young children learn to read through interactive alphabet books, songs, and games. It offers features like recording stories, a picture dictionary, and progress tracking for parents. The content is designed to build confidence and a love for reading from an early age.
- Interactive alphabet books
- Recordable stories
- Picture/audio dictionary
- Train game quizzes
- 20 song books
- Student reporting tools
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Learn to read with fun alphabet books kids can read and record all by themselves. Play the train game; win coins for the music store; collect and learn new words in the train yard. Enjoy Books A, B and C, 21 song books, train game quizzes and the picture/audio dictionary for FREE. In app purchase unlocks all 24 ABC books at 3 easy beginning reading levels: 72 books in all! Books, songs and games to build skills, self confidence and a love of reading. Real reading, for fun and information, right from the start. "Entices kids to learn to read through carefully designed mini books, games, and songs": Geeks With Juniors Safe for Kids: The Learning Station is a Proud Member of Moms With Apps Kid tested and teacher approved. We are ad-free and take our users privacy seriously. View our Privacy Policy here: http://www.readingtrain.org * Listen, read and record books at 3 different beginning reading levels to grow as a reader. * Play the train game after every book to learn letters and words * Built-in picture/audio dictionary * 20 song books * Professional narration- American English. All books can be recorded by users. * Unlimited user accounts * Powerful student reporting tools Books Kids CAN Read. Written by Libby Curran, a People Magazine Teacher of the Year, these engaging little books are field tested in real classrooms to get kids started on the path to reading independence. Books Kids LOVE to Read and Re-read. Children are naturally curious, so encourage them to explore our ABC books to learn new vocabulary and build the foundational knowledge they need to succeed in school. After reading stories they can play the train quiz game, explore the picture/audio dictionary and listen to song books. Give Your Kids the Tools to Succeed. Stuck on a word? Tap and hold to hear every word and access the built in audio dictionary filled with hundreds of words. Play a unique quiz game at the end of every book to extend the learning. The Reading Train Alphabet is packed full of tools to help children succeed, all on their own. Read to Learn- Meet Common Core Standards Read beginning level books with purpose and understanding. Develop the concepts of print: reading left to right and matching written words with spoken words. Learn letter names and sounds, build background knowledge and improve reading comprehension and foundational skills. Quizzes Disguised as Games. Play the train game after finishing every book, but don't tell them it's a quiz! Check progress on the parent's page which shows books read and recorded and detailed scores on the quizzes. The Right Team For the Job Created by award winning master teacher and early literacy expert, Libby Curran, Reading Train apps are the culmination of 20+ years of teaching experience. Backed by an all-star team of teachers turned iOS developers and a professional children's musician, The Reading Train is serious about making learning fun. Keep in Touch We welcome your feedback, to keep up with all things Reading Train check out: readingtrain.org facebook.com/readingtrain email: support@readingtrain.org We welcome suggestions on future books and curriculum. Contact Libby with suggestions about new content at: libby@readingtrain.org
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Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Reading Train Alphabet Lite at Free against Learning Sight Words's $1.99. Learning Sight Words's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 9 months vs every 17 months). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Reading Train Alphabet Lite is free to download; Learning Sight Words costs $1.99 up front. Reading Train Alphabet Lite sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Learning Sight Words asks for nothing beyond the download.
Learning Sight Words ships an update every 9 months, Reading Train Alphabet Lite every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Learning Sight Words | Reading Train Alphabet Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | — | 4.5 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 4 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months — better | Every 17 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 11.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 66 MB | 696 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Learning Fundamentals, Inc. | The Learning Station, LLC |
In-app purchases
Learning Sight Words
No in-app purchases
Reading Train Alphabet Lite
- All alphabet books$1.99
Questions
Is Learning Sight Words free?
Is Reading Train Alphabet Lite free?
Do Learning Sight Words or Reading Train Alphabet Lite have ads?
Which is updated more often, Learning Sight Words or Reading Train Alphabet Lite?
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