Niels Hoven, founder of educational technology company Mentava, recently drew attention to the efficacy of his firm's literacy software with a pointed social media post. Hoven, known for his company's mission to accelerate early childhood education, quipped, "Tell me more about how bad our literacy software is, it's so hard to hear you over the noise of this 2-year-old reading," directly attributing the success to Mentava's program. The tweet, which included a link, underscored the company's bold claims regarding early reading capabilities.
Mentava specializes in a learn-to-read software designed for preschoolers, including children as young as two years old, aiming to bring them to a second-grade reading level within six to twelve months. The company emphasizes an active learning approach, distinct from what it terms "edutainment," focusing on rigorous phonics and fluency methods through real-time audio, visual, and tactile feedback. This methodology is intended to foster independent learning without constant teacher intervention.
The program targets "high-achieving kids" and those whose parents seek accelerated learning opportunities, positioning itself as a more effective, convenient, and cost-efficient alternative to private schools or individual tutors. Mentava's software-based tutor is priced at $500 per month, a figure that Hoven has previously acknowledged as controversial but justified by the intensive development and support provided. The company asserts that its approach can minimize screen time by quickly enabling children to read independently.
Mentava's ambitious goals and high price point have sparked discussions within the early childhood education community regarding the benefits and potential implications of accelerating learning at such young ages. Hoven and Mentava maintain that their software addresses a gap in traditional education by allowing children to progress at their own pace and unlock their full potential. The company's vision extends beyond reading, aiming to build foundational literacy as a prerequisite for accelerated math learning.