Mastering reading beyond phonics
Zura is an AI tutor that builds vocabulary and world knowledge that turn kids into confident readers
Powering the journey beyond phonics
Most reading programs for early childhood end after kids have mastered phonics and decoding skills. Beyond that, they often lack the support needed to build comprehension skills. Research consistently shows that reading comprehension depends on how much a child already knows. A child who can sound out every word on the page but doesn't know what those words mean won't understand what they're reading.
The gap between strong and struggling readers is about vocabulary and background knowledge.
Zura builds the knowledge foundation that helps kids master reading comprehension. Through interactive narration, read-alouds and AI characters, kids absorb rich vocabulary and learn about the world, from history and science to nature and the arts, so that when they encounter those topics in books, they actually understand them.
Built on reading science, delivered by relatable characters
Decades of research show that broad knowledge is the single strongest predictor of reading comprehension. Zura puts that science to work in a way that feels like play.
Knowledge-first learning
Rich, topic-based lessons spanning history, science, nature, and the arts build the background knowledge essential for reading comprehension. Kids who know more about the world understand more of what they read.
Vocabulary in context
New words are introduced through engaging stories and conversations, not isolated flashcards. Kids absorb meaning naturally because they encounter words in the rich context where they belong.
AI characters that adapt
Animated characters adjust to each child's level in real-time, keeping them challenged but never frustrated. Every conversation meets your child where they are and gently stretches them forward.
Grounded in research
Our curriculum draws on decades of cognitive science showing that systematic knowledge-building across domains is the most reliable path to strong reading comprehension. This isn't edutainment. It's real learning that happens to be fun.
Knowledge is the key to comprehension
Think about it: if a child reads a passage about the solar system but has never heard of planets, orbits, or gravity, they'll struggle, even if they can sound out every word perfectly. Comprehension isn't a skill you practice in isolation. It's the result of knowing things.
That's why Zura doesn't drill reading "skills" in a vacuum. Instead, we immerse kids in a carefully sequenced curriculum of topics, building a broad foundation of knowledge and vocabulary that compounds over time. The more they know, the more they can learn from what they read.
Built for kids, designed for parents
We know parents have legitimate concerns about AI and kids. Here's how Zura is built with your family's safety in mind:
No storing of voice data
We do not store raw voice recordings. Transcripts are used only to generate age-appropriate responses in the moment.
Age-appropriate content guardrails
Every conversation stays within safe, educational bounds. We continuously refine our filters to ensure content is always appropriate for young learners.
Learn together
Parents are encouraged to join in. Short learning sessions together help reinforce vocabulary and spark real-world conversations about what your child is discovering.
Parental controls (coming soon)
We're building dashboards for session length, topic preferences, progress tracking, and easy transcript management.
Give your child a head start in reading
Zura builds the vocabulary and knowledge that turn kids into confident, curious readers. In just minutes a day.
FAQs
What ages is Zura for?
Zura is designed for kids in Kindergarten through 3rd grade (roughly ages 5-8). Children who can speak and hold a basic conversation will get the most out of it.
How is Zura different from other reading apps?
Most reading apps focus on phonics and decoding. Zura takes a knowledge-first approach, building the vocabulary and background knowledge that research shows is the strongest predictor of reading comprehension. We teach kids about the world so they can understand what they read.
How much time should my child spend on Zura?
Short daily sessions of 10-15 minutes work best. Consistency matters more than length. We encourage parents to join in and extend the learning into real-world conversations.
Is this a replacement for school?
No. Zura is a supplement that builds the background knowledge and vocabulary that make school reading easier. Think of it as giving your child a head start, or filling in the gaps that classroom instruction can't always cover.
Does Zura store my child's voice?
No. We do not store voice data. Text transcripts are used as part of the conversation only. To delete them, you can delete the account.
Team
Zura is built by Fondant, Inc. Our team brings together AI researchers, learning scientists, reading specialists, human-computer interaction experts, and award-winning character artists and animators, all focused on one goal: helping every child become a confident reader.