Reading Overview
In the first month of Grade 1 reading, students build foundational phonics skills through systematic letter sound instruction and blending practice. Using a phonics-first approach, students learn that letters represent specific sounds, and these sounds can be combined to read and write words. Each lesson emphasizes that reading is a skill based on understanding the reliable relationship between letters and sounds—not guessing or memorization. Students learn to decode words methodically, building confidence as independent readers who can tackle new words using phonics strategies.
What Your Student Will Learn (Weeks 1-4)
- Recognize and produce the sounds for letters A through T (20 letters total across 4 weeks)
- Blend individual letter sounds to read simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words
- Identify and read 10-15 basic sight words that appear frequently in early texts
- Write letters and simple words using correct letter formation and sound-spelling correspondence
Weekly Lesson Plans
Each week contains 5 daily lessons (Monday-Friday), each designed for 15-20 minutes of focused phonics instruction.
Week 1: Letter Sounds A-E
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will learn the sounds for the first five letters (A, B, C, D, E) and begin blending simple words with these sounds.
Students are introduced to the first five letter sounds through picture associations, sound practice, and beginning blending activities. Each day adds one new letter sound and includes practice writing the letter and identifying its sound in words.
View Week 1 Lessons →Week 2: Letter Sounds F-J
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will learn the sounds for letters F, G, H, I, J and practice blending CVC words using letters A-J.
Building on Week 1, students learn five more letter sounds and increase their blending skills. With ten letter sounds mastered, students can decode a growing number of simple words and begin reading short sentences.
View Week 2 Lessons →Week 3: Letter Sounds K-O
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will learn the sounds for letters K, L, M, N, O and expand their word reading to include more complex consonant blends.
Students continue building their phonics toolkit with five more letter sounds. The addition of vowel "O" and consonants K, L, M, N allows students to read an even wider variety of words and practice fluency with familiar letter patterns.
View Week 3 Lessons →Week 4: Letter Sounds P-T
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will learn the sounds for letters P, Q, R, S, T and demonstrate mastery of blending and reading simple CVC words using all 20 letters learned.
Students complete the first 20 letters of the alphabet and practice reading fluently with all learned letter sounds. By the end of this week, students can decode dozens of simple words and are ready to move on to more complex phonics patterns.
View Week 4 Lessons →Getting Started: Orientation for New Homeschool Teachers
If this is your first time teaching Reading at home, here's how to prepare:
Before You Begin
- Review the phonics approach: Read through Week 1 lessons to understand the systematic phonics method. Each letter is taught with its most common sound first.
- Gather materials: You'll need basic supplies: paper, pencils, crayons, and household objects for letter sound activities. All materials have substitutions listed.
- Practice letter sounds yourself: Make sure you know the correct sounds for each letter (e.g., "A" says /æ/ as in "apple," not "ay"). YouTube videos are linked for reference.
- Create a quiet reading space: Set up a comfortable area free from distractions where your student can focus during 15-20 minute lessons.
During Each Lesson
- Start with the objective: Tell your student which letter sound they'll learn today and why it's important.
- Follow the 4-part structure: Introduction → Main Activity → Practice → Closure. Each part has clear guidance and timing.
- Use multi-sensory practice: Have students say the sound, trace the letter, and find objects that start with that sound. Movement and touch help cement learning.
- Keep it positive: Early reading can be challenging. Celebrate every correct sound and word. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Supplemental Resources (Optional)
Many lessons include optional YouTube phonics videos, library book suggestions, and printable activities. These are enhancements, not requirements. Use them if they fit your family's schedule and resources. YouTube read-aloud alternatives are provided for all recommended books.