My Favorite Early Readers

Alongside a good phonics: learn to read and write program, you can enhance your child's reading with . . . my favorite early readers.  

Before we jump into readers, you should be using a good Phonics: Learn to Read and Write Program to teach your child to read in 3 simple steps: (1) Letters (with phonic sounds), (2) Words (sounding out) and (3) Sentences.

Next, you are ready to use early readers to enhance this foundation.

What is an early reader?

An early reader is a book or series that has an easier level of reading so your child is successful and often gets more difficult as it goes along.

​Here are my favorite early readers . . .

#1 McGuffey's Readers

My very top recommendation for building good reading is the McGuffey Series! We use this in all of our grade-level lesson plans. Our children have quickly become advanced readers and love reading under this series. Purchase at rainbowresource.come or thriftbooks.com.

​Why?  They work!  Key features that help . . .

• phonics (point to and say phonic sounds prior to reading)
• words (sound out words or repeat after you prior to reading)
• sentences (let's child read sentences aloud - guided)
• illustrations (relate to the story and help engage)
• enunciation (children learn to master oral reading)

Tip! Avoid learning phonics with workbooks. McGuffey Series quickly teaches phonics at the beginning of each lesson. See Word Mastery for extra phonic practice.  ​

#2 Dick and Jane Reading Series

Want to follow a sweet family through everyday life? Enjoy the fun and silly play of Dick, Jane, and Sally.  Our second favorite is the Dick and Jane Reading Series (The Vermont Country Store or thriftbooks.com). 

Why? They engage and bring a joy of reading!  Key features that help . . . 

• Repetition of words builds fluency.
• Funny stories (of good living) engage and teach and delight!
• Cute Illustrations are lovely and in full color of 1950's.

Tip! This is a good extra series, but phonics will need to be taught in addition, such as Word Mastery.

#3 Living Books

In grade 1+ children begin to enjoy living books, a story written by a single author who brings the subject to life. We use living books in all of our curriculum free booklists!

Why not ask your child to read these living books?  If your child shows a desire, let them read all or a portion of the assigned chapter aloud. Perhaps they will start by reading just one page, and you finish the chapter. They may want to read it all or just one sentence. All is fine. Keep it enjoyable. Frustration means they might not be ready for that book.

Our child's favorite living books to read include . . .

• A Child's Garden of Bible Stories (Simply Year One)
• A Child's Garden of Verses (Simply Year One)
• The Betsy-Tacy Series (Anytime)

What reading level is a living book?

You can refer to our level chart at the bottom of this website to see if a living book is at your child's reading level or give it the one page test.

Should I purchase the readers?

Yes!  While many are available for free online, children need readers in hand, so they can point to each words as they read.

(Bonus) - Hooked on Phonics

A bonus resource I want to mention is Hooked on Phonics. If your child needs extra practice in learning to read (the sounds of c-a-t = cat), we recommend Hooked on Phonics (Kindergarten Level) or as a remedial program in elementary if your child can't read yet.

After your child is able to sound out words, drop this program and move onto the McGuffey Series as you will get further much faster!