Wild Reading Curriculum Level 1

Each week, the story highlights the week’s featured letter sound. It is followed by engaging lessons and activities in phonological awareness skills, letter formation, word families/phonics, high frequency words, writing activities, independent reading practice using decodable books and other key literacy skills throughout the week.

Comprehension skills are developed in several ways. Matilda’s story is very rich and full of vocabulary. Words in the story are highlighted and discussed. Discussion questions based on the story and highlighting different comprehension skills are provided. Knowledge is critical for comprehension, is build through read alouds and enrichment activities (nature based).

Recommended picture and nonfiction book lists provide additional choices for read alouds and further exploration of enrichment topics. Books with diverse characters are denoted.

Each week follows a familiar rhythm with weekly and daily schedules provided. Most of the activities are designed to offer families flexibility in the amount of outdoor instruction incorporated.

A wide variety of enrichment activities cover a range of subjects, including nature study, science, art, movement, and music. Providing choices in these areas enables families to tailor the program to their child’s interests and learning style.

Extensive book lists are provided each week to deepen the learning in topics related to the themes and activities of each week. ⁠

Wild Reading is typically appropriate for children just beginning to learn to read. This is usually around ages 5-8. Children will learn letter sounds, blends, digraphs, and CVC words.

You will find in-depth explanations, placement guidance, and the full scope and sequence on the Wild Reading curriculum level 1 Page

380+ pages plus printable resources

Wild Reading Level 1 is a great fit for children ages 5–8 who are just beginning to learn to read, especially those who thrive with stories, hands-on activities, and a gentle, flexible approach. It’s ideal for families who value nature-based learning, want to follow their child’s pace, and prefer a literacy program grounded in the science of reading but infused with creativity. It works well for visual and kinesthetic learners, and for parents looking for a clear structure with room for choice. It’s especially helpful for homeschoolers or those looking to supplement school with a more holistic and engaging early reading experience.

Wild Reading Level 1 may not be a good fit for families seeking a completely open-and-go program with no prep, or for children who already read fluently or need a highly structured, clinical approach to reading. Its story-based, nature-inspired style may not suit kids who prefer direct instruction or parents who want a strictly academic curriculum. Some reviewers note that while it’s beautiful and engaging, it requires printing and parental involvement, making it less ideal for those looking for a more traditional or hands-off program.

Wild Reading is a good fit for children with ADHD because it offers a flexible, engaging, and multisensory approach that helps maintain focus and interest. Each week is anchored by an imaginative story that captures attention and creates a meaningful context for learning. The hands-on activities—like building words, drawing letters, moving outdoors, and exploring nature—give kids the chance to move their bodies and learn through doing, which can be especially helpful for those who struggle with sitting still. The consistent weekly rhythm provides structure without being rigid, allowing families to adjust the pace based on the child’s energy and attention levels.

Wild Reading can be a good fit for children with dyslexia because it combines structured, science-based phonics instruction with a gentle, multisensory approach that supports diverse learning needs. The program introduces letter sounds and phonics skills sequentially, helping children build a strong foundation in decoding. Its hands-on activities, such as using a moveable alphabet and engaging with stories, tap into visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles—an approach often recommended for dyslexic learners. The rhythm and repetition built into each week, along with decodable books and explicit instruction, offer the kind of consistency and practice that many children with dyslexia benefit from.

Wild Reading® is recommended for children ages 5–8 years old. Reading readiness depends on the child. For most children, this is usually around the age of 6 or 7.

Your child is ready for the entire Wild Reading® program if:

They are familiar with many letters and many of the sounds they make. They can write some or many of the letter forms.
OR
They know all their letters and sounds but are not yet blending letters to make words.
OR
They are just beginning to blend together letters and sounds to make words.
OR
They can blend sounds to read whole words but still struggle to decode words consistently and read fluently.

Wild Reading contains weekly plans that follow a weekly rhythm. Other than prepping materials and gathering some books, it is considered open and go! I do suggest that you read or quickly look over the chapter before each week.

Due to the nature of digital products, there is no way to return the product after it is received. Therefore, all sales are final. We know this is disappointing! Unfortunately, people abuse returning digital products to gain free copies.

Both levels of Wild Reading™ have a list of material on their info pages.

The main required materials needed for Level 1 are:

Bob Books Beginning Readers ($10)
Fun Tales Readers ($20)
Moveable alphabet (DIY versions up to around $30)
Sidewalk chalk (varies $1-10 depending on where you purchase and how much)
Materials for level 2:

Field guides for your geographic area
Moveable alphabet (DIY versions up to around $30)
Sidewalk chalk (varies $1-10 depending on where you purchase and how much)
The Alphabet Series Volume 2 by Frances Bloom and Mary Geiger (Books 19-29) (available at Rainbow Resources, School Specialty, and Christian Book all have international shipping) (See below about a digital alternative if these are unavailable or out of your budget)
If you are unable to source the Alphabet Book Series or they are out of your budget, I suggest these digital readers instead. Please be aware that these are not a perfect substitution, the sight words and skills may not align perfectly and are much shorter than the Alphabet Book Series.

I suggest the following digital readers from Grade School Snapshots on the Teachers Pay Teachers Website. The four sets of readers are approximately $24 plus printing costs.

Set 7, 8, 11, 12, and 14 of the Decodable Readers to Support the Science of Reading by Grade School Snapshots found at: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Grade-School-Snapshots/Category/Decodable-Books-487112

See the alternative reader sequence here