Wild Reading® Level 2
Wild Reading® Level 2
Wild Reading® Level 2
Wild Learning

Wild Reading® Level 2

Many early reading programs feel either too scripted or too dull to inspire young readers. We reviewed dozens of phonics resources and fell in love with Wild Reading Level 2 for its blend of structured reading science and joyful, nature-based learning. Created by educator Rachel Tidd, this level expands on basic phonics to cover long vowels, vowel teams, and r-controlled vowels through outdoor games, seasonal scavenger hunts, and decodable stories in The Wild Reader. We love how multisensory and movement-rich it is—perfect for wiggly kids or those who thrive in nontraditional settings. Level 1 is a better starting point for kids who are just learning letter sounds or decoding short vowel words, while Level 2 is ideal for emergent readers who already know short vowels and simple sentences and are ready for the next step. If your child needs a highly scripted or screen-based approach, this might require more hands-on time from grownups. Pro tip: use the included flashcards and activities as quick brain breaks throughout the day.

Recommended Ages

For kids ages 5-8 who can read short vowel words and simple sentences
Style
Nature-BasedScreen-FreeLiterature-BasedHands-On

Wild Reading Level 2 takes a holistic, nature-infused approach to literacy that engages the whole child—mind, body, and imagination. Rather than relying solely on worksheets or repetitive drills, the curriculum weaves reading skills into outdoor adventures and hands-on play. It incorporates elements of the Orton-Gillingham method (like multisensory phonics) through tactile letter-building with natural materials, while also embracing the Charlotte Mason philosophy of short, focused lessons that nurture a love of stories. The program balances structured skill-building—such as systematic phonics instruction and sight word practice—with open-ended exploration, like creating nature journals or acting out stories with found objects. By embedding literacy in movement (think: tracing letters in the air with sticks) and sensory experiences (like forming words with pebbles), it helps cement neural pathways in ways traditional methods often miss. The approach also honors different learning styles—visual learners might illustrate vocabulary words with leaf rubbings, auditory learners can clap out syllables while hiking, and kinesthetic learners benefit from whole-body spelling games. Most importantly, it frames reading as a joyful, curiosity-driven process rather than a series of isolated skills to master.

Self-Direction
E means highly structured. A is basically unschooled, completely self-guided.
How much do students guide their own learning in this course?
A
B
C
D
E
$85.00 USD
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Wild Reading® Level 2
$85.00 USD

Skills

What kids will learn
View all collections
ELA
ELA
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Reading
Reading
Art
Art

Our mission

The mission of Wild Learning is to harness the natural world as a vibrant classroom, empowering children to develop essential academic skills—like reading, writing, and math—through hands-on, outdoor, and place-based learning experiences. By blending nature-based exploration with structured, science-aligned instruction, the program seeks to increase engagement, foster multisensory learning, support diverse learners, and cultivate a deeper connection to both subject matter and the environment. It aims to make education more meaningful, motivating, and mentally enriching by integrating core academics into real-world outdoor contexts.

Our story

Wild Learning began when Rachel Tidd, an experienced educator and homeschool parent, was inspired by her children’s experiences in a forest preschool and her desire to bring learning outdoors. While homeschooling her sons, she started teaching math and reading in natural settings, combining her background in environmental science and education with a deep belief in the power of place-based, multisensory learning. She couldn’t find a curriculum that integrated nature, movement, and hands-on experiences with structured academics, so she began creating her own. What started as a personal teaching approach evolved into Wild Math and Wild Reading—comprehensive, story-rich programs that blend the science of how children learn with the magic of the natural world.

Dive into Wild Learning

Watch Modulo's interview with Rachel Tidd, founder of Wild Learning

FAQ: Additional Details about Wild Reading® Level 2

A Wild Reading Level 2 lesson might start with an outdoor scavenger hunt for letters or words written on natural materials, followed by a short phonics game using rocks or sticks to build words. Kids could then practice sight words by hopping on stepping stones or create nature-inspired stories using found objects. The blend of movement, hands-on exploration, and short bursts of focused reading keeps lessons dynamic and engaging.

The curriculum is organized into thematic units that combine outdoor exploration, games, and simple workbook activities. Each week focuses on a specific skill (like blends, sight words, or reading fluency) taught through nature-based play and short, structured exercises. Lessons are flexible, allowing families to adapt the pace and activities to their child’s needs.

This program is perfect for active, hands-on learners who resist traditional desk work or thrive with movement. It suits kids who enjoy nature, need frequent breaks, or learn best through visuals and touch. Struggling readers who feel overwhelmed by worksheets may also benefit from the low-pressure, exploratory style.

Wild Reading may not work for families who prefer a highly structured, workbook-heavy approach or lack outdoor space. Kids who dislike hands-on activities or need strict routines might find the open-ended lessons challenging. It also requires caregiver involvement, which may not suit families seeking independent work.

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.

Kids should recognize most letters and their sounds (as introduced in Wild Reading Level 1 or similar programs). Basic phonemic awareness (like blending simple CVC words) is helpful but not required—the curriculum builds these skills progressively. A curiosity about language and the outdoors is the real key!

Parents actively guide lessons by setting up activities, playing games, and providing gentle reading support. No teaching expertise is needed, but engagement is key—think of it as playful coaching rather than formal instruction. Ideal for caregivers who enjoy creative, collaborative learning.

Due to copyright law, all sales are final with no returns accepted once the product is downloaded—though orders can be refunded before delivery by contacting the seller.

Follow your child’s interests! If they love bugs, have them read or spell bug-related words; if they’re drawn to water play, write letters in mud. The more you tie lessons to their passions, the more motivated they’ll be. Repeat favorite games to reinforce skills without pressure.

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

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Meet Rachel

Rachel is the creator of the Wild Math and Wild Reading curricula and author of Wild Learning: Practical Ideas to Bring Teaching Outdoors. A former elementary special education teacher and homeschool parent, she integrates nature and place-based learning into core subjects like reading, writing, and math. She holds dual master’s degrees in Elementary and Special Education from Bank Street College and a B.S. in Environmental Science. Currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Sustainability and Literacy, Rachel’s research explores how critical literacy can foster systems thinking in young learners. She lives with her family in New York’s Finger Lakes Region, where she enjoys forest walks, waterfall hikes, and strong coffee.

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Modulo's thoughts

Our learning specialists give their honest evaluation
Manisha SnoyerCEO and Founder of Modulo

Wild Learning fills a much needed void in the homeschooling space for a multisensory curriculum that's evidence-based and easy for families to follow. I know Rachel well and highly recommend her program to any family seeing a hands-on curriculum their child will love.