Level 1

Every child must have the skills taught in Level 0 before starting Level 1. They must be able to blend simple CVC words and consonant blends. 

A Choice of Pathways

Once those foundations are secure, here is how the pathways work.

Level 1: Two Threads (reading and spelling), Four Starting Streams

The Level 1 teaching manual (available FREE on this website) is the key resource for teaching reading, spelling and writing (through dictation) across all starting streams, supported by the FREE Word Lists (free download). 
The FREE reading books (either Tom stories or Jack stories for special needs) are essential for beginning/catch-up readers.
All other resources are optional extras.
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Find the Tom Stories here.
  • ​The very young reader (aged 3 - 5) — not yet ready to write — can follow the reading thread alone, using the FREE Tom Stories reading books, without the spelling and writing side of Level 1. Spelling can be introduced later, once your child is ready to hold a pencil and form letters with control.
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Special Needs Tom stories packs Free Sample
  • The school-aged child just beginning to read and spell (aged 4 to 7) — moving naturally on from Level 0 into structured reading and spelling should use the FREE Tom Stories reading books and either the FREE worksheets here or contact me for access to the full Tom programme, a sample of which can be downloaded from here. The full programme contains video lessons to give an example of how to teach, along with activity packs to support learning. They are suitable for the parent who lacks confidence and needs more support and/or the child who needs a slower pace of learning. The full Tom programme (with email support) costs £75/year (see below). Schools should consider purchasing our bundle here.
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Find the Jack Stories here.
  • The older, late-reading child (8+) — who needs the same secure phonics foundation, taught in a way suited to an older learner should use the FREE Jack Stories. Contact me for access to the full special needs programme, including worksheets; a sample is available to download here.  This costs £75/year. Schools should consider purchasing our bundle here.
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Find the PDF Level 1 teaching manual and worksheets for an older children who just need a spelling programme here.
  • The older child who can already read (7+)— but needs a dedicated spelling and writing programme, without needing to repeat reading instruction should use the PAID Worksheets found here. Save with a Bundle and get the Level 2 teaching manual as well. 

​Whichever stream a child starts in, the same secure, systematic teaching underpins all three.
When reading moves faster than spelling
​For most children working through both threads together, reading tends to progress faster than spelling — and that's completely normal. If your child's reading starts to take off partway through Level 1, don't hold it back to wait for spelling to catch up. Spelling can continue at its own, slower pace alongside it.
The one thing to keep constant regardless of pace: the teacher should keep the same emphasis on flashcards and sound-learning for both threads, even while reading pulls ahead. This keeps the foundation solid so there are no gaps later, even as your child starts reading well beyond the reading books themselves.
In short: start by teaching both together, but if reading wants to go faster, let it — just keep the phonics groundwork thorough underneath, on both sides.

Level 1 Resources

FREE – Everything you need to teach Level 1

FREE – Core Programme

The Level 1 teaching manual (available FREE on this website, see links to the lessons below) is the core resource for teaching reading, spelling and writing (through dictation) across all starting streams.
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The following helpful resources are also FREE to download - please click the pictures.​

Worksheets ​- Individual download

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Extra practice for the young child learning to read and spell together — one worksheet per lesson, giving practice in tracking the new sound, spelling, sentence building, and comprehension.

Reading Books - Individual download

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Find the Tom Stories here.
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Find the Jack Stories here.

Want some extra practice games?

​Sound It Out Phonics has FREE games to reinforce the sounds taught in this level — a fun, optional extra alongside your lessons.

Courses

These include additional practice materials and convenient compiled PDFs, which are paid.

Courses – paid

Some parents like to have additional support for midweek activities.
​These are not essential resources.
  • The Tom Stories support packs and video lessons are in course form for the younger child (under 8). They can support the less confident parent needing more support to teach their child, or a child needing a slower pace
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Tom Stories Level 1 Course 1: CK to OR. This pack includes the teaching manual, the Reading Book 1 and free resources above in PDF format.

Convenience/compiled resources — paid

In response to requests from parents, I have made the programme available in print, either in PDF print-at-home (top row) or ready-printed soft cover formats (bottom row).

Support package – £75 per year

For children using the Tom or Jack Stories who require additional support.
Following an assessment of your child's needs (a questionnaire, then a Zoom assessment of approx 20 minutes with your child, with you present), I can offer you support as you teach your child using Reading Made Simple:
  • Access to me by email to answer queries and share concerns, with a reply within 5 working days (Mon - Fri)
  • Free access to my specialist resources, and guidance on which ones suit your child's needs
  • Reductions on hard copies of the course books
  • Extra Zoom calls for longer questions at a reduced price

Parents, please enquire if you are interested in this (United Kingdom only - places are limited).
Special Needs Schools, please enquire about a school package.

*If you have the assessment and then decide the package is not right, the assessment will cost £20.

Find the Level 1 Lessons Here:


​On completion of Level 1, all pupils should move on to Level 2 for spelling. Level 2 will also strengthen reading skills in weak readers.
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