Review: Reading the Alphabet Early Reading Program

I received a copy of this program in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own. See my disclosure policy here.

Good morning everyone! Today we’re sharing a review of a fabulous early reading curriculum called “Reading the Alphabet” created by Becky at This Reading Mama. Becky’s website is dedicated to early reading curriculum for preschoolers and this program does not disappoint!

I decided to try the program with Roo, because he’s learned basic phonics but he still struggles with reading words on his own. One of his biggest problems is that he’s extremely active, so a typical reading workbook or approach doesn’t keep his interest long enough.

And that’s where Reading the Alphabet is different from many of these programs. There are so many hands-on activities that reinforce phonics skills that little ones don’t even have time to get bored!

The first week of the program focuses on letter T and the sight word “A”. The program includes links to printable activities and instructions, which makes it simple for parents to know what we need for each unit. There are also unique printable activities that have been created exclusively for this program and, when I say the curriculum is full of activities, I mean it is LOADED with activities for kids!

Roo began by making a couple of Letter T books. I put the first one together for him and then he made his own by arranging the pictures to match mine.

There’s his Letter T book. He even went through and colored the pictures to match the one I printed.

He was so proud of his book that he asked to look at it for the rest of the evening. He actually cried when it was time to put it away.

Both books feature sight words and CVC words that relate to the Letter T or the sight word “a”. On this page, Roo actually sounded out and read the word “top” by himself. (Happy dance!)

Another of the printable activities in Reading the Alphabet is a set of printable pocket chart labels with matching pictures. These labels and pictures are the same as those used in the Letter T book, so it was great for reinforcing the words Roo had just learned. He had fun matching up the labels and pictures!

After we completed the pocket chart, we printed a set of pattern cards that highlights those same picture words. First, we played a game of concentration with them, so he could match them up and say the words aloud again.

Then we used them to make simple math patterns: turtle, top, top, turtle, top…., etc. Once he had completed all the patterns I assigned him, he decided it was time to have me guess the patterns he created. They were…interesting, to say the least.

Roo followed a maze using the sight word “a”.

And he loved finding the word “a” in among other letters!

He was so disappointed when I told him it was time to stop. He kept asking when we would do more of the program. That’s when you know a curriculum is worth your time! We’ll be working through the entire curriculum with him during the year and posting about our progress along the way!

At This Reading Mama, you can view the program week by week for free or you can buy the complete Reading the Alphabet curriculum for just $10 and receive bonus material! Or you can enter the giveaway below for your chance to win the program free! Just complete the giveaway widget to enter: