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1st Grade Phonics & Reading

A systematic, research-based phonics and reading program that builds from CVC review through long vowels, vowel teams, and r-controlled vowels. Students develop fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary while reading God's Word and celebrating literacy as a gift from God.

180Lessons
36Weeks
25Min/Day

Year-Long Goals

1

Decode words with CVCe patterns, vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, and common affixes with 95%+ accuracy

2

Read grade-level text fluently at 40-60 words per minute with appropriate expression

3

Automatically recognize 100+ high-frequency words and apply comprehension strategies to understand main idea, details, and make inferences

4

Use phonics knowledge to spell words correctly and write simple sentences

5

Connect reading skills to understanding God's Word and celebrating the gift of literacy

36-Week Scope & Sequence

Click any week to see daily lesson details.

Week 1Welcome Back Readers! CVC ReviewBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingReview CVC short vowel patterns and phoneme segmentation
Materials:
  • letter tiles
  • CVC word cards
  • whiteboard
  • decodable reader
Day 1

Sound Detectives Return

Review phoneme segmentation with CVC words. Practice blending and segmenting short a words.

Phoneme segmentation and blendinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 2

Short Vowel Treasure Hunt

Review all five short vowels in CVC words. Sort words by vowel sound.

Short vowel identificationgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 3

Build and Blend

Use letter tiles to build CVC words, changing one sound at a time. Practice encoding and decoding.

CVC encoding and decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 4

Reading God's Simple Words

Read decodable text with CVC words. Introduce the concept that reading helps us understand God's Word.

CVC fluency and comprehensionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 5

CVC Story Time

Read and illustrate a simple CVC decodable story. Retell the story sequence.

Reading fluency and comprehensionproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 2Consonant Digraphs ReviewBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingReview and master sh, ch, th, wh, ck digraphs
Materials:
  • digraph cards
  • picture sorts
  • decodable readers
  • playdough
Day 6

Two Letters, One Sound

Review the concept of digraphs. Focus on sh and ch sounds with picture sorts.

Digraph recognition (sh, ch)hands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 7

Thumbs Up for TH

Practice voiced and unvoiced th. Read words with th digraph.

Digraph recognition (th)game📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 8

Whistle While You Read WH

Learn wh digraph and practice reading wh words. Make connections to question words.

Digraph recognition (wh)discussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 9

Click and Stick with CK

Review ck as a final digraph. Build and read words ending in ck.

Final digraph ckhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 10

Digraph Decodable Adventure

Read a decodable story featuring multiple digraphs. Practice fluency and expression.

Digraph fluencyreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 3Consonant Blends BoostBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingReview and strengthen consonant blends (l-blends, r-blends, s-blends)
Materials:
  • blend cards
  • word building mats
  • decodable texts
  • blend bingo
Day 11

L-Blends Launch

Review l-blends (bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl). Segment and blend words with l-blends.

L-blends decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 12

R-Blends Rock

Practice r-blends (br, cr, dr, fr, gr, pr, tr). Build words with letter tiles.

R-blends decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 13

S-Blends Superheroes

Master s-blends (sc, sk, sm, sn, sp, st, sw). Play blend bingo.

S-blends decodinggame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 14

Final Blends Finish Strong

Practice final blends (nd, nk, nt, mp, st, lt, ft). Read words with final blends.

Final blends decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 15

Blend Master Reading

Read decodable text with multiple blends. Track fluency and accuracy.

Blend fluencyreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 4Advanced Phoneme ManipulationBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDelete, substitute, and manipulate phonemes in complex words
Materials:
  • sound boxes
  • phoneme cards
  • manipulatives
  • word ladders
Day 16

Sound Switchers

Practice substituting initial phonemes to create new words (cat → bat → mat).

Phoneme substitutiongame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 17

Delete and Discover

Delete phonemes from words to create new words (stand → sand, blend → bed).

Phoneme deletionhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 18

Add a Sound

Add phonemes to words to create longer words (at → cat, lack → black).

Phoneme additionhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 19

Word Ladder Climb

Complete word ladders by changing one phoneme at a time. Connect sounds to spelling.

Phoneme manipulation fluencyworksheet📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 20

Phoneme Play with Bible Names

Segment and manipulate phonemes in Bible names (David, Moses, Noah).

Phoneme awareness with multisyllabic wordsdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 5Introduction to Silent E MagicBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingUnderstand CVCe pattern with long a
Materials:
  • magic e wands
  • CVCe cards
  • word building tiles
  • decodable readers
Day 21

Meet Magic E

Introduce the concept of silent e making vowels say their name. Focus on a_e pattern.

CVCe concept introductiondiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 22

From Mad to Made

Transform CVC words into CVCe words by adding silent e. Practice with long a words.

Long a (a_e) decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 23

Long A Word Building

Build and read a_e words (cake, make, take, lake, name, game).

Long a (a_e) encoding and decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 24

Magic E Stories

Read decodable text featuring a_e words. Practice fluency and expression.

Long a (a_e) fluencyreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 25

Short A or Long A?

Distinguish between short a and long a_e words. Sort and read mixed words.

Short vs. long a discriminationgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 6Silent E with Long IBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingMaster CVCe pattern with long i
Materials:
  • CVCe word cards
  • picture cards
  • decodable texts
  • writing journals
Day 26

I Spy Long I

Introduce i_e pattern. Read and build words with long i (like, bike, time, five).

Long i (i_e) decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 27

From Bit to Bite

Transform short i words into long i_e words. Practice with word pairs.

Long i (i_e) encodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 28

Long I Riddles

Solve riddles using i_e words. Write i_e words to answer questions.

Long i (i_e) applicationgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 29

Shine Your Light

Read a decodable story about letting our light shine for Jesus, featuring i_e words.

Long i (i_e) fluency and comprehensionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 30

Write with Long I

Write sentences using i_e words. Illustrate sentences.

Long i (i_e) spelling and writingproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 7Silent E with Long OBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingMaster CVCe pattern with long o
Materials:
  • letter tiles
  • o_e word list
  • decodable readers
  • sorting mats
Day 31

Oh! It's Long O

Introduce o_e pattern. Build and read words (hope, home, bone, rope, nose).

Long o (o_e) decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 32

From Hop to Hope

Compare short o and long o_e words. Practice distinguishing between them.

Short vs. long o discriminationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 33

Long O Word Families

Explore word families with o_e (-ope, -one, -oke, -ose). Build rhyming words.

Long o (o_e) word familiesgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 34

Hope in God's Promises

Read about hope in the Bible using o_e decodable text. Discuss what hope means.

Long o (o_e) fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 35

Long O Spelling Practice

Spell o_e words from dictation. Write sentences with o_e words.

Long o (o_e) spellingworksheet📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 8Silent E with Long UBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingMaster CVCe pattern with long u
Materials:
  • u_e cards
  • picture sorts
  • decodable texts
  • dry erase boards
Day 36

U Are Special

Introduce u_e pattern. Learn that u_e can say /oo/ or /yoo/ (cute, tube, rule).

Long u (u_e) decodingdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 37

From Cub to Cube

Transform short u words to long u_e words. Build and read word pairs.

Long u (u_e) encodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 38

U_E Word Sort

Sort u_e words by sound (/oo/ vs. /yoo/). Read words in both categories.

Long u (u_e) sound discriminationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 39

God's Rules Are Good

Read decodable text about following God's rules, featuring u_e words.

Long u (u_e) fluency and comprehensionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 40

CVCe Review Celebration

Review all CVCe patterns (a_e, i_e, o_e, u_e). Play review games and read mixed text.

CVCe masterygame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 9Silent E with Long EBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingMaster less common CVCe pattern with long e
Materials:
  • e_e word cards
  • decodable readers
  • word building tiles
  • sentence strips
Day 41

E Makes E Say Its Name

Introduce e_e pattern (these, Pete, complete). Note that this is less common.

Long e (e_e) decodingdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 42

Complete the Word

Build and read e_e words. Practice with word completion activities.

Long e (e_e) encodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 43

All Five CVCe Patterns

Review and compare all five CVCe patterns. Sort words by vowel sound.

CVCe pattern discriminationgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 44

CVCe Fluency Builder

Read decodable passages with mixed CVCe patterns. Track reading rate and accuracy.

CVCe fluencyreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 45

Write Your Own CVCe Story

Write and illustrate a short story using CVCe words. Share with family.

CVCe application in writingproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 10High-Frequency Words Set 1BibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingAutomatically recognize first 25 high-frequency words
Materials:
  • sight word flashcards
  • word wall cards
  • decodable texts
  • sight word games
Day 46

Words We See Everywhere

Introduce the concept of high-frequency words. Learn first 5 words (the, a, is, to, and).

High-frequency word recognitiondiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 47

Sight Word Detectives

Find high-frequency words in decodable texts. Learn 5 more words (you, he, it, in, was).

High-frequency word identificationgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 48

Rainbow Write Sight Words

Practice writing high-frequency words in rainbow colors. Learn 5 more (for, on, are, as, with).

High-frequency word spellinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 49

Sight Words in the Bible

Find high-frequency words in simple Bible verses. Learn 5 more (his, they, at, be, this).

High-frequency word applicationreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 50

Sight Word Game Day

Play games to practice all 25 high-frequency words learned so far (have, from, or, one, had).

High-frequency word automaticitygame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 11Vowel Team AI and AYBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode words with ai and ay vowel teams making long a
Materials:
  • vowel team cards
  • picture sorts
  • decodable readers
  • word building mats
Day 51

Two Vowels Go Walking

Introduce vowel team concept: when two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking. Focus on ai.

Vowel team ai decodingdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 52

Rain, Train, and Brain

Build and read words with ai (rain, train, brain, pain, wait, tail).

Vowel team ai encoding and decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 53

AY Makes the Same Sound

Introduce ay as another way to spell long a. Note position (usually at end of word or syllable).

Vowel team ay decodingdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 54

Play, Pray, and Stay

Build and read words with ay (play, pray, stay, day, way, say, may).

Vowel team ay encoding and decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 55

Pray Every Day

Read decodable text about prayer using ai and ay words. Discuss importance of daily prayer.

Vowel teams ai/ay fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 12Vowel Team EE and EABibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode words with ee and ea vowel teams making long e
Materials:
  • vowel team cards
  • word lists
  • decodable texts
  • sorting mats
Day 56

See the EE

Introduce ee vowel team. Build and read words (see, tree, bee, feet, meet, need).

Vowel team ee decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 57

Feed the Sheep

Practice reading ee words through a game. Build fluency with ee pattern.

Vowel team ee fluencygame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 58

EA Says E Too

Introduce ea as another spelling for long e. Build and read words (eat, read, teach, beach, each).

Vowel team ea decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 59

EE or EA?

Sort words by spelling pattern (ee vs. ea). Practice spelling both patterns.

Vowel teams ee/ea discriminationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 60

Jesus Teaches Us

Read decodable text about Jesus teaching, using ee and ea words. Retell story.

Vowel teams ee/ea fluency and comprehensionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 13Vowel Team OA and OWBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode words with oa and ow vowel teams making long o
Materials:
  • vowel team cards
  • picture cards
  • decodable readers
  • word building tiles
Day 61

Float Like a Boat

Introduce oa vowel team. Build and read words (boat, coat, road, toad, soap, goat).

Vowel team oa decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 62

OA Word Families

Explore word families with oa (-oat, -oad, -oak, -oal). Build rhyming words.

Vowel team oa word familiesgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 63

Snow and Grow

Introduce ow as another spelling for long o. Build words (snow, grow, show, know, blow).

Vowel team ow decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 64

OA or OW?

Sort words by spelling pattern (oa vs. ow). Note that ow often comes at end of word.

Vowel teams oa/ow discriminationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 65

Noah's Boat

Read about Noah's ark using oa and ow words. Discuss obedience to God.

Vowel teams oa/ow fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 14Fluency Development WeekBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingBuild reading rate and expression with known patterns
Materials:
  • fluency passages
  • timer
  • expression cards
  • partner reading materials
Day 66

Read It Again

Practice repeated reading strategy. Read the same passage 3 times, tracking improvement.

Reading rate developmentreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 67

Punctuation Power

Learn to use punctuation marks to guide expression. Practice with marked passages.

Reading with expressiondiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 68

Character Voices

Read dialogue with different character voices. Practice making reading come alive.

Expressive readinggame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 69

Partner Reading Fun

Practice partner reading strategies (echo reading, choral reading, taking turns).

Fluency with supporthands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 70

Psalm Performance

Practice reading a simple Psalm expressively. Perform for family.

Fluency and biblical connectionproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 15R-Controlled Vowels: ARBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode words with ar making the /ar/ sound
Materials:
  • r-controlled vowel cards
  • picture sorts
  • decodable texts
  • word lists
Day 71

Bossy R Takes Over

Introduce r-controlled vowels concept. When r follows a vowel, it changes the sound. Focus on ar.

R-controlled ar conceptdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 72

Star, Car, and Jar

Build and read words with ar (star, car, jar, park, dark, farm, barn).

R-controlled ar decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 73

AR Word Families

Explore word families with ar (-ark, -arm, -art, -ard). Build rhyming words.

R-controlled ar word familiesgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 74

Spelling AR Words

Practice spelling ar words from dictation. Write sentences with ar words.

R-controlled ar spellingworksheet📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 75

Stars Declare God's Glory

Read about God's creation of stars using ar words. Connect to Psalm 19.

R-controlled ar fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 16R-Controlled Vowels: ORBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode words with or making the /or/ sound
Materials:
  • or word cards
  • sorting mats
  • decodable readers
  • dry erase boards
Day 76

More with OR

Introduce or pattern. Build and read words (for, or, more, store, horn, corn, born).

R-controlled or decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 77

OR Word Hunt

Find or words in decodable texts. Practice reading or words in context.

R-controlled or identificationgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 78

AR or OR?

Compare ar and or sounds. Sort words by r-controlled vowel pattern.

R-controlled vowel discriminationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 79

Spelling OR Words

Spell or words from dictation. Use or words in original sentences.

R-controlled or spellingworksheet📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 80

Born in a Stable

Read about Jesus being born in Bethlehem using or words. Discuss the Christmas story.

R-controlled or fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 17R-Controlled Vowels: ER, IR, URBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode words with er, ir, ur making the /er/ sound
Materials:
  • r-controlled cards
  • word building tiles
  • decodable texts
  • sorting mats
Day 81

Three Spellings, One Sound

Introduce er, ir, ur as three ways to spell the same sound. Focus on er first.

R-controlled er decodingdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 82

Her, Fern, and Serve

Build and read words with er (her, fern, serve, term, verb, perch).

R-controlled er encoding and decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 83

Bird and Girl with IR

Introduce ir pattern. Build and read words (bird, girl, first, shirt, third, stir).

R-controlled ir decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 84

Turn and Burn with UR

Introduce ur pattern. Build and read words (turn, burn, hurt, church, nurse, purple).

R-controlled ur decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 85

ER, IR, or UR?

Sort words by spelling pattern. Practice reading and spelling all three patterns.

R-controlled vowel discrimination (er/ir/ur)game📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 18High-Frequency Words Set 2BibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingAutomatically recognize 25 more high-frequency words (total 50)
Materials:
  • sight word flashcards
  • word wall
  • decodable texts
  • sight word bingo
Day 86

Building Our Word Wall

Review first 25 sight words. Introduce 5 new words (by, word, but, not, what).

High-frequency word recognitionhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 87

Sight Word Sentences

Write sentences using known sight words. Add 5 more (all, were, we, when, your).

High-frequency word applicationworksheet📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 88

Sight Word Speed Drill

Practice rapid recognition of sight words. Add 5 more (can, said, there, use, an).

High-frequency word automaticitygame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 89

Sight Words in Stories

Find sight words in decodable readers. Add 5 more (each, which, she, do, how).

High-frequency word identificationreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 90

Sight Word Bingo Blast

Play bingo with all 50 sight words learned. Add final 5 (their, if, will, up, other).

High-frequency word masterygame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 19Comprehension: Main Idea and DetailsBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingIdentify main idea and supporting details in texts
Materials:
  • graphic organizers
  • decodable texts
  • picture books
  • chart paper
Day 91

What's It Mostly About?

Introduce main idea concept. Practice identifying what a text is mostly about.

Main idea identificationdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 92

Details Tell More

Learn that details support the main idea. Use graphic organizers to map main idea and details.

Supporting details identificationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 93

Main Idea in Stories

Find main idea in narrative texts. Distinguish between main idea and interesting details.

Main idea in fictionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 94

Main Idea in Bible Stories

Identify main idea in Bible passages. Discuss the main message God wants us to know.

Main idea in biblical textsdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 95

Create a Main Idea Poster

Choose a favorite Bible story. Create a poster showing main idea and three details.

Main idea applicationproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 20Soft C and Soft GBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode words with soft c (/s/) and soft g (/j/)
Materials:
  • soft c/g word cards
  • sorting mats
  • decodable readers
  • rule posters
Day 96

When C Says S

Introduce soft c rule: c says /s/ before e, i, or y. Read words (cent, city, ice, mice).

Soft c decodingdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 97

Hard C or Soft C?

Compare hard c and soft c words. Sort words by c sound.

C sound discriminationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 98

When G Says J

Introduce soft g rule: g says /j/ before e, i, or y. Read words (gem, giant, gym, page).

Soft g decodingdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 99

Hard G or Soft G?

Compare hard g and soft g words. Sort words by g sound.

G sound discriminationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 100

Gentle Jesus

Read about Jesus' gentle nature using soft c and g words. Practice fluency.

Soft c/g fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 21Suffixes: -S and -ESBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingRead and spell words with plural suffixes
Materials:
  • suffix cards
  • word building tiles
  • decodable texts
  • sorting mats
Day 101

More Than One

Introduce plural concept. Add -s to make words plural (cat/cats, dog/dogs, book/books).

Suffix -shands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 102

When to Use -ES

Learn when to add -es (words ending in s, x, z, ch, sh). Practice with examples.

Suffix -esdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 103

Plural Practice

Sort words by which suffix to add (-s or -es). Build and read plural words.

Plural suffix applicationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 104

Spelling Plural Words

Spell plural words from dictation. Use plural words in sentences.

Plural suffix spellingworksheet📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 105

God Made Many Things

Read about God's creation using plural words. List things God made (stars, trees, animals).

Plural suffix fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 22Suffixes: -ED and -INGBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingRead and spell words with verb suffixes
Materials:
  • suffix cards
  • verb cards
  • decodable readers
  • action cards
Day 106

Actions in the Past

Introduce -ed suffix for past tense. Practice three sounds of -ed (/ed/, /d/, /t/).

Suffix -ed decodingdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 107

Three Sounds of -ED

Sort -ed words by ending sound. Read words in all three categories.

Suffix -ed sound discriminationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 108

Actions Happening Now

Introduce -ing suffix. Add -ing to verbs (jump/jumping, read/reading, help/helping).

Suffix -ing decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 109

Act It Out

Act out verbs with -ing. Read and perform action words.

Suffix -ing applicationgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 110

Jesus Helped People

Read about Jesus helping people using -ed and -ing words. Discuss how we can help others.

Suffix fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 23Prefixes: UN- and RE-BibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingUnderstand how prefixes change word meaning
Materials:
  • prefix cards
  • root word cards
  • decodable texts
  • meaning charts
Day 111

UN- Means Not

Introduce prefix un- meaning 'not' or 'opposite of.' Build words (happy/unhappy, kind/unkind).

Prefix un- meaningdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 112

Unlock the Meaning

Practice reading un- words. Use context to understand meaning changes.

Prefix un- decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 113

RE- Means Again

Introduce prefix re- meaning 'again' or 'back.' Build words (read/reread, do/redo, tell/retell).

Prefix re- meaningdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 114

Prefix Power

Compare un- and re- words. Sort words by prefix and discuss meaning changes.

Prefix discriminationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 115

God's Unfailing Love

Read about God's love that never fails using prefix words. Discuss what unfailing means.

Prefix fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 24Vocabulary: Root Words and Word FamiliesBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingIdentify root words and understand word relationships
Materials:
  • root word cards
  • word family charts
  • graphic organizers
  • decodable texts
Day 116

Find the Root

Learn to identify the root word when prefixes and suffixes are added.

Root word identificationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 117

Word Family Trees

Create word family trees showing related words (help, helper, helpful, helping, helped).

Word relationshipsproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 118

Build New Words

Add different affixes to root words to create new words. Discuss meaning changes.

Morphological awarenesshands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 119

Context Clues

Use sentence context to figure out word meanings. Practice with unknown words.

Context clue strategiesworksheet📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 120

Bible Word Families

Explore word families in Bible vocabulary (faith, faithful, faithfulness).

Vocabulary and biblical connectiondiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 25ContractionsBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingRead and understand common contractions
Materials:
  • contraction cards
  • apostrophe cards
  • decodable texts
  • matching games
Day 121

Two Words Become One

Introduce contractions concept. Learn that apostrophe shows missing letters.

Contraction conceptdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 122

Contractions with NOT

Learn contractions with 'not' (isn't, aren't, don't, won't, can't, didn't).

NOT contractionshands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 123

Contractions with IS and WILL

Learn contractions with 'is' and 'will' (he's, she's, it's, I'll, we'll, they'll).

IS and WILL contractionshands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 124

Match the Contractions

Match contractions to their two-word forms. Play matching games.

Contraction recognitiongame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 125

I'll Follow Jesus

Read about following Jesus using contractions. Practice reading contractions fluently.

Contraction fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 26Two-Syllable WordsBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode two-syllable words with known patterns
Materials:
  • syllable cards
  • word building tiles
  • decodable texts
  • syllable division guides
Day 126

Breaking Words Apart

Review syllable concept. Practice clapping and counting syllables in spoken words.

Syllable awarenesshands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 127

Compound Words

Read compound words by decoding each part (sunlight, rainbow, baseball, homework).

Compound word decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 128

Two-Syllable Patterns

Decode two-syllable words with known patterns (rabbit, napkin, sunset, basket).

Two-syllable decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 129

Syllable Division Practice

Learn to divide words between syllables. Practice with VC/CV pattern.

Syllable divisionworksheet📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 130

Bible Names with Syllables

Practice reading two-syllable Bible names (Moses, David, Rachel, Sarah, Peter).

Multisyllabic fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 27High-Frequency Words Set 3BibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingAutomatically recognize 25 more high-frequency words (total 75)
Materials:
  • sight word flashcards
  • word wall
  • decodable texts
  • sight word games
Day 131

Growing Our Word Bank

Review first 50 sight words. Introduce 5 new words (about, out, many, then, them).

High-frequency word recognitiongame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 132

Sight Words in Context

Find sight words in decodable readers. Add 5 more (these, so, some, her, would).

High-frequency word identificationreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 133

Write with Sight Words

Write sentences using new sight words. Add 5 more (make, like, him, into, time).

High-frequency word applicationworksheet📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 134

Sight Word Speed Challenge

Timed practice with all sight words learned. Add 5 more (has, look, two, more, write).

High-frequency word automaticitygame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 135

Sight Word Story Writing

Write a story using sight words. Add final 5 (go, see, number, no, way).

High-frequency word masteryproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 28Comprehension: Cause and EffectBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingIdentify cause and effect relationships in texts
Materials:
  • cause/effect cards
  • graphic organizers
  • decodable texts
  • picture books
Day 136

What Happened and Why?

Introduce cause and effect. Learn that cause is why something happens, effect is what happens.

Cause and effect conceptdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 137

Clue Words for Cause and Effect

Learn signal words (because, so, since, as a result). Identify cause and effect in sentences.

Cause and effect signal wordshands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 138

Cause and Effect in Stories

Find cause and effect relationships in narrative texts. Use graphic organizers.

Cause and effect in fictionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 139

Bible Cause and Effect

Identify cause and effect in Bible stories (David trusted God, so he defeated Goliath).

Cause and effect in biblical textsdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 140

Create Cause and Effect Chains

Create chains showing multiple cause and effect relationships. Illustrate examples.

Cause and effect applicationproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 29Vowel Team OOBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode words with oo making two different sounds
Materials:
  • oo word cards
  • sorting mats
  • decodable readers
  • picture cards
Day 141

OO Has Two Sounds

Introduce oo vowel team. Learn it makes two sounds: /oo/ as in moon and /oo/ as in book.

Vowel team oo conceptdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 142

Moon, Soon, and Spoon

Practice long oo sound. Build and read words (moon, soon, spoon, room, zoom, cool).

Long oo decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 143

Book, Look, and Cook

Practice short oo sound. Build and read words (book, look, cook, good, wood, foot).

Short oo decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 144

Which OO Sound?

Sort oo words by sound. Learn common patterns for each sound.

OO sound discriminationgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 145

God's Good Book

Read about the Bible as God's good book using oo words. Discuss why we read the Bible.

Vowel team oo fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 30Vowel Teams OI and OYBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode words with oi and oy making the /oy/ sound
Materials:
  • vowel team cards
  • word lists
  • decodable texts
  • sorting activities
Day 146

OI and OY Make the Same Sound

Introduce oi and oy vowel teams. Both make the /oy/ sound.

Vowel teams oi/oy conceptdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 147

Oil, Coin, and Point

Practice oi pattern (usually in middle of word). Build and read words.

Vowel team oi decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 148

Boy, Joy, and Toy

Practice oy pattern (usually at end of word). Build and read words.

Vowel team oy decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 149

OI or OY?

Sort words by spelling pattern. Practice spelling rules for oi and oy.

Vowel teams oi/oy discriminationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 150

Joy in the Lord

Read about finding joy in God using oi and oy words. Discuss what brings us joy.

Vowel teams oi/oy fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 31Vowel Teams OU and OWBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode words with ou and ow making the /ow/ sound
Materials:
  • vowel team cards
  • picture sorts
  • decodable readers
  • word building tiles
Day 151

OU and OW Say OW

Introduce ou and ow making /ow/ sound (different from long o). Note: ow has two sounds.

Vowel teams ou/ow conceptdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 152

Out, Loud, and Shout

Practice ou pattern. Build and read words (out, loud, shout, found, ground, cloud).

Vowel team ou decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 153

Cow, Now, and How

Practice ow making /ow/ sound. Build and read words (cow, now, how, down, town, brown).

Vowel team ow (/ow/) decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 154

OW: Two Sounds

Review that ow can say /ow/ (cow) or /ō/ (snow). Sort ow words by sound.

OW sound discriminationgame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 155

Shout for Joy

Read about praising God with shouts of joy using ou and ow words. Connect to Psalms.

Vowel teams ou/ow fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 32Vowel Teams AU and AWBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingDecode words with au and aw making the /aw/ sound
Materials:
  • au/aw word cards
  • sorting mats
  • decodable texts
  • picture cards
Day 156

AU and AW Sound Alike

Introduce au and aw vowel teams. Both make the /aw/ sound.

Vowel teams au/aw conceptdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 157

Cause, Pause, and Because

Practice au pattern (usually in middle of word). Build and read words.

Vowel team au decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 158

Paw, Saw, and Draw

Practice aw pattern (can be in middle or end). Build and read words.

Vowel team aw decodinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 159

AU or AW?

Sort words by spelling pattern. Practice reading and spelling both patterns.

Vowel teams au/aw discriminationhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 160

God's Awesome Creation

Read about God's awesome creation using au and aw words. Discuss what awesome means.

Vowel teams au/aw fluency and biblical connectionreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 33High-Frequency Words Set 4BibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingAutomatically recognize final 25 high-frequency words (total 100)
Materials:
  • sight word flashcards
  • word wall
  • decodable texts
  • assessment materials
Day 161

Final Sight Words Set

Review first 75 sight words. Introduce 5 new words (could, people, than, first, water).

High-frequency word recognitiongame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 162

Sight Words in Bible Verses

Find sight words in simple Bible verses. Add 5 more (been, call, who, oil, its).

High-frequency word identificationreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 163

Write Your Own Story

Write a story using as many sight words as possible. Add 5 more (now, find, long, down, day).

High-frequency word applicationproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 164

100 Words Challenge

Practice all 100 high-frequency words. Add 5 more (did, get, come, made, may).

High-frequency word automaticitygame📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 165

Sight Word Mastery Test

Assess recognition of all 100 high-frequency words. Add final 5 (part, over, new, sound, take).

High-frequency word masteryassessment📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 34Fluency and Expression ReviewBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingRead grade-level text with 95%+ accuracy at 40-60 WPM
Materials:
  • fluency passages
  • timer
  • recording device
  • expression rubrics
Day 166

Fluency Check-In

Assess current reading rate and accuracy. Set personal fluency goals.

Reading rate assessmentassessment📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 167

Expression Practice

Practice reading with appropriate expression for different punctuation marks.

Expressive readinghands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 168

Readers Theater

Practice and perform a readers theater script. Focus on character voices.

Performance readingproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 169

Record and Listen

Record yourself reading. Listen and evaluate your own fluency and expression.

Self-monitoring fluencyhands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 170

Read Aloud to Others

Read a favorite story or Bible passage aloud to family with fluency and expression.

Fluency performanceproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 35Comprehension: Making InferencesBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingUse text evidence to make inferences about characters and events
Materials:
  • inference cards
  • graphic organizers
  • picture books
  • decodable texts
Day 171

Reading Between the Lines

Introduce inference concept. Learn that readers use clues from text plus what they know.

Inference conceptdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 172

Character Feelings

Make inferences about how characters feel based on their actions and words.

Character inferencereading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 173

What Will Happen Next?

Use text evidence to make predictions. Confirm or revise predictions as you read.

Predictive inferencehands-on📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 174

Inferences in Bible Stories

Make inferences about Bible characters' feelings and motives. Support with evidence.

Inference in biblical textsdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 175

Prove Your Thinking

Practice supporting inferences with text evidence. Use sentence frames: 'I think... because...'

Evidence-based inferenceworksheet📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Week 36Celebration and Looking AheadBibleMouse 1st Grade Phonics & ReadingReview year's learning and celebrate growth as readers
Materials:
  • assessment materials
  • certificates
  • favorite books
  • portfolio materials
Day 176

Look How Far You've Come

Review skills learned throughout the year. Compare beginning-of-year to end-of-year reading.

Year reviewdiscussion📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 177

Reading All the Patterns

Read text featuring all phonics patterns learned. Celebrate decoding mastery.

Comprehensive phonics reviewreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 178

Share Your Favorite Book

Share your favorite book from the year. Tell why you loved it and read a favorite part.

Book sharing and fluencyproject📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 179

Read God's Word

Read a Bible passage independently. Celebrate the gift of reading God's Word.

Biblical reading applicationreading📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭
Day 180

Reader Celebration

Celebrate becoming a strong reader! Receive certificate and set goals for continued reading growth.

Celebration and goal-settingcelebration📖 Start BibleMouse Lesson 🐭

Ready to Begin?

Start with Day 1 and work through at your own pace. Each lesson builds on the last!