Beginning Reading Volume 1 for Early Learners

Beginning Reading Volume 1 is designed to help young learners take their first steps toward confident reading. At this level, children focus on letter sounds, simple CVC words, sight words, and short sentences. The goal is to build a strong foundation in phonics and comprehension.

Early reading should feel simple, structured, and encouraging. When lessons are clear and short, children stay motivated. In this guide, you will find sample lessons, practice stories, and activities suitable for Volume 1 readers.

What Is Beginning Reading Volume 1?

Beginning Reading Volume 1 is the first stage of reading development. It usually includes:

• Alphabet review

• Short vowel sounds

• CVC words (cat, dog, sun)

• Basic sight words (the, is, a, I)

• Short sentences

• Simple comprehension questions

This stage prepares children for more advanced reading levels.

Step 1: Review Letter Sounds

Children must recognize letters and their sounds.

Examples:

• A – /a/ as in apple

• B – /b/ as in ball

• C – /k/ as in cat

• D – /d/ as in dog

Practice saying the sounds clearly and slowly.

Step 2: Read CVC Words

CVC words follow the pattern Consonant–Vowel–Consonant.

Examples:

• cat

• dog

• sun

• bed

• cup

• hat

• pig

• run

Blend the sounds:

c – a – t → cat
d – o – g → dog

Blending helps children read smoothly.

Step 3: Practice Sight Words

Sight words appear often in reading. Children should recognize them quickly.

Common sight words for Volume 1:

• the

• is

• a

• I

• see

• my

• to

• and

Example sentence:
I see a dog.

Short Reading Passage 1

The cat is big.
The cat is red.
I see the cat.
The cat can run.

Questions:

1. What animal is in the story?

2. What color is the cat?

3. Can the cat run?

Short Reading Passage 2

Sam has a hat.
The hat is blue.
Sam is glad.
The hat is new.

Questions:

1. Who has a hat?

2. What color is the hat?

3. Is Sam happy?

Fun Activities for Volume 1

To support Beginning Reading Volume 1, use simple activities.

1. Fill in the Missing Letter

c _ t
d _ g
b _ d

This improves vowel recognition.

2. Match Word to Picture

Cat → 🐱
Sun → ☀️
Hat → 🎩

Matching builds word recognition.

3. Circle the Sight Word

Circle the word “the” in a short paragraph.

This strengthens sight word fluency.

4. Read and Draw

Read a sentence:
“The dog is big.”

Draw a big dog.

This improves comprehension.

Daily Practice Plan

Short sessions work best for beginners.

5 minutes – Letter sound review
5 minutes – Read CVC words
5 minutes – Read a short story
5 minutes – Complete one activity

Consistency builds confidence.

Benefits of Beginning Reading Volume 1

This level helps children:

• Develop phonics skills

• Improve blending ability

• Recognize common sight words

• Read short sentences independently

• Build early comprehension skills

Confidence grows when children successfully read full sentences.

Moving to Volume 2

After mastering Volume 1, children can move to:

• Longer sentences

• Consonant blends (bl, st, cl)

• Digraphs (sh, ch, th)

• Short paragraphs

Strong foundations make advanced reading easier.

Final Thoughts

Beginning Reading Volume 1 is an important step in a child’s literacy journey. By focusing on phonics, CVC words, and simple sentences, young learners build the skills needed for lifelong reading success.

Keep lessons short, positive, and fun. With regular practice and encouragement, children will grow into confident and happy readers.