Reading Intervention for Older Struggling Readers: A Science of Reading Program for Phonics, Decoding, Fluency, and Reading Success (Science of ... for Older Struggling Readers - Phonics)

Is your student still struggling to read simple words, decode unfamiliar text, or build reading confidence?Reading Intervention for Older Struggling Readers – Level 1 is the first book in a comprehensive four-level intervention system designed specifically for older students who need intensive reading support. Built on the principles of the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy, this program provides explicit, systematic instruction that helps students develop the foundational decoding skills necessary for reading success.Unlike elementary phonics programs, this resource was created for upper elementary, middle school, high school, special education, intervention, tutoring, homeschool, and support settings. Lessons are age-respectful, engaging, and designed to help older students close reading gaps while building confidence and fluency.What Students Learn in Level 1CVC Words – Short Vowels a, iCVC Words – Short Vowels o, u, eFinal Consonant Blends:–nd, –nt–st, –ft, –sk, –lt, –ld, –lpBeginning Consonant Blends:bl-, cl-, fl-, gl-, pl-, sl-Beginning R-BlendsBeginning Mixed S-BlendsConsonant Digraphs:th, sh, ch, wh, ph, ck, ngReading Fluency DevelopmentDecoding PracticeReading ComprehensionWord RecognitionOrthographic MappingPhonemic AwarenessIncluded in This Reading Intervention ProgramExplicit Direct Instruction (EDI) lesson plansTeacher scripts and modeling routinesInteractive anchor chartsStudent practice pagesReading fluency passagesReading comprehension activitiesWord sortsMazesCrossword puzzlesAssessments and check-upsPlacement testAnswer keysEscape Room activities:Short Vowel Escape RoomEscape the Slime Blends Escape RoomConsonant Digraph Escape RoomDesigned for Older Struggling Readers: Many older readers have gaps in foundational skills that prevent them from accessing grade-level text. This program systematically rebuilds those skills through explicit instruction, guided practice, cumulative review, and meaningful application.Students learn to:Decode words accuratelyIncrease reading automaticityBuild reading fluencyStrengthen comprehensionDevelop confidence as readersWhy Teachers Love This ProgramThis intervention system follows a carefully scaffolded progression. Skills are introduced explicitly, practiced repeatedly, reviewed cumulatively, and applied in connected reading activities. The result is a program that supports struggling readers while respecting their age and dignity.Perfect for:Reading InterventionTier 2 and Tier 3 SupportMTSS and RTI ProgramsSpecial EducationDyslexia InterventionResource RoomsSmall GroupsReading SpecialistsTutorsHomeschool FamiliesGrades 4–12Level 1 is the most foundational book in a four-level reading intervention series. Students begin with short vowels, blends, and digraphs before progressing to syllable types, vowel teams, morphology, multisyllabic word attack strategies, and advanced academic vocabulary in later levels.Help struggling readers build the decoding skills, fluency, and confidence they need to become successful readers—one step at a time.From Two Pencils and a Book – Science of Reading resources for older struggling readers. Read more