Reading Programs for 1st Graders
In our 1st grade reading program, your child will build strong phonics skills, learn to recognize common sight words, and develop reading comprehension, all while cultivating a love of reading.
Reading plays a huge role in your child’s experience in 1st grade.
As they learn to read, first graders need to master important phonics and sight word skills, develop comprehension, and get a lot of practice in books at the right level of difficulty. Throughout the school year, they must continue building new skills and the confidence to read independently.
When your child takes one of our reading programs, you can be sure it will be a fun and effective learning experience. Your child will learn key skills to succeed with grade-level reading, develop lots of confidence, and build a lasting love of books that inspires reading for fun.
Each Six-Week Online Program Includes:
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Age-Appropriate Books
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Engaging Group Activities & Discussions
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Skill Development & Independent Practice
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1-1 Support
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Progress Report
Every program features high-quality books filled with timeless, relatable stories. Each book is carefully selected to be both challenging and accessible at your child’s reading level.
Your child will participate in six dynamic, live online group classes led by a teacher who specializes in teaching core skills, facilitating thoughtful discussion, and bringing books to life.
In between weekly classes, your child will complete reading assignments and interactive activities to build age-appropriate skills and overall confidence in reading.
Whether your child needs a little extra help, or you’d like to meet with your child’s teacher, one-on-one appointments are available. You’ll also have access to our on-demand Homework Helpline for added individualized reading support.
At the end of the program, you'll receive an overview of the skills your child has learned, along with a certificate of completion.
1st Grade Sessions
We offer five sessions for 1st graders throughout the year. Each session features a unique set of books chosen specifically to be both enjoyable and appropriately challenging, ensuring kids have a successful, engaging experience.
Summer Program for Entering 1st Graders
Available to Start in June and July






Enrollment Opens in February
Early Fall Program for 1st Graders
Available to Start in August and September






Enrollment Opens in June
Late Fall Program for 1st Graders
Available to Start in October and November






Enrollment Opens in August
Winter Program for 1st Graders
Available to Start in January and February






Spring Program for 1st Graders
Available to Start in March, April, and May






Enrollment Opens in January
What Skills Will Your Child Gain in Our 1st Grade Program?
Phonics
Phonics instruction teaches kids the relationship between letters and the sounds they stand for. It is at the heart of how children learn to read. 1st graders begin by learning basic phonics skills, starting with blending short words like dog or hat. They then move on to learn long vowel sounds, consonant blends, and vowel teams like ai in rain. By the end of the year, they can also recognize easy prefixes and suffixes and decode two-syllable words.
When 1st graders develop strong phonics skills in our programs, they are able to sound out words quickly and easily. Over time and with practice, they read more and more challenging words with confidence. They feel a real sense of accomplishment.
Sight Words
Sight words are the most common words kids encounter while reading, such as was and do. Kids can learn to read these as whole words, rather than sounding them out. Many of these words have irregular spelling patterns or require advanced phonics, so it is much easier for 1st graders to learn how to recognize them by sight.
In our 1st grade programs, children learn many of the most common sight words found in first-grade books. The more sight words kids know, the fewer words they have to sound out. This means that learning to read is faster, easier, and more enjoyable.
Comprehension
Comprehension, or the ability to understand what you read, is the goal of reading. In 1st grade, children are mainly focused on the mechanics of reading, but they also start building comprehension and learn that every story has a beginning, middle, and end. Talking about books and what characters do is a great way for 1st graders to develop their comprehension.
In our 1st grade programs, students learn to visualize what’s happening in a story and to identify with the characters during engaging book discussions and activities. When kids understand the meaning of what they read, it makes reading fun! They can begin to make connections between stories and their own lives.
Building a Lifelong Love of Reading
A positive attitude and love of books motivates students to power through the challenges that come with reading.
Our programs give students positive experiences with books that inspire confidence and enthusiasm about reading. Your son or daughter will want to read even more and will develop the habit of reading for pleasure that leads to a lifetime of academic and personal benefits.
Learn more about how a love of reading makes all the difference.
Now Enrolling Winter Programs
View SchedulesTrust Our Reading Expertise
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50+ Years of Experience
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Dedicated Focus on Reading
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High-Quality Teachers
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Integrated Approach
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Outstanding Book Selections
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Assessment Without Tests
The Institute of Reading Development was founded in 1970. Since then, we’ve been endorsed by more than 200 of the country’s most well-respected universities and helped more than three million students succeed with reading.
Unlike organizations that teach too many subjects and specialize in none, we’ve remained focused on what we excel at and love to do: teaching reading.
We are extremely selective in the teachers we hire. They must be intelligent, dynamic, and warm in their communication, with a knack for nurturing participation. Above all, they must have a personal passion for reading.
We provide a truly all-encompassing learning experience that combines group discussion with independent practice and one-on-one support. No other organization integrates skills instruction and guided book discussions the way we do.
We're known for curating the best books for every age. The books in our programs are not only written at the appropriate difficulty level, but also tell exciting and relatable stories that students genuinely love to read.
Tests are often the antithesis of fun. Instead of focusing heavily on testing, we assess students' progress through their work with the teacher and performance on grade-specific reading exercises and activities.
Endorsed by Leading Colleges and Universities







We Excel at Teaching in an Online Environment
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Virtual Program Pioneer
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Specialized Training
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Maximum Participation
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Varied Perspectives
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Small Class Sizes
We introduced our online offering in 2014, making us one of the first educational organizations to offer live online programs for kids. To date, we’ve taught more than 150,000 students online.
Our teachers understand every stage of reading development. They go through intensive training to ensure they are well-prepared to teach core reading skills in a virtual classroom - across all grade levels.
We structure our classes to ensure that everyone's voice is heard. Our teachers track participation and call on every student, making sure each child is comfortable and confident reading aloud and sharing their thoughts.
Our programs bring together students from across the country, each with unique backgrounds. It’s a dynamic mix of perspectives you won’t find in any traditional classroom.
We’ve found that the most engaging and effective classes have a max of 15 students. Our average class size is about 13 students, ensuring optimal participation opportunities and individualized attention.
We Make It Easy for Parents
Not only are our programs engaging and enriching for kids, we also strive to make the entire process as stress-free as possible for parents, providing robust support throughout the entire program.
View Parent ResourcesFrom the blog
Phonics: The Most Important Skill that Beginning Readers Learn
Phonics is at the heart of how children learn to read. Building strong phonics skills in the early years of school is the key to your child becoming a strong, independent reader.
Read More about Phonics: The Most Important Skill that Beginning Readers LearnReviews
Read What Parents Have to Say
“My daughter always waited for her online reading class. She enjoyed the whole experience. I appreciate the time that the teacher took to talk about some reading recommendations for my daughter. Overall it was a great experience.”
- Yanitza, Parent
Read More ReviewsLet the Adventure Begin!
Enroll your child in our 1st grade reading program today.
Only $249
Plus $39 Materials & Shipping
Questions?
Call 1-800-470-2891
Our knowledgeable advisors can answer questions and help find a schedule that works for your family.