What Children Learn in Module 1: Foundational Phonics Skills for Beginning Readers

Before a child can read a sentence, they need to master a specific set of foundational skills. These are not arbitrary. They are the building blocks that the Science of Reading has identified as essential for becoming a confident, fluent reader.

Module 1 of our decodable book series was designed with exactly these skills in mind. Every book and every word is intentionally  used to help children experience success from the very first page.

So what exactly do children learn in Module 1? Let's break it down.

What Is Module 1?

Module 1 is the entry point into our structured decodable reading series. It is designed for beginning readers (typically Pre-K and K) who are just starting to connect letters and sounds into words.

Phonics Skills Taught in Module 1

Module 1 focuses on the most foundational phonics skills in the English language:

• Short vowel sounds — a, e, i, o, u in CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words
• Initial and final consonants — single consonants at the beginning and end of words
• Blending and segmenting sounds into words — connecting individual phonemes to form a complete word
• Left-to-right directionality and one-to-one correspondence — understanding how print works on the page

What Makes Module 1 Different From Other Phonemic Awareness Resources? 

Many alphabet books introduce letters alongside beautiful illustrations, but leave children to absorb letter-sound connections passively. Module 1 is different because it is explicitly structured for instruction, not just exposure.

Each book in Module 1 presents one letter, one sound, and one word per page. No sentences. No visual overwhelm. Just a clear, intentional connection between a letter and its sound. It's a format that children can hold, revisit, and practice at their own pace.

Each book is designed so that a parent, teacher, or caregiver can sit with a child and work through the letter and sound together with purpose. That means:

✔ One letter, one sound, one word per page — simple and focused

✔ Carefully chosen words that make the target sound clear and memorable

✔ A predictable structure that builds confidence and routine

✔ A foundation that connects directly to the decoding work children will do in later modules

This matters because children do not absorb phonemic awareness incidentally. They need direct, repeated, explicit instruction. Module 1 gives teachers and parents the tool to deliver exactly that.

Who Is Module 1 For?

Module 1 is the right starting point for:

• Pre-schoolers and kindergarten students beginning formal phonics instruction
• First grade students who need to build or reinforce letter/sound fluency
  
• Homeschool families starting a structured literacy approach
• Parents supporting early reading at home

What Teachers Are Saying

How Module 1 Fits Into Your Phonics Routine

Module 1 books are designed to be used alongside any structured literacy program, including Fundations®, UFLI Foundations, Heggerty, CKLA, and others. They work especially well for:

• Letter introduction — use one book per session to introduce a new letter and its sound
• Small group instruction — target specific letters with students who need additional practice
• Intervention support — build and reinforce letter-sound correspondence for struggling readers
• Whole class warm-ups — open a phonics lesson by reading the featured letter book together
• Take-home practice — give families a simple, structured tool to practice letter sounds at home

The Progression Beyond Module 1

Module 1 is the foundation — and the beginning of a carefully sequenced journey. As children continue to master letters and sounds, they begin to transition into Module 2.  That is where the phonics scope expands by applying letter sounds to simple CVC words like mat, sit, and hop.

Each module builds directly on the last, so children always have what they need to succeed at the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is Module 1 appropriate for?
Module 1 is designed for children ages 4–7. 

Do I need to use Module 1 before Module 2?
Not necessarily. The modules are cumulative, but if a child already has a solid mastery of letter sounds and alphabet fluency, they can move directly into Module 2. Module 1 is the right starting point for children who are still building that foundation. It is not required if those skills are already in place.

Can I use these books if I already have a phonics program?
Absolutely. Module 1 books are designed to complement any structured literacy program. They are not a standalone curriculum. They are readers that give children additional practice to build fluency and confidence.

Are these books Reading League vetted?
Yes. Our decodables are Reading League vetted. They have been independently reviewed for alignment with Science of Reading principles.

P.S. Not sure where your student should start? Download free sample decodable books here and see the difference 100% decodable text makes.