Wild Reading Curriculum Level 1

Wild Reading® Level 1 is a complete, research-informed reading program that blends outdoor learning, multisensory methods, and the joy of storytelling with a strong foundation in phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. Created by an educator with years of classroom experience and doctoral research in literacy and curriculum design, it offers parents a clear, engaging path from recognizing letter sounds to confident reading.

In Level 1, children learn to blend letter sounds to read words beginning with short vowels and open syllables. Phonics skills are introduced in a carefully sequenced order, following the science of how children learn to read, while incorporating Waldorf-inspired storytelling and main lesson books, Montessori’s hands-on tools such as the moveable alphabet, and the wonder of nature-based learning.

Students follow Matilda the Mouse on a year-long, story-based journey that revisits and connects phonics skills in meaningful ways. Each chapter is paired with engaging lessons in phonological awareness, letter formation, word families, “sight” words, writing, and independent reading with decodable books. Comprehension is developed through rich vocabulary, guided discussions, and suggested read-alouds that build background knowledge and introduce diverse perspectives.

The program follows a consistent weekly rhythm with built-in flexibility, allowing families to adapt the amount of outdoor instruction to their needs. Enrichment activities in nature study, science, art, movement, and music encourage creativity and exploration.

Learn More about Wild Reading Level 1→

Ready for the next level? Continue your child’s reading journey with Wild Reading Level 2!

380+ pages plus printable resources

You will receive two digital, downloadable files: the curriculum and printable resources. NOTHING IS MAILED.

See the Wild Reading curriculum level 1 page for tips on how to print this digital file.