Building Strong Readers: Foundational Skills for Grades 1–2
In this 8-week class, students will build foundational reading skills including decoding, phonics, fluency, and sight words through games and guided practice.
What's included
24 live meetings
24 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. 1-2 per weekProjects
Final week will involve a project to show off what the child has learned!Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 1 - 2
Beginner Level
What Will Be Taught? This class will focus on the foundational reading skills young learners need to become confident and fluent readers. Students will build their understanding of phonics, phonemic awareness, word recognition, fluency, and comprehension—all aligned with Common Core Standards for 1st and 2nd grade. What Topics Will You Cover? Each week, students will explore essential early literacy concepts, including: • Print concepts and how books work • Phonemic awareness and syllable manipulation • Short and long vowels, blends, and digraphs • Decoding CVC and multisyllabic words • Vowel teams and irregular word patterns • High-frequency and sight words • Reading fluency strategies (accuracy, pacing, expression) How Is Your Class Structured? The course runs for 8 weeks with 3 lessons per week, each lasting approximately one hour. Lessons build progressively and include review days, fluency checks, and a final project in Week 8. Each class includes a mix of direct instruction, hands-on activities, games, and independent reading practice. How Will You Teach? Lessons will be taught through interactive slides, teacher modeling, visual aids, and phonics-based games. Learners will also participate in small reading tasks and group discussions. Occasional video clips will reinforce key concepts and support visual and auditory learners. What’s Your Teaching Style? My teaching style is energetic, supportive, and student-centered. I prioritize engagement, clear routines, and making every child feel successful. I differentiate instruction to meet learners where they are and provide plenty of encouragement and feedback along the way. How Much Will Learners Interact With You? Learners will interact with me directly in every class through: • Live guided lessons and small-group discussion • Real-time games and phonics challenges • Class check-ins and fluency practice • Opportunities to ask questions, share work, and receive personalized feedback
Learning Goals
Identify and demonstrate understanding of print concepts, including book orientation, directionality, and sentence structure.Recognize and manipulate phonemes through activities involving rhyming, syllables, and sound isolation.
Syllabus
8 Units
24 Lessons
over 8 WeeksUnit 1: Print Concepts & Phonological Awareness (RF.1.1a–c, RF.1.2a–d)
Lesson 1:
Book Features & Directionality
Students will explore the structure of books, including identifying the front and back covers, understanding the direction of reading (left to right, top to bottom), and recognizing the roles of the author and illustrator. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Rhyming & Syllables
Students will practice identifying rhyming words and clapping out syllables in words, developing their awareness of phonological patterns. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Phoneme Isolation & Blending
Students will practice isolating sounds in words and blending sounds together to form words, building phonemic awareness. 60 mins online live lesson
Unit 2: Short Vowels, Digraphs & Blends (RF.1.3a–c, RF.2.3a)
Lesson 4:
Short Vowel CVC Words
Students will focus on reading and spelling short vowel CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, laying the groundwork for decoding skills. 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Pre-Requisites
Students should have at least a kindergarten level understanding in reading skills before joining this class.
Supply List
I will supply any handouts or papers needed. Access to a printer will be helpful.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
All materials will be online, such as google slides, video links, websites , etc.
Joined April, 2025
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have worked with children since I was 18! I have worked in daycares and volunteered in public schools. I have taught preschool, 4th-6th grade, and 2nd grade at different times of my life. I also was previously in charge of an after school program and a summer day camp where I worked with k-6th grade. I love all age groups but I really enjoyed the two years I taught reading to my second graders. Many were below grade level and we had to start with the basics. I’d love to be of help to those who are behind, need review, or even students who want to get ahead before the new school year! Reviews
Live Group Course
$60
weekly3x per week, 8 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-8
2-6 learners per class
