Welcome to
Reading Mountain Level 1
Building a strong foundation through our Orton-Gillingham based multisensory approach.
The Approach
Our approach is rooted in the Orton-Gillingham method, adapted for modern accessibility. In this level, we focus on building a strong foundation by introducing letter sounds, specific vowel and consonant sounds, and high-frequency sight words.
Through systematic, multisensory instruction, students develop the essential skills needed for reading success. Each concept is introduced explicitly and practiced through interactive activities that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning pathways.
Vowel Sounds & Keywords
Distinguishing between vowels like "e" and "i" can be challenging. We associate each vowel with a memorable keyword to create a mental anchor for the sound.
Watch: Vowel Sounds in Action
Consonant Sounds
Consonant sounds are introduced systematically with reference words to help students connect each sound with a familiar object or concept.
Watch: Consonant Demonstration
Orton-Gillingham Inspired Techniques
Our program incorporates proven methods designed to help students develop strong reading and spelling skills:
High-Frequency Sight Words
Level 1 introduces words that often break phonetic rules (e.g., "the", "was"). We use repeated exposure through interactive games to build instant recognition.
Support for Letter Reversals
Many new readers struggle distinguishing b, d, p, and q. We use specific physical strategies and phrases like "Birds Fly Up" to orient these letters.
b/dBirds Fly Up!
pPenguins Dive Down!
Digraphs: Two Letters, One Sound
Unlocking Complex Sounds
Students learn that letters like s and h can combine to make a brand new sound: /sh/.
Ready to Start the Climb?
Experience the power of Level 1 structured literacy. Create your account today and start with Lessons 1 & 2 completely free.