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Using the Reading Program

HomeOur ProgramUsing the Reading Program

How to Use the Reading Program

The Stepping Stones Together reading program uses an easy to follow approach, which you and your child can complete in just 15 – 20 minutes a day. Consistency and repetition are key to beginning reading success and making the program simple to use helps ensure that parents and children can stick to it. The summary below explains just how easy it is to get started with our program.

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Download Guide to Using the Reading Program
Step 1: Select a Story

You and your child will select one of the pre-selected stories at your child’s appropriate level from your personal homepage (this happens every two days as your child should read the same book twice before moving onto the next story). Research suggests it is important for children to have ownership of story selection.

Step 2: Consider the Title

You will read the title of the story to your child, asking them to make a prediction about the story and what they might know about a particular topic. (Day 1 and 2)

Step 3: Take in the Pictures and Text

First, you and your child take a “picture walk” through the book, looking at the pictures and making predictions about story events and details. (Day 1) 

Then, you and your child read together, or you read the first time, through a simple 8-sentence story with explicitly obvious text illustration correspondence. (Day 1)

Step 4: Let Your Child Take the Lead

Your child independently reads the story. (Day 1 and 2)

  • Have your child place their finger on each word as they read the story.
  • If your child is struggling with a word, ask them to tell you the beginning letter sound of that word. Assist them if necessary with the beginning letter sound. For example, “the first letter in doll makes the /d/ sound.”
  • Have them use the illustrations for clues with a difficult word.
  • Next, you ask your child the pre-populated reading questions on the back cover, extending their understanding of the text.

Step 5: Check for Understanding and Reward your Reader

Ask your beginning reader to write and/or draw a response to the pre-populated writing prompt, further extending their understanding, recall and use of high-frequency words, as well as enabling them to practice their critical thinking skills. (Day 1 and 2)

Now you can reward your child’s efforts by asking them to color, cross out or put a sticker on their daily incentive chart indicating they completed a particular story.

Step 6: Play Fun Games!

Choose one of the fun games provided on your child’s homepage under “Additional Practice” to make another experiential connection with new vocabulary.

An Easy, Fun Method to Teach Reading Skills

The Stepping Stones Together reading program was designed to be easy for all families to use, giving access to critical early learning skills that parents can teach their children at home and at their own pace. It is our goal to help close the achievement gap by making high-quality educational resources available at a reasonable price.

If you need additional assistance getting started with our program, .

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Testimonials

Dr. Burton has developed a valuable and meaningful early reading program with Stepping Stones Together. She has incorporated the vital components of a literacy program necessary for the acquisition of early reading skills. The most frequently used sight words in…

Joan Freud
Joan

Dr. Burton has uniquely made Stepping Stones Together an incredible way for busy parents to spend time with their children in a fun yet educational way. Not only is this rewarding for the child, but it lets the parents get…

Anat Aszodi Lansky MD
Anat

Parents who work with their children on beginning reading skills provide their children with an important and scientifically proven foundation in literacy that will lead to proficient and lifelong literacy. Timothy Rasinski, Ph.D.

Timothy Rasinski
Timothy

The Stepping Stones Together program is a wonderful way for families to engage in literacy activities at home. This program encompasses all of the vital components of literacy. Children not only have an opportunity to practice reading and writing skills…

Jennifer
Jennifer

Stepping Stones Together is a very family-friendly program that is easy to use. The program is geared toward interests in children’s literature, incorporates writing, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Children and parents can keep track of their progress and skill-building…

Cheryl Wrobel
Cheryl

Stepping Stones Together is a wonderful program for children to use with their parents. Very often, children are interested in taking the next steps toward reading, and parents don't have the time to sit down and work with their children.…

Katie Froelich
Katie

In today’s day and age, it is becoming increasingly difficult for parents and caretakers to find time to spend with their children. Stepping stones together is a unique facilitator and means to make this time spent together both rewarding and…

Justin Kriezelman MD
Justin

Thanks to Stepping Stones Together, my daughter has absolute enthusiasm for reading. She runs around spelling words and proudly reads her Stepping Stones books. It’s only been a week and there’s a noticeable difference in her reading abilities. She loved…

Stephanie
Stephanie

In regards to Zachary, your series has been very helpful. He's able to associate the words with the pictures and has his favorites, which for right now is Chrissa's Cat and Thor the Train. His confidence has risen with each…

Sandra King
Sandra

As a homeschooler, the major selling points of the program for me are that it's: All inclusive. There are no additional teacher's manuals to buy, read through, keep up with, etc. Affordable. Pretty self explanatory, but many homeschoolers are single…

Lisa

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