Decision Making Guide
As a general rule, the Beginning Green Level is best for students under the age of nine years old. The Overlapping Strategy is best for students 9 and older. However, each student is unique. Please see links below for below for guidance.
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Kindergarten: Start with Stevenson’s Letters supplemental books alongside the Teacher’s Manual, Letter Clue Workbook, and Printing Workbook to develop foundational letter skills. This prepares students for the Beginning Green Level in first grade.
First Grade: Most students start at the Beginning Green Level with these essentials:
Teacher’s Manual
Reading Books One & Two
Workbooks A & B
Teaching Cards
Optional supplements: Lonely Vowels materials, Stevenson’s Letters workbooks, and the Mastery Management Test Manual & Student Test Booklet.
Advanced Track:
Kindergarten: Beginning Green Level (Part One)
First Grade: Overlapping Strategy books & Basic Blue Level
Second Grade: Intermediate Level + selected Frostings, Doilies & More lessons
Third Grade: Complete Frostings, Doilies & More
Note: Literature should be introduced early and emphasized more in later grades. The advanced track is best for students who don’t require extra reading support.
📞 Let’s plan the best path for your student! Call (937) 532-0772 today.
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Students with Dyslexia & Learning Challenges
Start at Lesson 1 of the Beginning Green Level and progress at a comfortable pace using a mastery approach. The Mastery-Management Tests are useful for tracking progress.
We recommend the Beginning Green Level Complete Set and adding supplements as needed.
Guidelines:
~75% of students can handle Lonely Vowels during the Beginning Green Level. Lesson 27 & Appendix M in the Teacher’s Manual help determine readiness.
Most will complete Beginning Green & Lonely Vowels in one year.
If Stevenson’s Letters Printing Workbook wasn’t used in Kindergarten, students may struggle with printing (especially reversals) and benefit from Beginning Green Level materials.
Essential First-Year Materials:
Beginning Green Level Teacher’s Manual
Reading Books One & Two
Workbooks A & B
Teaching Cards
Mastery Management Test Manual & Student Test Booklet
Likely Supplements:
Lonely Vowels Teacher’s Manual, Reading Book & Workbook
Additional Options:
Stevenson’s Letters Manual & Printing Workbook
Supplementary Reader Set for extra reading practice
The Beginning Green Level addresses many learning challenges, but progress will vary by student.
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Where to Start with a Third Grader with Splinter Skills
The right approach makes all the difference!
Beginning Green Level: Best for students struggling with consonant sounds (except b/d confusion), slow progress due to cognitive challenges, or significant speech/language difficulties.
Overlapping Strategy: Ideal for students who know consonant sounds and some sight words but struggle with vowels and phonics inconsistencies. This faster-paced approach builds on existing skills while addressing key challenges.
📞 Need guidance? We’re here to help! Call (937) 532-0772 today.
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The Overlapping Strategy: A Fast-Track Approach
Designed for older students ready for an accelerated path, the Overlapping Strategy replaces the Beginning Green Level, covering all its skills plus the first nine lessons of the Basic Blue Level. Students then complete the rest of Basic Blue before moving on.
Essential Materials:
Overlapping Strategy Teacher’s Manual & Student Book
Basic Blue Level Teaching Cards, Workbooks A–C, Reading Books 1–3
Basic Blue Mastery Management Test Manual & Test Booklet
Most students complete this program in 1 to 1.5 years and then advance to Peach Level for middle school readiness.
Peach Level Materials:
Intermediate Level Part One Teacher-Student Manual & Student Book
Intermediate Workbook Part One
Frostings, Doilies & More (Companion to Intermediate Level)
Upon completion, students typically read at a 7th-grade level.
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Every Student Deserves a Path to Success
For older students, including those with severe dyslexia, the right support transforms frustration into confidence.
Where to Start?
Students begin at either the Beginning Green Level or the Overlapping Strategy Level.
Overlapping Strategy – Best for middle and high school students who know letter sounds, some sight words, and have splintered reading skills. This accelerated approach replaces Beginning Green, covering its content plus the first nine lessons of Basic Blue.
Essential Materials:
Overlapping Strategy Teacher’s Manual & Student Book
Basic Blue Level Teaching Cards, Workbooks A–C, Reading Books 1–3
Basic Blue Mastery Management Test Manual & Test Booklet
Students complete Basic Blue before moving to Peach Level, which prepares them for middle school reading at a 7th-grade level.
Beginning Green Level – Best for students with significant learning challenges who don’t know all letter sounds or struggle to decode words. This level builds a critical foundation, ensuring long-term reading success.
Essential Materials:
Beginning Green Level Teacher’s Manual
Reading Books One & Two
Workbooks A & B
Teaching Cards
Lonely Vowels Teacher’s Manual
Mastery Management Test Manual & Student Test Booklet (optional)
Supplemental Materials:
Stevenson’s Letters Workbooks & Lonely Vowels Books
No matter the starting point, we tailor the journey to each student. Let’s find the right path together! 📞 Call (937) 532-0772 today.