The learning path

Learn to read, one skill at a time

Reading isn’t a pile of worksheets — it’s a sequence, where each skill depends on the one before it. Here is the path, in order. Tap any step to see what it is, how to know your child is ready, the mistake to watch for, and the practice that builds it.

Learning to Read — the Foundations Sequence

Reading & Phonics · Pre-K – Grade 1

  1. 1 Letter Sounds Each letter (and a few letter pairs) maps to a sound the child can produce.
  2. 2 Oral Blending Blending spoken sounds into a word — with the ears only, no print yet.
  3. 3 CVC Blending (Decoding Short Words) Reading printed consonant–vowel–consonant words like cat, pin, mud.
  4. 4 Short-Vowel Fluency Reading short-vowel words quickly and automatically, not letter-by-letter.
  5. 5 Consonant Digraphs Two letters that make one sound: sh, ch, th, wh, ck.
  6. 6 Consonant Blends Adjacent consonants that each keep their own sound: bl, st, mp, nt.

Faith Thinkers Math Practice Sequence

Math · Pre-K – Grade 5

  1. 1 Numbers and Counting Counting, matching, writing, comparing, and understanding numbers as quantities.
  2. 2 Addition Joining parts to find a whole, first with objects and then with mental strategies.
  3. 3 Subtraction Taking apart a whole, finding what remains, or finding the missing part.
  4. 4 Place Value Understanding that a digit's value depends on its place: ones, tens, hundreds, and beyond.
  5. 5 Multiplication Equal groups, arrays, and repeated addition used to find a total efficiently.
  6. 6 Division Splitting a total into equal groups or finding how many groups can be made.
  7. 7 Fractions and Decimals Parts of a whole, parts of a set, and decimal notation for tenths, hundredths, and beyond.
  8. 8 Measurement Using units to describe length, weight, capacity, time, area, and perimeter.
  9. 9 Money and Time Practical number skills for coins, clocks, elapsed time, and everyday problem solving.
  10. 10 Geometry Shapes, attributes, lines, angles, symmetry, and spatial reasoning.
  11. 11 Patterns and Algebra Rules, unknowns, equations, and repeated structures in numbers.
  12. 12 Data and Graphs Collecting, reading, and interpreting information shown in graphs, charts, and tables.
  13. 13 Math Word Problems Reading a math situation, choosing the operation, and explaining the reasoning.

Reading, Grammar, and Language Practice

Reading & Phonics · Kindergarten – Grade 5

  1. 1 Reading Comprehension Understanding what a text says, how it is organized, and what can be inferred from it.
  2. 2 Vocabulary Learning word meanings through context, word parts, categories, and repeated use.
  3. 3 Grammar Understanding how words and sentences work: nouns, verbs, adjectives, punctuation, and structure.
  4. 4 Spelling Encoding words by hearing sounds, applying patterns, and checking known word parts.
  5. 5 Writing Practice Building sentences, paragraphs, copywork, written responses, and revision habits.
  6. 6 Sight Words High-frequency words a child recognizes quickly in connected text.

Early Learning and Handwriting

Early Learning · Pre-K – Grade 1

  1. 1 Alphabet and Letter Recognition Recognizing, naming, matching, and beginning to write letters.
  2. 2 Handwriting and Tracing Building pencil control, letter formation, spacing, and copywork stamina.