Reading Programs for Elementary Schools

Designed for: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6

This all-inclusive suite consists of 16 comprehensive elementary reading programs for schools and provides unparalleled coverage of your K-6 reading/language arts curriculum standards.

Complete Reading K-6 includes the best reading programs for elementary schools all in one place. Thousands of interactive activities cover phonemic awareness and phonics, word recognition, vocabulary, spelling, comprehension, grammar, and writing. Essential Skills reading programs for elementary schools have been trusted by educators for over 20 years. They have a long-standing track record of producing measurable results and of being one of the most successful reading programs for elementary school students available. There are no other elementary reading programs online that deliver the same level of comprehensive skills coverage or can compare on value. Essential Skills is truly a cut above the competition. When considering elementary reading programs for online and classroom instruction, Complete Reading K-6 should be at the top of your list.

Engaging Literacy Programs for Elementary Schools

Our literacy programs for elementary schools are designed to engage young readers and help them build foundational literacy skills. Elementary reading programs use a combination of interactive lessons and skill-building exercises to ensure students not only learn but also retain key reading strategies. The goal is to provide teachers and tutors with the tools they need to inspire a love of reading among elementary students, making these literacy programs for elementary schools a vital part of any comprehensive reading plan. By using reading programs for elementary schools, teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the unique needs of each student. Our elementary reading programs offer adaptable lessons that cater to different learning styles, ensuring that students of all abilities can improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and overall literacy skills.

Supporting Teachers with the Best Reading Programs for Elementary Schools

Teachers are often in search of the best reading programs for elementary schools that can support their daily instruction while saving time. Essential Skills reading programs allow educators to focus on teaching rather than planning additional activities. With lessons designed to target key reading and literacy skills, teachers can feel confident knowing their students are benefiting from one of the best reading programs for elementary schools available. These elementary reading programs offer comprehensive coverage of reading skills, from phonemic awareness to comprehension, ensuring students meet or exceed their reading goals. The structured yet flexible design of these programs also makes them an ideal fit for both classroom use and individualized instruction, helping students progress at their own pace.

This bundle includes the following elementary reading programs

Complete Reading Program for Kindergarten

Complete Reading Grade 1

Complete Reading Grade 2

Complete Reading Grade 3

Reading Comprehension Level 4

Reading Comprehension Level 5

Reading Comprehension Level 6

Vocabulary Builder Grade 4

Vocabulary Builder Grade 5

Vocabulary Builder Grade 6

The Best Value in K–6 Learning

Access the full Essential Skills library — all subjects, all grade levels — for one simple price per class or school. Discover why thousands of educators trust our research-based programs to build foundational skills and boost student success.

See Our Pricing

See measurable student gains — or your money back.

We stand behind our programs. If your students don’t show measurable progress in 6 months, we’ll refund your subscription — no questions asked.

Just use the program 2–3 times per week for 20–30 minutes per session, and track progress using our built-in reports.

We believe in results, and we’re putting that belief in writing.

Perpetual CD Licenses
PC Windows Only (System Requirements)

The desktop version of Essential Skills is available exclusively as a school-wide license, giving your entire school unlimited access to our complete library of programs for one affordable, one-time price. There are no subscription fees, so you can use it year after year at no additional cost. This fast, reliable solution is perfect for schools with limited internet access and provides comprehensive coverage for every student. Easily installed on your network, it securely stores student data on a central server and works with any Windows PC.

Site License (CD)

For unlimited use on all workstations at an individual school

$10739 Perpetual License

No subscription charges or renewal fees

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Essential Skills programs incorporate the science of reading framework?

Focusing on the foundations of learning has always been at the heart of our company and our products. Since our founding in 1995 (originally under the name "Back to Basics"), we have been dedicated to providing programs that build the essential skills needed for early reading, math, and science success.

Our reading curriculum, developed by teachers and reading specialists, is based on the most well-established methods for teaching children to read. It aligns closely with the science of reading framework and the five key components of reading instruction identified by the National Reading Panel: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Essential Skills programs comprehensively address each of these areas, with fluency nurtured through systematic instruction in the other four components.

Without mastery of these basic skills, there is no path to develop fluency. A fluent reader is the ultimate goal of any early literacy program. This is how Essential Skills programs incorporate the science of reading framework: it is woven into the very fabric of our company and our products.

What are elementary reading programs?

Elementary reading programs are structured educational programs designed to teach and improve reading skills in young students, typically in grades K-5. These programs focus on foundational literacy skills, including phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency, to ensure that students build strong reading abilities.

Why are reading programs for elementary schools important?

Reading programs for elementary schools are important because they help students develop critical literacy skills during their early years. A strong foundation in reading is essential for academic success in all subjects, as well as for developing good communication and thinking skills. Early intervention through these programs ensures students are prepared for future academic challenges.

What components should a successful reading program for elementary students include?

A successful reading program for elementary students should include the following components:

Phonemic awareness: Teaching students how to identify and manipulate the sounds in words.
Phonics instruction: Helping students understand how letters represent sounds in written language.
Fluency development: Practicing reading with speed, accuracy, and expression.
Vocabulary building: Expanding students’ knowledge of words to improve their understanding of text.
Comprehension strategies: Teaching students how to interpret, summarize, and analyze what they read.

What are literacy programs for elementary schools?

Literacy programs for elementary schools are structured, curriculum-based initiatives designed to teach reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills to students in grades K-5. These programs aim to build a strong foundation in early literacy by focusing on key components such as phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and overall reading comprehension.

Many schools use a tiered strategy, such as the Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, to provide targeted support based on students' needs. This approach typically includes three tiers:

Tier 1: Core classroom instruction for all students, incorporating research-based teaching methods to ensure a solid foundation in literacy.
Tier 2: Small group interventions for students who need additional support.
Tier 3: Intensive, individualized instruction for students with significant challenges.

Examples of commonly used literacy programs include:
Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI): A small-group, supplementary intervention program designed to help struggling readers make faster progress.
Wilson Reading System: A structured literacy program that provides explicit, multisensory instruction in phonics and other foundational reading skills, often used for students with dyslexia or other learning disabilities.

Essential Skills programs complement these approaches by offering comprehensive, systematic instruction aligned with the science of reading. With a focus on foundational skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension, these programs provide educators with the tools to meet diverse student needs across all tiers of instruction.

How can teachers implement the best reading programs for elementary schools in their classrooms?

Teachers can implement the best reading programs for elementary schools by:

Incorporating daily reading practice: Setting aside time for independent reading, guided reading, and read-aloud sessions.
Providing leveled readers: Offering books that match each student's reading level to encourage progress and confidence.
Using explicit phonics instruction: Teaching students how to decode words using phonics principles.
Conducting small group instruction: Grouping students based on their reading abilities for targeted support.
Integrating technology: Using digital tools and apps to enhance reading practice and track student progress.