Sample eBooks & Instructional Materials
Best Practices in Structured Literacy Instruction
When reading feels out of reach, Friends on the Block creates opportunities for growth.
Our research-based instructional materials and strategies for teaching reading incorporate components from the Science of Reading, Response to Intervention (RTI), and other programs and practices suggested by the What Works Clearinghouse. When combined with our innovative approach to instruction, cumulative practice, and controlled texts, we are confident that your learners will find joy in the experience.
Free Instructional Materials for Struggling Readers
Friends on the Block is divided into four level bands with explicit instruction and decreasing scaffolding. Here, we provide one sample from each level band for your review and/or use with your struggling readers.
Level 1 Sample
Sam's Lunch
“Sam’s Lunch” is a fiction story about friends who come to the rescue when Sam forgets his lunch.
- Sounds-first reading instruction
- 6 "Read It" words
- Lessons are divided into three phases: Warm-Up, Predict and Read, and Learning Games.
Level 1 Sample Downloads
Sam's Lunch - eBookLevel 1 - Teacher's GuideLevel 1 - Warm UpsLevel 1 - Reading Games
Level 4 Sample
Sam and Jazz Take a Walk
“Sam and Jazz Take a Walk” is a fiction story about meeting a friend who is fearful of Sam’s dog Jazz.
- Decoding Strategies for Reading
- 6 Read It words
- 5 Sound It Out words with Short Vowels
- Lessons are divided into three phases: Warm-Up, Predict and Read, and Learning Games.
Level 4 Sample Downloads
Sam & Jazz Take a Walk - eBookLevel 4 - Teacher's GuideLevel 4 - Warm UpsLevel 4 - Reading Games
Level 7 Sample
Kids on the Block
“Kids on the Block” is a fiction story about being sensitive to friends’ feelings.
- Decoding Strategies for Reading
- 15 Read It words
- 15 Sound It Out words with consonant blends
- Lessons are divided into three phases: Warm-Up, Predict and Read, and Learning Games.
Level 7 Sample Downloads
Kids on the Block - eBookLevel 7 - Teacher's GuideLevel 7 - Warm UpsLevel 7 - Reading Games
Level 10 Sample
Animals Up Close
“Animals Up Close” is a non-fiction book about animals, birds, and fish at the zoo.
- Decoding Strategies for Reading
- 15 Read It words
- 15 Sound It Out multisyllabic words with consonant blends
- Lessons are divided into three phases: Warm-Up, Predict and Read, and Learning Games.
Level 10 Sample Downloads
Animals Up Close - eBookLevel 10 - Teacher's GuideLevel - 10 Warm UpsLevel 10 - Reading Games
Use Samples for Individual or Small Group Reading Instruction in Your Neighborhood
Friends on the Block invites you to administer the Placement Test and download the sample lessons appropriate for your struggling readers.
Follow the Teacher’s Guide to teach letter sounds and blends, read the leveled text with decreasing scaffolds, and provide ample practice with our engaging reading games.
We trust that once you see a dramatic improvement in your students’ skills and confidence, you will want to implement the Complete Curriculum with all of your learners, especially those with intensive needs.
Contact us for more information about the Friends on the Block Literacy Curriculum. A knowledgeable representative will respond to answer your questions.
