A reading program built for kids who learn differently.
The Stevenson Language Skills Program is a structured, multi-sensory approach to reading that meets every student exactly where they are. Here is everything you need to know about how it works and where to start.
Structured. Sequential. Fun to teach.
The Stevenson program combines the latest science of reading with creative, multi-sensory strategies that make every lesson memorable for both the student and the teacher.
Explicit and sequential lessons
Every concept is introduced in a specific order, building on what came before. Students never skip ahead before they are ready, which means no gaps in their foundation.
Multi-sensory learning
Each lesson combines seeing, saying, hearing and moving. Visual cues, mnemonic stories and physical activities help students connect sounds and symbols in a way that sticks.
Clear scripts for teachers
You do not need to be a reading specialist. Each lesson comes with a clear script and minimal prep so parents, tutors and teachers can teach with confidence from day one.
Confidence that builds over time
Students see real progress quickly. As they move through the levels their reading, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and comprehension all grow together.
Works for all ages
The Stevenson program is designed for students of all ages — from young children just starting out to high schoolers and adults who never got the foundation they needed.
Affordable and accessible
High-quality materials at a price that works for families, tutors and schools. Every student deserves access to a program that actually works.
Three levels. One clear path forward.
Each level builds on the last, giving your student the right skills at the right time. Not sure where to start? Take our free quiz.
Level 1
Beginning Green Level
Best for grades 1–3 or any student who needs to learn letters and sounds from scratch.
- Letter sounds and phonemic awareness
- Double vowel digraphs and sight words
- Open and vowel-consonant-e syllable patterns
- Vocabulary development and penmanship
Level 2
Basic Blue Level
Best for grades 3–12. The most popular starting point for students who know letters but are still struggling.
- R-controlled and closed syllable patterns
- Diphthongs, spelling options and prepositions
- Grammar including nouns, verbs and adjectives
- Mnemonic clues and multi-sensory activities
Level 3
Intermediate Peach Level
For students who are reading but need to tackle more advanced vocabulary, grammar and comprehension.
- Consonant-le syllable patterns, prefixes and suffixes
- Latin, Greek and Anglo-Saxon word roots
- Irregular vowel patterns
- Science and social studies reading content
Where should my student start?
Every student learns differently. Use this guide to find the right starting point, materials and strategies based on your child's age and skill level.
Kindergarten
Stevenson's Letters books with Teacher's Manual, Letter Clue Workbook and Printing Workbook.
First Grade
Beginning Green Level Teacher's Manual, Reading Books One and Two.
Essential Materials
Workbooks A and B, Teaching Cards, Mastery Management Test Manual and Student Test Booklet.
Supplements
Lonely Vowels materials, Stevenson's Letters Workbooks, supplementary readers.
Where to Start
Start at Lesson 1 of the Beginning Green Level and progress at a comfortable pace using Mastery Management Tests.
Recommended Set
Beginning Green Level Complete Set plus supplements.
When Ready
Add Lonely Vowels materials as the student progresses.
Beginning Green Level
Best for students struggling with consonant sounds, slow progress or speech and language difficulties.
Overlapping Strategy
Ideal for students who know consonant sounds and some sight words but struggle with vowels and phonics inconsistencies.
Overlapping Strategy
Covers Beginning Green plus the first 9 lessons of Basic Blue. Complete remaining Basic Blue, then Peach Level.
Essential Materials
Teacher's Manual and Student Book, Basic Blue Level Teaching Cards, Workbooks A through C, Reading Books 1 through 3, Mastery Management Test Manual and Test Booklet.
Overlapping Strategy
Best for students who know letter sounds and sight words. Covers Beginning Green plus the first 9 lessons of Basic Blue.
Beginning Green Level
Best for students with significant learning challenges. Builds foundational decoding skills from the ground up.
Essential Materials
Teacher's Manual, Reading Books 1 and 2, Workbooks A and B, Teaching Cards, Lonely Vowels materials, optional Mastery Management Test Manual and Student Test Booklet.
Supplemental Materials
Stevenson's Letters Workbooks, Lonely Vowels Books.
Two paths. One destination. Confident reading.
Not every student starts in the same place. The Stevenson program offers two structured paths depending on where your student is right now.
For students who already know some letter sounds
Designed for students in grades 3–12 who recognize letter sounds and know some sight words but need structured help with fluency, spelling and comprehension.
Start with the Overlapping Level Set, combining the Beginning Green Level with the first part of the Basic Blue Level
Move through the Basic Blue Level to build grammar, fluency and word attack skills
Advance to the Peach Level for vocabulary expansion and advanced comprehension
For students who do not yet know letters and sounds
Designed for younger students in grades 1–3 or older students with more significant learning challenges who need to build phonemic awareness from the very beginning.
Start with the Beginning Green Level Set to master phonics, phonemic awareness and sight words
Move on to the Basic Blue Level, then the Peach Level, building skills in a precise sequence
Students gain confidence while improving fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and writing skills
Learning that sticks because it's memorable.
The Stevenson program uses visual mnemonics to make reading easier and more memorable. Each concept is paired with a short story, a visual character or a multi-sensory activity that helps students connect sounds and symbols in a way their brain holds onto.
From the OA Friends to the Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich for long vowels, these memorable cues turn abstract phonics rules into something students can picture, say and do.
"Short stories, visual models and multi-sensory activities help students build decoding skills that last."
The Stevenson Method
The OA Friends
A visual story that helps students remember the OA vowel combination and when to use it
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Long vowels made unforgettable through the classic sandwich mnemonic
Layer Cake
Silent E and suffix rules explained through a layered cake analogy students love
Hard C Mnemonic
A movement-based activity that locks in the Hard C sound and when to use it
Not sure which level is right for your student?
Take our free 6-question quiz and we'll recommend the exact materials your student needs — then take you straight to the store.
Have questions?
Our team is happy to help you find the right program for your student. Reach out anytime.