We take the guesswork out of teaching students to become proficient readers!

Yes. The Stevenson Reading Program used evidence based strategies, integrating all components of the science of reading, along with our unique and effective mnemonic clues. Stevenson is explicit, sequential, and multi-sensory. Each lesson builds on the previous one, using concrete visual aids and familiar memory cues—like associating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a vowel pattern—to reinforce learning. Students develop phonemic awareness, phonics, writing, vocabulary visualization, grammar, fluency, and comprehension while mastering word decoding. See free lesson videos for details.

No. Our streamlined curriculum is fun, easy to implement, and designed for retention. Each lesson includes clear scripts, engaging activities, and adaptability for individual or group sessions with a wide range of students. No need for endless prep—master the program and enjoy teaching!

Yes. We believe in keeping teacher and student materials at a reasonable cost, ensuring access for all educators. Visit our Decision Guide and explore free sample lessons and videos to get started!

The Need to Read, founded by experienced teachers and reading experts, continues Nancy Richardson Stevenson’s transformative program, taking it to new heights. We’re building a community dedicated to helping struggling readers. Join our email list for updates!

Yes, each lesson is scripted and contains additional information to ensure the successful implementation of the Stevenson Reading Program. Each level of the program comes with a teacher’s manual and student materials.

Yes, a parent can learn how to use the Stevenson Reading Program to help their child. That decision should be based on the dynamic of the situation. Some parents and children can have success working together, and for others it may be best to have a tutor or teacher provide instruction. You know your student best.

Phone support is available to teachers, tutors and parents. We also have live training sessions to ensure successful implementation of the program. We’re committed to supporting educators and students with effective, phonics-based reading instruction. Join our growing community for resources, training, and peer support. Get help through live Q&A sessions, email (info@theneedtoread.org), or call (937) 532-0772.

If you are looking for a Stevenson Reading Tutor, please reach out to us through email or phone. You may also fill out the form on the home page of this website.

We have a few tutors available at this time. The Need To Read plans to provide training to more teachers as we grow, which will allow more students access to Stevenson Trained instructors.

If you would like to attend a Stevenson Training workshop, please reach out to us through email or call us at (937) 532-0772

Long vowel sounds are the easiest to hear and discriminate. Students are used to hearing the alphabet song which emphasizes the long vowel sounds. Long a sounds like the letter name, as does long e, long i, long o and long u. These sounds are consistent in words containing long vowel sounds: goat, boat, coat, pain, pane, etc. Short vowels sounds can change depending on the word and the person pronouncing it. This can be very confusing to struggling readers. Stevenson teaches long vowel sounds first and uses special process mnemonics to make them understandable and help with retention. Students learn quickly with this process and gain confidence early on. This is important, to keep students motivated and making progress.