The Reading Lesson is a 20-lesson phonics program by Michael Levin, MD, and Charan Langton designed to teach children ages 3-8 to read at a second-grade level through short daily lessons using a simplified phonetic approach.
What is The Reading Lesson?
The Reading Lesson is a learn-to-read program created by Dr. Michael Levin, a pediatrician specializing in learning and attention problems, and co-author Charan Langton. They developed the approach while teaching their own children to read and published it in 2002. The program spans 20 lessons (approximately 40 weeks at recommended pace) and uses a simplified phonetic approach with strategic letter introduction—letters aren't taught alphabetically but in groups that let children read actual words from the very first lesson. The program takes children from no reading skills to approximately second-grade reading level.
Key Takeaways
- 20 lessons completed over approximately 40 weeks with daily 15-minute sessions
- Children read real words and stories from the very first lesson
- Uses unique marking system to help with phonetic patterns and letter confusion
- Available as paperback ($20), Kindle ($4), and software bundles ($45-$150)
- Used successfully with over 200,000 families including children with learning differences
How It Works
The Reading Lesson takes a notably different approach from many phonics programs. Letters are introduced in strategic groups rather than alphabetically—the first lesson teaches c, o, s, a, and t because these immediately combine into readable words. A unique marking system uses underlining and symbols to alert children to phonetic patterns: hollow circles above vowels indicate alternate sounds, visual cues distinguish similar letters like "b" and "d." The program explicitly teaches sound blending using visual guides that help students "sound out" unfamiliar words. Approximately 300 key words form the foundation, with phonics rules kept to a bare minimum for simplicity.
Format Options
Who It's Best For
The program is designed for children ages 3-8, with pacing adjusted by age: under 5 years old, work through one page per day; ages 5-6, two to three pages daily. Sessions should stay under 15 minutes. The Reading Lesson has found particular success with children who have learning differences—the visual marking system and consistent approach provide helpful structure. However, this is exclusively a reading program: letter formation isn't taught (a separate Writing Lesson is available), and it focuses on one- and two-syllable words to first-grade reading level. You'll need additional resources for handwriting and advanced reading skills.
The Bottom Line
The Reading Lesson offers a streamlined path from non-reader to confident beginning reader through daily 15-minute sessions. What sets it apart is the immediate success children experience—reading real words on day one rather than drilling isolated letters for weeks first. The authors' background in pediatrics and learning differences shows in the thoughtful visual support system. At under $25 for the paperback (or just $4 for Kindle), it's an affordable way to teach reading fundamentals. Pair it with a handwriting program and you have the basics covered.
