
Grades K–5
Comprehensive Core Curriculum
Welcome to Open Court Reading
Built on the Science of Reading, Validated by Research
For more than 60 years, research has been the mainstay of Open Court Reading. Built upon findings from original learning theory and cognitive science, and balanced with teacher input and modern research on literacy development, Open Court Reading delivers undeniable results for learners at every level.
Instruction that Turns Research into Action
The Science of Reading is only a body of research unless it's made actionable. Through systematic, explicit instruction and a scope and sequence that follows a purposeful progression of skills—first build a strong foundation, then build upon that foundation— Open Court Reading empowers teachers to turn research into action every day.
Foundations for Lifelong Literacy
Literacy research consistently shows that complex learning cannot take place without strong foundational skills. Open Court Reading provides students the building blocks needed to read and comprehend texts across genres, synthesize information to develop and discuss complex thoughts and ideas, and become fluent storytellers themselves.
Components for Open Court Reading
All components, except for Kits, available in print and digital formats
Grade K
Instructional Resources
Student Readers




First Reader
Helps students transition from teacher-led instruction to independent reading. Soft cover for small hands.




Big Books/Little Books
16 books: 12 units, 1 science, 1 social studies, 1 Alphabet, 1 rhyming. Available in both sizes.




Pre-Decodable and Decodable Stories
14 core pre-decodable 28 core decodable stories
Teacher’s Edition and Guides




Teacher’s Edition
Every lesson provides differentiated instruction and EL support. Two units in six volumes.




Intervention Teacher's Guide
Features lesson-by-lesson intervention support at point of use.




EL Support Guide
Guidance and practice with phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar skills.




Skills Practice
Practice alphabetic knowledge, phonemic awareness, and phonics.
Assessments




Lesson & Unit Assessments
Measure alphabetic knowledge, phonemic awareness, and phonics.




Benchmark Assessments
Covers foundational skills, comprehension, grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Skills Kits




Sample Program Online
Foundational Skills Kit
Provides research-based instruction and classroom-tested tools to help every student master essential skills.
Grade 1
Instructional Resources
Student Readers




Student Anthology
Narrative and informative texts highlight key ideas and details; writing as a craft, and background knowledge and ideas.




Big Books/Little Books
16 books: 12 units, 1 science, 1 social studies, 1 Alphabet, 1 rhyming. Available in both sizes.




Pre-Decodable and Decodable Stories
Five pre-decodable stories and 109 decodable stories
Teacher’s Edition and Guides




Teacher’s Edition
Every lesson provides differentiated instruction and EL support. Two units in six volumes.




Intervention Teacher’s Guide
Features lesson-by-lesson intervention support at point of use.




EL Support Guide
Guidance and practice with phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar skills.




Skills Practice
Practice phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency
Assessments




Lesson & Unit Assessments
Measure phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency.




Benchmark Assessments
Covers foundational skills, comprehension, grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Skills Kits




Learn More
Sample Program Online
Foundational Skills Kit
Provides research-based instruction and classroom-tested tools to help every student master essential skills.
Grade 2
Instructional Resources
Student Readers




Student Anthology
Narrative and informative texts highlight key ideas and details; writing as a craft, and background knowledge and ideas.




Pre-Decodable and Decodable Stories
55 core decodable stories in seven books




Language Arts Handbook
Provides models and acts as reference book for writing, revising, and editing skills.
Teacher’s Edition and Guides




Teacher’s Edition
Every lesson provides differentiated instruction and EL support. Two units in six volumes.




Intervention Teacher’s Guide
Features lesson-by-lesson intervention support at point of use.




EL Support Guide
Guidance and practice with phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar skills.




Skills Practice
Practice phonics, spelling, accessing complex texts, writing, grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Assessments




Lesson & Unit Assessments
Measure phonics, spelling, accessing complex texts, writing, grammar, usage, and mechanics.




Benchmark Assessments
Covers foundational skills, comprehension, grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Skills Kits




Learn More
Sample Program Online
Foundational Skills Kit
Provides research-based instruction and classroom-tested tools to help every student master essential skills.
Grade 3
Instructional Resources
Student Readers




Student Anthology
Narrative and informative texts highlight key ideas and details; writing as a craft, and background knowledge and ideas.




Pre-Decodable and Decodable Stories
23 Core Decodable stories available in four books




Language Arts Handbook
Provides models and acts as reference book for writing, revising, and editing skills.
Teacher’s Edition and Guides




Teacher’s Edition
Every lesson provides differentiated instruction and EL support. Two units in six volumes.




Intervention Teacher’s Guide
Features lesson-by-lesson intervention support at point of use.




EL Support Guide
Guidance and practice with phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar skills.




Skills Practice
Practice word analysis, vocabulary, accessing complex texts, spelling, fluency writing, grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Assessments




Lesson & Unit Assessments
Measure word analysis, vocabulary, accessing complex texts, spelling, fluency writing, grammar, usage, and mechanics.




Benchmark Assessments
Covers foundational skills, comprehension, grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Skills Kits




Learn More
Sample Program Online
Foundational Skills Kit
Provides research-based instruction and classroom-tested tools to help every student master essential skills.
Grade 4
Instructional Resources
Student Readers
Teacher’s Edition and Guides




Teacher’s Edition
Every lesson provides differentiated instruction and EL support. Two units in six volumes.




Intervention Teacher’s Guide
Features lesson-by-lesson intervention support at point of use.




EL Support Guide
Guidance and practice with phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar skills.




Skills Practice
Practice word analysis, vocabulary, accessing complex texts, spelling, fluency writing, grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Assessments




Lesson & Unit Assessments
Measure word analysis, vocabulary, accessing complex texts, spelling, fluency writing, grammar, usage, and mechanics.




Benchmark Assessments
Covers foundational skills, comprehension, grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Skills Kits
Learn More
Word Analysis Kits
Resources to develop critical reading skills that enable students to approach new words and more complex texts.
Grade 5
Instructional Resources
Student Readers
Teacher’s Edition and Guides




Teacher’s Edition
Every lesson provides differentiated instruction and EL support. Two units in six volumes.




Intervention Teacher’s Guide
Features lesson-by-lesson intervention support at point of use.




EL Support Guide
Guidance and practice with phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar skills.




Skills Practice
Practice word analysis, vocabulary, accessing complex texts, spelling, fluency writing, grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Assessments




Lesson & Unit Assessments
Measure word analysis, vocabulary, accessing complex texts, spelling, fluency writing, grammar, usage, and mechanics.




Benchmark Assessments
Covers foundational skills, comprehension, grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Skills Kits
Learn More
Word Analysis Kits
Resources to develop critical reading skills that enable students to approach new words and more complex texts.




Experience Open Court Reading
Explore how Open Court Reading can deliver literacy success to your classroom.