Becoming a Fluent Reader: The Lovevery Reading Skill Set, Part 3

For just a moment, I want you to imagine your kid walking into the kitchen after a long day at school. You chat about the day over a snack. And then your kid reaches into their bag, pulls out a chapter book, and wanders over to the couch with it.

A chapter book!  

If you have an early reader or an older kid who’s struggling a bit, it might be difficult to imagine them choosing to read a chapter book. So here’s what I want you to know: If a kid “doesn’t like to read,” there’s a good chance they just don’t feel confident reading. 

The Lovevery Reading Skill Set can help with that!

Lovevery Reading Skill Set or Toddlers Can Read?

In Part 3 of the Lovevery Reading Skill Set, you’ll help your child learn advanced vowel rules—like what happens when there’s an “e” at the end of a word and how vowels work together. You’ll also walk them through common prefixes and suffixes and help them begin to build reading stamina and comprehension skills. 

If you have the Toddlers Can Read Reading Rules Course that might sound pretty familiar. That’s because Lovevery and Toddlers Can Read are in lockstep about how reading skills build on one another! It’s just that we approach the instruction a bit differently: one’s more parent-directed (Toddlers Can Read), and the other’s more kid-led (Lovevery). 

It’s important to note there’s no “wrong” or “right” between the two programs. Both are highly effective! It all comes down to your teaching approach and the needs of your child. And if you choose the Reading Skill Set instead of a Toddlers Can Read course, as Lovevery’s Head of Literacy Strategy I want you to know how to use it!  

So that’s what this post is all about.

If you’re trying to decide between the two programs, my honest review of the Lovevery Reading Skill Set might be helpful! 

Age and Stage

Part 3 of the Lovevery Reading Skill Set works on skills most commonly taught in 1st and 2nd Grades. Your child is ready for these games and activities if they:

• Read words with short vowel sounds
• Read and sell words with consonant blends
• Know common rule-breaker words
• Understand general story structure and sequence

If you think your child might need more practice on foundational skills first, consider Part 1 or Part 2 instead.

Games, Activities, and Books

Part 3 of the Reading Skill Set includes 4 skill-based games and activities and 27 confidence-boosting books. You also receive a Play Guide and access to an online portal, which means there’s no parent expertise required. 

Tip: Many of these games involve vowel sounds. If you need a refresher, read Vowels 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Short vs. Long Vowels.

Play Guide

As with all Lovevery products, the Play Guide offers insight on what you’re teaching—and why. Referencing the Play Guide helps you better support your child’s reading journey. Don’t miss the practical teaching tips and suggestions for keeping learning fun!

Tip: Before you invite your child to learn and play, take a few minutes to review the relevant section of the Play Guide. You’ll feel more confident instructing your child, and you’ll both be less frustrated.

Ends with E Adventure Game

Goal: Understand when a final “e” makes an earlier vowel say its name.

Play: Take turns spinning to see what card to draw. If your child draws a Star card, invite them to read the word. Then, have them place the final “e” and read the new word that’s formed. When they’ve read it correctly, they can roll the die and move their game piece. If your child gets a Question Mark card, have them fill in the missing vowel to complete the word, and move to the next space on the board with that same vowel. If they land on an action space, they get to read the action and take a shortcut. Whoever completes the adventure first, wins!

Tip: When kids are learning new skills, it can be tough for parents to let them struggle. Try not to jump in too quickly! Your kid will be so proud when they figure it out on their own. If they’re really stuck, ask questions to help them reach the answer themselves: What are the two sounds this vowel might say? What was our reading rule again? Now let’s try reading it again!

Final e Book Series

In this series, your child will follow Jose, a kid detective, as he solves mysteries. Along the way, they’ll practice reading words with a final “e.” They’ll even get to reveal hidden words using a special detective tool!

Vowel Team Penguin Walk

Goal: Discover how vowels work together to make one sound.

Play: Take turns moving your penguin across the small icebergs as you read vowel-team words. When you reach the end, balance your penguin on the wobbly iceberg. If a penguin falls off, start again! The game is over when all the penguins are balancing.

Tip: It can be helpful to practice all the vowel team sounds before playing this game. Try reviewing them using a whiteboard and marker or flashcards.

Vowel Team Book Series

Your child gets to break out their detective tool again as they work through this eight-book series. Along the way, they’ll learn two specific vowel pairs at a time. To prevent overwhelm, wait to read the next book until they’ve mastered the sounds you’re currently working on.

R-Vowel Frog Hop

Goal: Learn how adding the letter “r” to some words can change vowel sounds.

Play: Earn lily pads to place on the pond by reading words with r-controlled vowels. Whoever creates a path from one side of the pond to the other first wins! 

Tip: Choose the beginner or advanced version of this game to match your child’s skill level. In the beginner version, you’ll focus on just one r-controlled vowel at a time. When your child feels confident with all 5 vowels, switch to advanced-level play! You’ll find the game instructions in your Play Guide.

R-Controlled Vowels Book Series

Now that your child is familiar with r-controlled vowels, they can practice reading them in real books! 

Prefix & Suffix Story Fix

Goal: Create and read longer words using prefixes and suffixes.

Play: Invite your child to select a Story card, and then encourage them to add magnets to complete words on the card. When all the blanks are filled, laugh along with them as they read their silly story to you!

Tip: This activity can be done independently, but your child may really enjoy reading their wacky stories to you. Try to stay close by so you’re available to listen.

Prefixes & Suffixes Book Series

Your child gets to practice reading longer words in this silly book series.

Chapter Books

It’s time for big-kid books! These four books give your child a chance to practice all the skills they’ve learned. The longest one is 80 pages!

The Science

If you’re a parent who likes to nerd-out on reading science and understand the why behind the games and activities, consider the Toddlers Can Read Reading Rules online course as a companion to Part 3 of the Lovevery Reading Skill Set. 

Reading Rules is also an ideal alternative for parents with kids younger than 3 (because of the small pieces in the Reading Skill Set), those with older kids (ages 8 and up), or those who prefer a more direct instruction approach.