Resources

Sample eBooks & Instructional Materials

Best Practices in Structured Literacy Instruction

When reading feels out of reach, Friends on the Block creates opportunities for growth.

Grounded in the Science of Reading, Friends on the Block combines evidence-based instructional practices, data-based decision-making, intensive intervention, cumulative review, and innovative decodable texts to support literacy development. Its flexible design supports implementation within Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks, helping educators tailor instruction to student needs while fostering confidence, engagement, and success in reading.

Target Word List

Scope and Sequence

Free Instructional Materials for Struggling Readers

Friends on the Block is divided into four stages, all with explicit instruction, that decrease scaffolding as students advance. Here, we provide one sample from each stage for your review and/or use with your struggling readers.

Level 1 Sample Sam's Lunch

“Sam’s Lunch” is a fiction story about friends who come to the rescue when Sam forgets his lunch.

Phonemic Awareness and Letter Sounds
6 Read It words
Lessons are divided into three parts: Warm-Up, Book Reading, and Learning Games

Infographic: Written and Illustrated by Jennifer Cheatham

Preparing to Decode Level 1 Sample Downloads

Sam's Lunch - eBook

Level 1 - Teacher's Guide

Level 1 - Warm-Up Charts

Level 1 - Learning Games

Level 4 Sample Sam and Jazz Take a Walk

“Sam and Jazz Take a Walk” is a fiction story about meeting a friend who is afraid of Sam’s dog, Jazz.

Decoding Strategies for Reading
6 Read It words
5 Sound It Out words
Review of previously learned words
Lessons are divided into three parts: Warm-Up, Book Reading, and Learning Games

Early Decoding Level 4 Sample Downloads

Sam & Jazz Take a Walk - eBook

Level 4 - Teacher's Guide

Level 4 - Warm-Up Charts

Level 4 - Learning Games

Level 7 Sample Kids on the Block

“Kids on the Block” is a fiction story about being sensitive to friends’ feelings.

Decoding Strategies for Reading
15 Read It words
15 Sound It Out words
Lessons are divided into three parts: Warm-Up, Book Reading, and Learning Games

Three children sitting on the grass, with one of them in a wheelchair

Short Vowels Level 7 Sample Downloads

Kids on the Block - eBook

Level 7 - Teacher's Guide

Level 7 - Warm-Up Charts

Level 7 - Learning Games

Level 10 Sample Animals Up Close

“Animals Up Close” is a non-fiction book about animals, birds, and fish at the zoo. Illustrations are photographs.

Decoding Strategies for Reading
15 Read It words
15 Sound It Out words
Multisyllabic words
Lessons are divided into three parts: Warm-Up, Book Reading, and Learning Games

Deer standing in a grassy field with trees in the background

Vowel Patterns Level 10 Sample Downloads

Animals Up Close - eBook

Level 10 - Teacher's Guide

Level 10 - Warm-Up Charts

Level 10 - Learning Games

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Learn More About Friends on the Block

The sample materials provide an introduction to the curriculum's instructional routines, decodable texts, and learning games. To continue exploring the program:

Administer the placement test to identify instructional levels that may be appropriate for your students.
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Contact us to learn more about implementation, curriculum options, and how we can support your learners.