This phonics Warm Up Kit for older struggling readers has 6 short sight word warm up stories built for older kids who struggle with reading. Simple sentences.
High frequency words. Activities that work without a lot of prep. Use it before every reading session to build confidence before the harder work starts.
Full Product Description
If your child shuts down before a reading session even starts, this is where you begin.
The First Cast Warm Up Kit gives older struggling readers a win before the hard work starts. Six short sight word stories using simple sentences and high frequency words in a natural reading context. Each story is short enough to finish in minutes and designed to feel like success — not another chance to fail.
Built for older kids. Not little kid stories. Not baby animals and birthday parties.
What Is Inside
✓ 6 short sight word warm up stories — simple sentences, controlled vocabulary, words that repeat on purpose until they stick
✓ Sight word practice pages — read each word out loud and keep track
✓ Body action activities — read the word, do the action, read it again — multisensory without extra prep
✓ Complete sight word body action sets — full reference pages for every word in the kit
✓ Trampoline option — more moving and grooving while learning words
✓ Instructions page — how to use the warm up stories
Who This Is For
- A parent working one on one with their older struggling kid at home.
- A homeschool family looking for something structured that does not feel like school.
- A tutor working with an older struggling reader who needs a low stakes opening to every session.
- Anyone using a structured literacy curriculum and just needs a warm up before the main lesson.
How to Use It
Use it at the start of every reading session before opening the main story. Takes five to ten minutes. The simple sentences and repeating sight words build recognition and momentum so the child goes into harder reading material feeling ready instead of already defeated.
Pairs with The First Cast decodable reader from the Fishing Dock Series. Works as a standalone warm up with any reading program.
Format
Instant digital download — 1 PDF
Print as many times as you need.
No subscription.
Also Available
The First Cast Decodable Reader — Story 1 — the full story that pairs with this kit
Fishing Dock Series Complete Bundle — all 6 stories and warm up kits
Everything I share here came from years of sitting across the table from a kid who learned differently. The printables in the shop are what we actually used. If you are looking for something age appropriate and built for an older struggling reader, start here.
I am a mom sharing our story with dyslexia. This is not professional educational advice. Every child and every family situation is different.