Level I

Level I readers use clusters, blends and digraphs, as well as consonant and vowel letter-sound relationships to solve words. They connect words that mean the same or almost the same, and use context and pictures to figure out the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary. Level I readers can quickly and automatically recognize a large number of high-frequency words, and use word-solving strategies for complex spelling patterns, multisyllable words, compound words, and many words with inflectional endings, plurals, contractions, and possessives. When reading out loud, they are able to demonstrate (without using a finger to point at words) appropriate rate, phrasing, intonation, and word stress.

At Level I, readers will begin processing texts with compound sentences, multiple episodes, more elaborate story lines, several chapters, and unusual formats such as letters or questions followed by answers. With early reading skills under control, readers can follow slightly more complex story lines. Level I readers understand dimensional characters, identify with them, and feel empathy. They can talk about a character’s motivations and feelings, and can sometimes predict what may happen next based on knowledge of the characters or the type of story they’re reading.

Purchase our entire collection of Level I-J Danny Books in the Danny Leveled Set I-J.