Me and Thee Studios' Early Reader Collection

by Me and Thee Studioshttp://www.meandtheestudios.com

ElaGrades 1–2

Me and Thee Studios' Early Reader Collection: Bible-Based Supplemental Readers

Me and Thee Studios' Early Reader Collection is a set of seven Bible-based readers for mid-first through second grade containing 21 simplified Bible stories with accompanying worksheets, phonics practice, and grammar mini-lessons. The curriculum serves as a supplemental reading resource that combines Christian discipleship with literacy skill development.

Best for

Christian homeschooling families seeking supplemental readers that combine Bible stories with basic literacy practice for grades 1-2, particularly as support alongside a primary phonics program

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 1 concern · 6 neutral

Text ComplexityStrength

The curriculum presents texts above typical phonetic control level, requiring students to engage with challenging vocabulary and names.

Stories include complex vocabulary and biblical names that are 'not phonetically controlled to the extent that I see in many phonics-based readers,' requiring good word attack skills

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum facilitates direct instruction with teacher scripts and guidance for one-on-one reading support.

Includes 'script for the teacher to read to introduce the story,' 'Grammar Mini-Lesson' written for direct instruction, and expectation that 'teacher or parent to sit shoulder to shoulder with a child'

Systematic PhonicsConcern

The curriculum includes phonics practice but is explicitly not intended as primary phonics instruction and lacks systematic scope and sequence.

Author states 'these readers are not intended to be the primary reading material you use as part of a phonics program' and phonics focus words don't match story vocabulary complexity

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum builds knowledge within the specific domain of Bible stories and Christian discipleship but lacks broader domain knowledge across subjects.

Stories focus on 'developing familiarity with Bible stories and an understanding of discipleship' with clear retellings that 'stress key ideas,' but content is limited to religious domain

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides basic instructional guidance but minimal professional development for effective literacy instruction.

Includes 'two pages of instructions,' teacher scripts, and grammar mini-lessons 'written in language that you might read directly to a child, so no prior preparation is required'

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes some review through phonics practice and comprehension questions but lacks systematic retrieval practice.

Students practice phonics focus words repeatedly through reading, writing, and dictation, plus 'mini-booklet version of the story' for retelling, but no structured spaced review system

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

The curriculum exposes students to challenging vocabulary through Bible stories but lacks systematic vocabulary instruction.

Stories include complex words like 'temple, upkeep, disciples, money' and proper names like 'Mephibosheth, Belshazzar' but no structured vocabulary development beyond phonics focus words

Writing InstructionNeutral

The curriculum includes basic writing practice through dictation and simple prompts but lacks comprehensive writing instruction.

Includes 'sentence dictation,' 'writing prompt,' and space for 'brief compositions' on worksheets, with dictation sentences progressing from simple to more complex

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsNeutral

The curriculum uses complete Bible stories rather than excerpts, though these are simplified retellings rather than original complete literary works.

Each reader contains three complete Bible stories retold in simple language, described as working 'in sequence rather than as a set of seven stand-alone books'

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesGrades 1–2
SubjectEla
PedagogyTraditional
Faith-BasedChristian/Protestant

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy