The Basic Reading Series Story

Dr. Donald Rasmussen and Lynn Goldberg developed the BASIC READING SERIES in the early 1960s at the Miquon School, a small parent-teacher cooperative near Philadelphia.

At that time, most children were taught to read using the “sight” or “look-say” method epitomized by the “Dick and Jane” readers, and many were left behind. Don and Lynn knew there must be a better way, so they spent five years developing their own reading program based on the work of the renowned linguist Leonard Bloomfield. They called their method “inductive whole-word phonics with a strong linguistics research base.”

After tryouts in inner-city and suburban schools around the country and almost a dozen revisions, the BASIC READING SERIES was published by Science Research Associates (SRA) and enjoyed great success. Over the years, other reading methods have come and then gone out of favor. Now, decades later, phonics is recognized as the scientific approach to reading instruction, and the BASIC READING SERIES is once again available.

Why Do Teachers Praise the Basic Reading Series?

“The ‘basal’ series I have found most successful and wonderful for readers through the third grade — and a lot of work, but worth it — is the BASIC READING SERIES, written by Donald Rasmussen and Lynn Goldberg. In all my 30 years of teaching, the only two classes of students that made it to my eighth grade reading on grade level (or very close) were the classes (pretty much kept intact) that experienced this series in grades one through three. Rasmussen and Goldberg had great perception in knowing how to teach children to read and great creativity in developing this program. The essential philosophy/approach of this series has been around for over 50 years. There is definitely a reason: it’s excellent and teaches reading enjoyably.”

James Charnock

Amazon.com, July 4, 2015

“I have been doing daycare for over 20 years. I have taught close to 100 kids to read with this series. And I mean REALLY read. Most enter as the top reader in their kindergarten classes. Years later they are still exceptional readers. My daughter was tested at 8th grade level reading in the 1st grade, and she was not an unusual case. I believe that the systematic use of this phonics book is essential to growing a good reader. The bonus is all the children enjoy this series. I have never heard one complaint when we begin our work. The lessons are simple, short, and last a lifetime!”

Lisa Stewart

Goodreads.com, January 19, 2013

“In the 1970’s and 80’s I used this series with children identified with ‘dyslexia’ or ‘specific learning disorders’ to use the terminology of that era. (A terminology I prefer, by the way, because ‘special needs’ is too vague.) It was especially helpful with kids who were discouraged by previous failures in reading. The stories were fun, and the logical progression of phonetic patterns gave the pupils a stable, firm foundation for reading and spelling. It was the best of many programs I had tried.”

M.C. Sears

Amazon.com, June 19, 2022

Why Do Parents and Homeschoolers Love the Basic Reading Series?

“Absolutely LOVE this reading series. The vocabulary is controlled so our children gain a feeling of mastery reading these stories. The stories are funny, which our 6-year-old loves, but not so silly that our more serious minded 8-year-old can’t enjoy them too.”

Melanie Johnson

Amazon.com, August 7, 2011

“This teaching method is the most basic and effective way to build a solid reading foundation by building simple phonics concepts. This is not a sight word program. There is a short word list with every story. The stories are only written with what is on the list. Example: Dan, fan, man, ran, can. Your child will be filled with confidence after the first story. The entire series should bring your child well over a third-grade level. My child is already reading and sounding out words after the first book. I am extremely pleased.”

Goody-2-Shoes

Amazon.com, July 19, 2013

These books should be a requirement for children pre-K and up. My 4-year-old son learned to read by the age of 5 using these books. These books are a hidden gem. I am a mom that uses these books to supplement my child’s education in school when it comes to reading and not just memorizing words.”

Cherline XO,

Amazon.com, October 14, 2014

“I remember these books vividly. I was taught reading with these books back when I was in first grade in 1976-77. We went through all the titles and levels. The great thing is the way the books build on skills and are progressive. Based on level, our class was divided into small reading groups and each group was assigned one of the books based on where they were in reading comprehension. A Pig Can Jig, A Hen in a Fox’s Den, Six Ducks in a Pond, A King on a Swing, etc. Here I am 40 years later, and I vividly remember these books and highly recommend them.”

August A. Galifi

Amazon.com, May 30, 2017