Countdown for Kindergarten
Countdown to Confident Kindergarten Readers
Countdown builds kindergarteners’ foundational literacy skills through engaging, multi-sensory, evidence-based instruction. The program enhances phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary development, making early reading exciting and achievable.
Countdown equips kindergarten students with essential reading skills, focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, and academic vocabulary, while building letter knowledge, fluency with high-frequency words, and foundational handwriting skills through Really Great Handwriting. With scripted teacher guides, cumulative skill reinforcement, and an interactive online platform, Countdown ensures differentiated instruction for all learners to develop a strong reading foundation.
Teacher Guide Set
Countdown’s Teacher Guide Set comprises instructional books with easy-to-teach lessons designed to deliver efficient literacy instruction.
- Ready-to-teach lessons, with zero prep-time required
- Thorough explanation of concepts, routines, and procedures
- Strategies for adjusting and differentiating instruction
- Embedded, incremental professional development—no phonological awareness or phonics background needed
- Includes instructional lesson plan books, vowel posters, Countdown Wall Cards, student workbooks and kits
Countdown Online
An interactive platform that brings lessons to life with engaging animations, virtual manipulatives, and real-time visual aids. Countdown Online reduces prep time while enhancing instructional precision.
- Dynamic, image-based presentation tool that boosts classroom engagement and learning
- Delivers clear, effective instruction with vibrant visuals and real-time interactive features
- Compatible with interactive whiteboards, projectors, tablets, laptops, and computers
- BONUS: Access a library of activities, supplements, and professional development resources through The Supply Room
Virtual Training for Educators
Virtual Training for Educators
Unlock Countdown’s full potential with interactive, self-paced training. The implementation training is designed to fit seamlessly into educators' busy schedules, regardless of their prior knowledge of the Science of Reading. With its interactive and virtual format, it ensures a confident and powerful start with Countdown, helping educators feel fully prepared for success.
The Playgrounds
Our independent student practice tools solidify classroom learning, merge practice and assessment, and equip teachers with detailed reporting and progress-monitoring.
The Reading Playground:
- Helps students independently practice foundational literacy skills and offers additional reinforcement opportunities
- Is a fun, interactive tool featuring a variety of assessment options along with comprehensive reporting that let teachers pinpoint students’ strengths and areas for improvement
- Provides instructions and scaffolds in English and Spanish for better understanding, accurate progress tracking, and documentation of language accommodations
The Vocabulary Playground:
- Is a dynamic practice platform that simulates the natural process of vocabulary acquisition through rich, contextual encounters with words
- Not only enriches vocabulary but also enhances oral language skills, builds background knowledge, and sharpens inferencing and critical thinking abilities
Decodables
Decodable books are a critical tool for beginning and struggling readers, seamlessly integrating with phonics instruction to reinforce both decoding skills and early comprehension. These engaging books feature vibrant illustrations and skill-level-appropriate content, offering targeted practice that builds essential reading confidence and fluency. By providing repeated exposure to newly learned phonics patterns, our decodable books ensure students can apply their skills in meaningful contexts. Available in both digital and printable formats, they make high-quality literacy experiences accessible in any learning environment—at home or in the classroom. With decodable books, every child gains the support needed to become a successful, independent reader.
Countdown’s Teacher Guide Set comprises instructional books with easy-to-teach lessons designed to deliver efficient literacy instruction.
- Ready-to-teach lessons, with zero prep-time required
- Thorough explanation of concepts, routines, and procedures
- Strategies for adjusting and differentiating instruction
- Embedded, incremental professional development—no phonological awareness or phonics background needed
- Includes instructional lesson plan books, vowel posters, Countdown Wall Cards, student workbooks and kits
An interactive platform that brings lessons to life with engaging animations, virtual manipulatives, and real-time visual aids. Countdown Online reduces prep time while enhancing instructional precision.
- Dynamic, image-based presentation tool that boosts classroom engagement and learning
- Delivers clear, effective instruction with vibrant visuals and real-time interactive features
- Compatible with interactive whiteboards, projectors, tablets, laptops, and computers
- BONUS: Access a library of activities, supplements, and professional development resources through The Supply Room
Virtual Training for Educators
Unlock Countdown’s full potential with interactive, self-paced training. The implementation training is designed to fit seamlessly into educators' busy schedules, regardless of their prior knowledge of the Science of Reading. With its interactive and virtual format, it ensures a confident and powerful start with Countdown, helping educators feel fully prepared for success.
Our independent student practice tools solidify classroom learning, merge practice and assessment, and equip teachers with detailed reporting and progress-monitoring.
The Reading Playground:
- Helps students independently practice foundational literacy skills and offers additional reinforcement opportunities
- Is a fun, interactive tool featuring a variety of assessment options along with comprehensive reporting that let teachers pinpoint students’ strengths and areas for improvement
- Provides instructions and scaffolds in English and Spanish for better understanding, accurate progress tracking, and documentation of language accommodations
The Vocabulary Playground:
- Is a dynamic practice platform that simulates the natural process of vocabulary acquisition through rich, contextual encounters with words
- Not only enriches vocabulary but also enhances oral language skills, builds background knowledge, and sharpens inferencing and critical thinking abilities
Decodable books are a critical tool for beginning and struggling readers, seamlessly integrating with phonics instruction to reinforce both decoding skills and early comprehension. These engaging books feature vibrant illustrations and skill-level-appropriate content, offering targeted practice that builds essential reading confidence and fluency. By providing repeated exposure to newly learned phonics patterns, our decodable books ensure students can apply their skills in meaningful contexts. Available in both digital and printable formats, they make high-quality literacy experiences accessible in any learning environment—at home or in the classroom. With decodable books, every child gains the support needed to become a successful, independent reader.
Establishes critical literacy skills early, ensuring kindergarteners build a strong foundation for decoding and fluent reading.
The program’s Playgrounds, a play-based, digital platform, offers individualized practice and reinforces concepts and skills taught through teacher-led instruction.
Activates students’ orthographic mapping engine, a process crucial to strong literacy outcomes.
Accelerates skill acquisition and offers differentiated practice opportunities for all learners.
Combines visual, auditory, and tactile learning, ensuring a well-rounded, engaging approach to literacy instruction.
Receive embedded support with every lesson, ensuring confidence in guiding literacy instruction.
