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Controlled Phonetic Reading

Controlled Phonetic Reading (CPR) is an Orton–Gillingham–based curriculum designed for 1st–3rd grade students who struggle with reading and spelling.

Instead of introducing phonograms alphabetically, CPR teaches sounds in the order of their frequency in the English language. This gives students early wins and helps them quickly build confidence.

Each CPR lesson is simple, structured, and 15–20 minutes long. Lessons introduce only ONE new sound at a time and reinforce it through a phonetic story, word-card games, and multisensory activities every 5 minutes.

Parents also receive take-home stories and speed drills for daily reinforcement.

About The Author

Meet Melissa Hanson

Certified Teacher • Reading Specialist • Curriculum Developer

For years, I’ve watched dedicated students work hard yet continue to struggle with reading. Controlled Phonetic Reading was developed to give teachers and parents a simple, systematic program that builds confidence—one sound at a time.

Her passion began at home while homeschooling her three children who struggled with reading and spelling. One of her children was identified as dyslexic and placed in a school environment where he was bullied—an experience that sparked her commitment to mastering phonetic instruction.

By introducing phonograms gradually and intentionally, the program allows even hesitant or reluctant readers to experience meaningful early success. Many students are able to read their very first story after mastering just three letter sounds.

This method has delivered measurable results in hundreds of classrooms and homes, empowering students across the nation to become confident, capable readers—often far faster than anyone expected

25+ years of teaching experience

Trained Reading Specialist in Alphabetic Phonics (Orton–Gillingham)

B.S. in Secondary English

Master’s degree in Reading Instruction and Curriculum Design.

Author of multiple published reading materials

B.S. in Elementary Education

Experience across homeschool, elementary, high school, and college settings

Why CPR

Why CPR Works

Structured

Lessons build one step at a time with no gaps.

Sequential

Only one new phonogram introduced per lesson.

Multisensory

Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities support all learning types.

Story-Based

Every sound is reinforced through an original phonetic story.

CPR is a simple, structured, phonics-based reading system inspired by Orton-Gillingham methods. It teaches children to read confidently through step-by-step sounds, blending practice, and decodable stories.

CPR is ideal for beginning readers, struggling readers, reluctant readers, and children who learn best through multisensory, hands-on activities. Teachers and parents also find it easy to follow.

Most learners can read their first short story after learning just three sounds. Progress may vary, but early success is built into the system.

The program works best for ages 4–9, but older students with reading delays can benefit as well.

Each story matches the sounds the child has already learned, allowing them to experience real reading success without guesswork.

Simply download our free Reading Readiness Test or sign up to receive free resources and teaching tips. You can also explore the full collection of CPR books and materials.

Rated 5 out of 5

Some of the questions that our users do ask us

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Experience the Difference — Start Using CPR Today

Bring a proven, structured phonetic reading system into your home or classroom. Whether you’re teaching one student or an entire group, our program gives you everything you need for measurable success.