Montessori Language: An Honest Review of the Waseca Reading Program (2025 Update)
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An honest Montessori homeschool review of the Waseca Reading Program… how it pairs with the moveable alphabet to build confident, fluent readers at home.
Let’s talk about something that’s made a huge impact in our homeschool journey: the Waseca Reading Program.
If you’ve been deep in googling Montessori or trying to piece together your language shelf at home, you’ve probably seen it mentioned and maybe wondered, “Is it really worth all that printing and laminating?” Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Keep reading.
This post is your no-fluff, real-mum review of what the Waseca Reading Program is, how we’ve used it (with both kids!), and why it’s one of the few things I’d buy again in a heartbeat.
What Even Is the Waseca Reading Program?
Photo credit (left): Waseca Biomes
The Waseca Reading Program is a Montessori-aligned, self-paced reading curriculum. It’s beautifully structured and super hands-on, perfect for helping kids move from early sound blending to fluent, confident reading.
It’s broken down into nine colour-coded levels, each one building on the last. And the best part? It uses the moveable alphabet as a core part of the learning process.
Every level follows the same four-step rhythm:
Spell the word using the moveable alphabet
Match printed word labels to the picture cards (kids naturally self-correct here… it's kind of magic)
Read a little booklet of similar phonetic words
Write or trace the words if they’re ready
It’s repetitive in the best way… simple, predictable, and so empowering for early readers.
Where the Moveable Alphabet Comes In
Okay, let’s pause here, because this part is huge.
The moveable alphabet isn’t just a fun Montessori material in this program. It’s the heart of it.
Spelling out words using the moveable alphabet is the very first step your child takes at every level. And because they already know the sounds (thanks to sandpaper letters and sound games), using the moveable alphabet helps them see how sounds come together to make actual words.
It turns spelling and decoding into something tactile and visual. No pressure. No worksheets. Just hands-on learning that clicks.
This connection made a huge difference with both of my kids, especially my younger one, who’s still early in her reading journey. The moveable alphabet gives her a way to “write” before she’s physically writing. It’s where the confidence builds.
A Quick Breakdown of the Colour-Coded Levels
Here’s how the nine levels are structured:
Red – CVC words (cat, sun, bed)
Orange – Blends (stop, crab, hand)
Yellow – Digraphs (sh, ch, th, tch)
Green – Endings with -ng and -nk
Aqua – Silent ‘e’ rule (like cake, bike)
Blue – Long vowel phonograms (ai, oa, ee)
Purple – Diphthongs and r-controlled vowels (oy, ar, ow)
Pink – Silent letters (kn, wr, mb)
Gold – Tricky phonics rules (like soft c/g and other exceptions)
It’s all so thoughtfully laid out. You’re not left wondering what to do next or whether your child’s “ready.” You just move one step at a time.
When to Start the Waseca Program
If your child knows most letter sounds and has had some experience using the moveable alphabet to build words (even just for fun) they’re probably ready to start the red set.
Blending doesn’t have to be perfect yet. The program itself helps strengthen that. Just look for curiosity and the ability to isolate sounds.
If you're unsure where your child is in the language sequence, I’ve got a free printable that lays it all out visually… from sandpaper letters to Waseca and beyond.
It’s super helpful if you’re trying to figure out what comes next and when.
To get your FREE download with a visual representation of how all the language materials fit together, and when to introduce each one to your child, sign up for our newsletter below.
How We Got Started (And What It Looks Like Now)
We started with the digital version, which meant lots of printing, laminating, and cutting. Honestly, it was a bit of a mission. But once it was done? So worth it.
My oldest (now 8) started around four years old. He took to it straight away. The structure made sense to him, and that first step with the moveable alphabet really helped him feel confident.
He moved through the levels over time, and now he’s not just a fluent reader, he loves reading. Like, we have to tell him to put the book down at dinner.
Now my daughter, who just turned 4, is using the red and orange sets. She’s a summer baby, so she’s one of the youngest in her class, but thanks to Waseca and the solid base from the moveable alphabet, she’s right on track with her peers.
And that’s really what I love about it… it’s not about pushing or rushing. It meets your child where they are and gives them the tools to keep growing.
How We Store the Materials (Without the Fancy Drawers)
We didn’t buy the physical version (though those little colour-coded drawers are so pretty). Instead, we store each set in a photo storage box and keep out only the one we’re currently working on. It’s not Pinterest-worthy, but it’s simple and works for our space.
If you’re short on space or on a budget, the digital version is a great option—you just need a chunk of time up front to get it ready.
The set Ryaan is working on sits on our shelf in a photo storage box. Six of the levels have individual boxes, while the last set is just stored in a zip lock pouch since the container only holds six boxes. It doesn’t look anywhere near as pretty as the drawers from Waseca Biomes, but it does the job.
How we display each colour-coded level of the Waseca reading program
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Program
Here’s why Waseca has been such a win for us:
It’s clear and step-by-step… no second-guessing what to do next
It works seamlessly with core Montessori materials (especially the moveable alphabet)
It builds reading skills and confidence
It supports independent learning but also works beautifully one-on-one
It’s something my kids enjoy and that makes all the difference
It doesn’t feel like a curriculum. It feels like an invitation to explore words.
A Few Things to Know Before You Start
If you go the digital route, be prepared for some prep (hello laminator).
It’s not tech-based, which we love, but it might take some adjustment if your child is used to screens.
You’ll want a simple system for storing the sets—because once you start, you’ll want to keep going.
Is the Waseca Reading Program Worth It?
In my experience? Absolutely.
It’s one of those things I didn’t realise I needed until I saw how beautifully it worked. It helped both of my kids not only learn to read, but actually love reading. And it ties in perfectly with the Montessori language materials you probably already have, especially the moveable alphabet.
If you’ve been eyeing it, this is your sign to give it a go. Start with the red set, see how your child takes to it, and go from there.
🎉 Use this link for $15 off your Waseca Reading Program purchase.
Not Sure Where to Start?
I’ve got you. If you’re still figuring out how the language materials all fit together, download my free language cheatsheet (above). It maps out what to introduce and when… so you’re not guessing anymore.
And if you have any questions about how we use it, what age to start, or want to see how we store ours… come say hi over on Instagram @east2westmama or drop a comment below. Always happy to share what’s worked for us.