EXAMPLE 01A parent walkthrough
Read the word: rabbit
Say: Split it into syllables: rab-bit.
Say: Say each part, then join them together.
Say: Rabbit — two hops, two syllables.
FINAL ANSWER
rabbit
READING LEVEL 3A
Two-Syllable Words & First Sentences — Level 3A Parent Guide
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Decoding grows up: vowel combinations, diphthongs, two-syllable and compound words, plus sentence copying and the first short reading passages. Writing is now expected to sit neatly and proportionately in its boxes.
Grade 1 (approx. ages 6–7) · approximate gradeTHE DEFINITION
What is Kumon Reading Level 3A?
Kumon Reading Level 3A (Two-Syllable Words & First Sentences) is the 5th of 26 levels in the Kumon reading program, where children learn decoding grows up: vowel combinations, diphthongs, two-syllable and compound words, plus sentence copying and the first short reading passages. Writing is now expected to sit neatly and proportionately in its boxes. It typically aligns with grade 1 (approx. ages 6–7) reading work, though Kumon places children by ability rather than age, so the grade is a guide, not a rule.
Level 3A builds directly on Reading Level 4A: Blends, Digraphs & Silent-E and prepares children for Reading Level 2A: Parts of Speech & Short Stories. It is one of 26 Kumon reading levels covered in this independent parent guide series.
This is an independent parent guide, not an official curriculum or placement assessment. Topics and pace can vary; your child's instructor can confirm their current work.
- Multi-syllable decoding
- Compound words (sunshine, football)
- Syllable division
- Spelling patterns
- Copying sentences neatly
- Oral reading of short sentences
How do I help my child with Level 3A?
Read one passage together, then let your child try the next one alone. A few small exercises to try together — let your child attempt each one first, then use these prompts when they need a nudge.
Original examples written for parents — not scanned worksheets or reproduced passages.
EXAMPLE 02A parent walkthrough
Read, then copy: “The dog ran to the park.”
Say: Read it aloud once, finger under each word.
Say: Copy word by word, checking the capital letter and full stop.
Say: Read the copy back to check nothing is missing.
FINAL ANSWER
Sentence copied neatly
How can parents support Level 3A?
Short, calm, and daily beats long and pressured. These small habits make Level 3A stick — pick one and start tonight.
Clap the syllables of long words — children love it and it works
Neat boxes matter: writing size is part of this level's training
Always read the sentence aloud before copying it
A LITTLE MORE CLARITY