Intervention Programs

Word Warm-ups® Live

Component of Read Live

5 of 5 (442 reviews | add review)

Focus:
  • Phonics

Additional Support:
  • Fluency
  • Spelling
  • Phonemic
    Awareness

Skill Level: Grades 1‒5
Intervention Range: Beginning Reader to Adult Learner

Build mastery and automaticity in phonics, decoding, and word analysis with systematic phonics instruction and multiple opportunities for students to decode and encode words easily within Word Warm-ups Live. Audio-supported phonics and word analysis lessons allow for individualization and enable students to work independently. Students progress through three sequential levels, from reading consonant-vowel-consonant words like bat, to multi-syllabic words like precautionary.

Read Live A Component of Read Live

Students...

  • Improve word recognition.
  • Learn to use word patterns to decode rapidly.
  • Read words with the featured patterns in connected text.
  • Decode increasingly difficult phonetically regular words.
  • Reinforce featured phonics skills by spelling phonetically regular words.

Word Warm-ups Live provides...

  • Differentiation for students who need additional phonics instruction.
  • Motivation through graphing progress.
  • Practice and systematic review to solidify learning.
  • Instruction in the most common phonics, syllable, and affix patterns.
  • An assessment to place students in the appropriate level and lesson.

Word Warm-ups Live develops accuracy and automaticity in decoding through a modified version of the powerful Read Naturally Strategy of teacher modeling, repeated reading, and progress monitoring. Students work on short audio-supported phonics exercises for as little as 10 minutes a day as reading warm-ups or up to 30 minutes a day as an intervention.

Word Warm-ups Live Intro StepsINTRODUCTION TO EACH SECTION

The student clicks on a picture and hears a lesson about the word or letter under the picture. This instructional step provides teacher modeling. There are multiple sections in each level, each section focusing on intervention of different elements:

Level 1: One-syllable words Level 2: Two-syllable words   Level 3: Multi-syllabic words
Letter sounds
Short vowels
Long vowels with silent e
Long vowel teams
Consonant digraphs
Consonant blends
Vowels and the consonant r
Soft and silent consonants
Other vowel teams
Review Level 1 skills in compound words
Review Level 1 skills in more compound words
Base words not changed by suffixes
Base words changed by suffixes
Words with two syllables
Closed and open syllables
Two-syllable words with suffixes
Two-syllable words with prefixes
 

Word parts: prefixes
Other word parts
Word parts: suffixes
More prefixes
More suffixes
Open and closed syllables
Connectives

Select an Exercise

The student chooses an exercise to work in. Each section has six to nine exercises.  Most exercises are word-list exercises, but each section has a story exercise.

Word-List Exercises​WORD-LIST EXERCISES

If a student selects any exercise other than the story exercise, the student will see the following steps:

Look, Listen, and Respond

The student clicks a picture to hear a lesson about a featured sound, syllable, or affix. The student responds to the instruction by segmenting the featured word before reading it aloud. Then, the student clicks each of the five words to segment and reads each word with the narrator. This step helps the student learn the featured sounds or phonics patterns and provides teacher modeling.

Decode & Read Along

The Decode & Read Along step helps a student learn to decode an exercise's word list by reading the list twice. When the student chooses Start Read Along on this page, the application:

  • first reads down the columns in the word list, playing a decoding animation with audio for each word; and
  • then reads across the rows of the word list, pronouncing each word.
Word List

Before a timing, a student can click any word to see it divided into word parts and hear each word part, as well as the whole word. Then, the student reads the words in the exercise word list, down the columns and across the rows, clicking any word he or she doesn’t know to hear the word read. The student clicks finished and sees the number of words read per minute.

The student practices reading the word lists independently until he or she can read all of the words correctly. As the student practices many words with the featured pattern, he or she learns to decode the pattern more easily and to read the words with automaticity.

This step is the repeated reading component of the Read Naturally Strategy, which helps the student apply the featured sounds, phonics patterns, or language structure to master the words. This step also allows a student to monitor progress, the component of the Read Naturally Strategy that motivates the student to improve. The student can see the number of words read per minute (wpm) and can compare the number of words read to a rank that runs from Warming-up to Shooting Star.

Spelling

The student spells five words from the word list. The student listens to a word and sentence about the word and attempts to spell the word. Then, the student clicks Show Me to see if her spelling of the word is correct or if any changes are needed to make the spelling correct. The student gets full credit if she can spell the word correctly on the first try.

Phontastic

While the student waits for the teacher to do the pass timing on the word list and spelling words, the student reviews skills in a game format. All items in the game are clickable to support students’ varying needs and support growth in phonemic awareness, phonics, and word analysis. Requiring that the student attain a certain number of points while waiting (e.g., 10) is a good idea.

Pass Timing

The teacher listens to the student read the word list. To pass, the student must read all the words down the columns, then across the rows, at or above the student's wcpm goal rate with three or fewer errors.

Graph of Pass Score

A graph of the hot-timing score shows the student’s score in red along with the rank the student attained.

Pass/Review Work

The teacher reviews the student’s work in this exercise with the student and assigns any remedial options.

Story Exercise​STORY EXERCISE

If a student selects the story exercise, the student will see the following steps:

Read Along

The read along gives students a chance to read words with the featured phonics patterns in connected text. Ideally, students work through the story exercise after completing the word list exercises.

The student reads along quietly with a recording of a passage that contains words with the featured sounds taught in the section. The read along provides the teacher modeling component of the Read Naturally Strategy, which models correct pronunciation and helps the student learn new words and master others.

Practice

The student practices reading all or part of the story independently a set number of times chosen by the teacher. In Word Warm-ups Live, this reading isn’t timed, and there’s no fluency score. In Word Warm-ups, the purpose of the story is to have students read words with the featured phonics patterns in connected text.

Quick Quiz

The student completes a modified cloze question about the story. Each answer choice uses a featured sound from the section and provides another opportunity for the student to use the featured patterns in connected text. Responding to the text also holds the student accountable for meaning.

Phontastic

While the student waits for the teacher to do the pass timing on the Story and Quick Quiz, the student reviews phonics skills in a game format. All items in the game are clickable to support students’ varying needs and support growth in phonemic awareness, phonics, and word analysis.

Pass/Story Review

This activity provides an opportunity for the student to apply the featured phonics elements in the context of a story. You may have the student read all or part of the story; modify your expectations based on what you know about the student.

Pass/Review Quick Quiz

The teacher can review the student’s responses to the quiz and offer guidance in how to correct errors. This page has a dropdown to show either the student’s responses or the correct answers. The student has the opportunity to correct the answers if the teacher assigns this option on the Remedial page.

Word Warm-ups Live is a component of the Read Live platform—a subscription program that is licensed per student. Teachers can reassign licenses if students leave the program.

A printable phonics assessment helps a teacher decide whether students should use Read Naturally Live, a specific level of Word Warm-ups Live, or both programs for students needing decoding intervention. A student must be placed in a level of Read Naturally Live in order to work in Word Warm-ups.

A student works through the sections in the Word Warm-ups Live student program, and the teacher manages the student's progress in the Word Warm-ups Live teacher program.

STUDENT PROGRAM

Word Warm-ups Live includes access to 69 exercises in nine sections of Level 1, 68 exercises in eight sections of Level 2, and 48 exercises in seven sections of Level 3. Each section has six to nine exercises and focuses on intervention for different phonics elements or word analysis:

Level 1:One-syllable words Level 2: Two-syllable words Level 3: Multi-syllabic words
Letter sounds
Short vowels
Long vowels with silent e
Long vowel teams
Consonant digraphs
Consonant blends
Vowels and the consonant r
Soft and silent consonants
Other vowel teams
Review Level 1 skills in compound words
Review Level 1 skills in more compound words   
Base words not changed by suffixes
Base words changed by suffixes
Words with two syllables
Closed and open syllables
Two-syllable words with suffixes
Two-syllable words with prefixes

Word parts: prefixes
Other word parts
Word parts:suffixes
More prefixes
More suffixes
Open and closed syllables
Connectors

pointer Word Warm-ups Live scope and sequence

Word Warm-ups Live Student Program
Key activities include:
  • Word lists of words with featured patterns
    After receiving direct instruction in the featured phonics elements, affix, or word analysis of each exercise, the student practices reading the word lists to develop decoding skills and automaticity in reading the words.
  • Spelling activity
    The student spells five words from the word list to link the decoding and encoding of featured phonics patterns, deepening the student’s mastery of both reading and spelling skills​.
  • Story exercise and Quick Quiz
    A high-interest, nonfiction story in each section provides the opportunity to read words with the featured pattern(s) in connected text. The student demonstrates an understanding of the story during a Quick Quiz.
Extensive audio support includes:
  • Audio directions for each step of the process.
  • Audio lessons in the introduction to the section and in a Look, Listen, Respond format.
  • A paced recording of the story that models correct pronunciation and expression.
  • Pronunciation of words in the word list or story when clicked.
  • Auditory signals that indicate if a student's responses to the spelling or quiz items are correct or incorrect.
Structured instructional process includes:
  • Automated steps built around teacher modeling, repeated reading, and progress monitoring.
  • A wait-time activity to improve phonemic awareness, phonics and decoding skills, as well as word analysis skills.
Computerized scoring and reports include:
  • Calculation of word list fluency scores.
  • Automated correction of modified cloze questions and spelling items.
  • Graphs and reports showing student performance.

TEACHER PROGRAM

Word Warm-ups Live Teacher Program​Set up of account for district, building, classroom, staff, and/or students include:
  • Enrolling staff and students.
  • Licensing students.
  • Support for ClassLink and Google login using G Suite for Education.
Management of student programs includes:
  • A printable placement test.
  • Easily customized options for individual students.
  • Word list or spelling reports.
  • Printable exercises, reports, and awards.
Online documentation includes:
  • Step-by-step instructions for working in the software
  • Training videos that explain how to set up the software and work with students in the program.

ONLINE RESOURCES AND TECH SUPPORT

To help you implement Read Live successfully, Read Naturally provides free web resources and tech support.
pointer Learn more about Read Naturally's online resources and tech support

Word Warm-ups Live is an integrated component of the Read Live platform.

Word Warm-ups Live is an integrated part of the Read Live platform. All Read Live licenses enable full access to the Word Warm-ups Live curriculum as well as access to the Read Naturally Live curriculum, One Minute Reader Live curriculum, and Read Naturally Live-Español curriculum.

Customer Reviews

Apr 14, 2025

5

At Hamilton Elementary, we’ve seen incredible results with Read Live, and we couldn’t be more impressed with the impact it's had on our students. We originally introduced the program to support our intervention students, and the growth in their reading fluency was so impressive that we quickly decided to implement it across our entire third-grade level.

Now, every third grader in our school uses Read Live—and the progress has been nothing short of amazing. Nearly all of our students are reading more words per minute, showing stronger comprehension, and even developing better typing skills thanks to the online format. We’re seeing not just higher test scores, but more confident, motivated readers who are excited to track their own progress and challenge themselves.

Read Live provides structured, engaging, and research-based support that’s easy for teachers to manage and incredibly effective for students at all levels. The built-in progress monitoring makes it easy to celebrate growth, set goals, and tailor instruction. It has truly become an essential part of our literacy program.

If you're looking for a powerful tool to boost fluency and build confident readers, Read Live is it. We highly recommend it to any school serious about improving literacy outcomes!

— Hamilton Elementary School
Third Grade Team


Reply

Apr 14, 2025

5
Read Live has been a miracle program for our students! We are a Title 1 school, and so oftentimes, we have 40% or more of our students in reading intervention programs. It is so easy to put students into Read Live and know that they will grow, whether they need the phonics support from the word lists or the fluency and comprehension growth from the upper levels. It is also easy for our instructional assistants to learn the program and have no prep required. Students love the program, too, because the stories are so interesting to them--they can learn about real life: animals, people and events in history, places around the world. I love how it gives them background knowledge and sparks their curiosity to learn more. We love this program so much that we ordered Gate+ to help our younger students because it follows many of the same steps, just in a direct instruction manner that prepares them for the independently structured Read Live program.
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Apr 10, 2025

5

We've seen a remarkable transformation in our students' reading abilities since implementing Read Live in our literacy intervention program. This program has proven to be an incredibly effective tool for improving both reading fluency and comprehension—two of the most critical components of literacy development.
It's easy to implement and monitor, while students are motivated by the clear goals and interactive format. For schools looking to boost literacy outcomes, Read Live is a proven solution that delivers measurable results.


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Apr 10, 2025

5

I just started using Read Naturally Live this year! I could not be more impressed. The students' reading scores, oral reading, and comprehension scores are really improving. Students of all ages (mine grades 6-12) find it easy and enjoyable, so they have no problem completing the lessons.


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Apr 10, 2025

5

Our district started using this program with our ESL population this year. We like that it covers a wide variety of grade levels and phonic levels. We also have some older students using the idioms stories. It is an added bonus that these stories are all nonfiction so that we can increase background knowledge in most students. The program is easy to use, log into, and is motivational. It's a great way for kids to catch up with peers!


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Apr 9, 2025

5

I have been using Read Live with my students for 2 years. Many of my students have made significant growth in a short amount of time. I highly recommend this program to teachers and schools looking to boost their students' reading fluency skills.


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Apr 9, 2025

5

I only have 3 full months of using Read Live but it has been a game changer for my intervention students. They love the nonfiction stories and are excited to get their ribbons at the end of the whole story. This program is very user friendly and I love the information I get from it.


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Apr 9, 2025

5

Read Live has been an invaluable tool for supplementing my kids' fluency practice. Its ability to provide individualized practice and instruction has significantly benefited my students.

One of the standout features of Read Live is its capacity to differentiate instruction. This allows me to tailor the learning experience to each student's unique needs, ensuring they receive the support they require to succeed.

Furthermore, the platform facilitates one-on-one time with students, enabling me to effectively remediate specific skills. This personalized attention has proven to be incredibly impactful in helping students overcome their challenges and improve their reading fluency.

Overall, Read Live serves as a wonderful supplement to my existing curriculum, enhancing my teaching strategies and supporting my students' reading development. It has truly made a positive difference in my classroom.


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Apr 9, 2025

4

We use Read Live as an addition to our direct service. The ability to tailor Read Live stories to reinforce what is being directly taught is a bonus. The reports are helpful to help identify growth and "still needs to be supported" areas.
 


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Apr 9, 2025

5

I teach in a cross-categorial classroom and Read Live certainly meets my varying needs and helps me know how to plan my interventions. It also gives me real time information for IEP development. Thanks for this great service.


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Apr 9, 2025

5

Read live is easy to use and easy to implement! Read live helps to hold students more accountable as they are required to make a certain amount of growth in order to pass through a fluency passage. This allows the teacher to hold students accountable to being invested in the intervention. I also like that there are comprehension questions and retelling or quiz options that can be turned on or off to tailor needs to specific students.


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Apr 9, 2025

5

I really love working with Read Live with my small groups. It is a very efficient way to help students with their individualized reading needs. I appreciate the layout of the data and how I can share that with parents.


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Apr 9, 2025

4

Read Live has been instrumental for my students who struggle in reading. I have noticed an increase in fluency and comprehension with most of my students. My 3-5 grade students enjoy the program and are pleased to see their own progress and growth.


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Apr 9, 2025

5

This is a wonderful program to help students increase their fluency and accuracy. We use it as an after school supplemental program for students who are testing just below benchmark on DIBELS oral reading fluency assessments. We have seen their scores steadily increase since using this program. We also use the One Minute Live program as an at home support for families who are looking for more resources to help their children.


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Apr 9, 2025

5

I started Read Naturally Live during COVID shutdown and was so pleased and was thrilled with the results. My aide and I were able to work with our students online and they were able to work from home. While other people saw regression, our students that used the program made growth. The parents asked to continue using the program at home even after we returned to campus. I have continued using the program and am still PLEASED with the results. The data provided is beneficial in tracking growth and reporting on IEPs or to parents and other teachers. Thank you for a fabulous program.


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Apr 9, 2025

5

Read Live has been lovely, it's • Read Naturally Live, • Word Warm-ups Live, & • One Minute Reader Live, cover all the basics, vocab, phonics, sight words, reading fluency, and comprehension. No bells and whistles, just a great learning experience that is best done with a teacher, however students can also work independently on parts of it. I pray my district adopts it not only for my SPED students, but for the elementary as well, the students would all benefit. Thanks for the introductory offer, I was able to get some of my students started on a road to reading better.


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Apr 9, 2025

5

Read Live has helped my sixth-grade Special Education Students make great strides in improving their reading fluency!


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Apr 9, 2025

5

I will have to admit I was very concerned at first with my students working with this program. After being a teacher for over 20 years, I have noticed that some computer programs allow students to continue to hit next or "trick" the program into thinking they have a skill that they do not. I love how the teacher has the ability to go back and adjust the students lesson. I can make adjustments to better fit the specific skill that I am wanting to target with each of my students. I can also slow down my students that have a tendency to rush through things. I think this is a good tool to use along with a phonics program.


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Apr 9, 2025

5

I've been using Read Live for 6 years now, and I still love it and believe in it more and more each year. My students' fluency improves every year, most of them at least by one grade level, other students more. The students love to see their progression over time, and push themselves to read more. I love how I can customize settings for each student. I have some middle students that are still on a first grade reading level, so I change their settings in order that they don't become frustrated, and I can change them as they start to improve. I also love that I can give them a placement tests at my discretion. This has proven to motivate students more, they almost always show growth. This is a very motivational program, and very teacher and student friendly.


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Apr 9, 2025

5

I have been using Read Live for over 25 years. The reason I continue to use this program is the success that I see with the students. The rereads help the students keep track of their learning by tracking their own fluency. They have a goal and try to achieve that number or higher with each reading. You should see their face light up with a big smile when they reach their personalized goal. As an incentive, they get a sticker on a chart for making their goal.


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