Headsprout Early Reading includes 80 illustrated "Sprout Stories" which reinforce the sounds, words, and skills learned in the online lessons, and help promote a love of reading. They are keyed to specific episodes and include only sounds and words the learner has been prepared by the program to read. We have found that students who read the Sprout Stories consistently have better outcomes from the program. Twelve of the stories, called "Headsprout Readers," serve as benchmark assessments designed to help assess reading progress at key points in the 80-lesson program. Most students will read all the stories fluently and accurately. Some students, however, may need additional support to achieve the reading milestones; in these cases, the recommendations found in our "Just-In-Time" videos should be used.