This post addresses ESL Literacy teachers regarding the realistic expectations for reading among CLB 1L learners. It clarifies that at this level, reading involves fundamental skills such as recognizing letters, identifying sight words, and matching words to visuals rather than independent reading or comprehension of texts. The focus should be on building a solid foundational understanding of print, which includes concepts like letter-sound relationships and text directionality. Teachers are encouraged to provide supportive reading tasks and practice to foster confidence and meaning in literacy, reminding them that engagement with print is more important than the volume of reading.