A specialized word attack skills program was designed to increase the reading ability of a target group of seven first grade students. These youngsters, placed in an average ability classroom, were performing below county standards. The program utilized learning centers, computers, and visual-auditory activities as motivational techniques. Students were instructed in word attack skills through the use of a zoological treasure hunt. Success of the program was measured by comparing pretest and posttest scores on the Unified County Reading Mastery Test, the Brigance Criterion-Reference Reading Test, and a teacher-created Reading Skills Inventory. Test results indicated increases of scores from primer to first grade reading level. Teacher observational records measured growth in critical thinking skills, and students demonstrated improvement in exercises involving organizing data, analysis, and using context clues. Appendixes include: the Unified County Reading Mastery Test; a teacher survey; the Brigance Criterion-Referenced Reading Test; the teacher-created reading skills inventory; a critical thinking skills checklist; a problem confirmation letter; and worksheets. (Author/LL)