Welcome!
I created this program because I believe deeply that every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader, and that every teacher deserves the tools and support to make that happen.
Teaching reading is both a science and an art. Throughout this journey we will explore the neuroscience behind how children learn to read and the evidence-based strategies that align with it, while also honoring how emotional safety, trust, and relationship-building amplify learning in ways that go far beyond the page.
Thank you for showing up for your learners. Let's dive in together and reimagine what's possible when science and connection meet.
Warmly, Yolande
1
The Reading Brain: How Children Learn to Read
The neuroscience behind how children learn to read, and why explicit, systematic instruction matters.
This session covers
The three key brain regions for reading · why phonological awareness matters · what happens in the brain of a struggling reader
2
Ready to Read: Building the Literacy Foundation
The pre-reading skills that align with early cognitive development and support every child's readiness to read.
This session covers
Oral language development · phonological awareness · print awareness · alphabet knowledge · narrative skills
3
The Science of Reading: What Every Teacher Needs to Know
The five core components of evidence-based reading instruction and the strategies that bring them to life.
This session covers
Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary & comprehension · decodable texts · a phonics knowledge check
4
Literacy Through Relationships: Teaching with Emotional Intelligence
The vital role emotional safety, trust, and belonging play in literacy development.
This session covers
The five components of emotional intelligence · co-regulation strategies · building an emotionally safe classroom
5
Language, Connection, and Expression
Integrating reading and writing: how oral language, reading, and writing grow together.
This session covers
Early writing and invented spelling · oral language as a bridge to writing · the early writing progression
6
Putting It All Together: Planning for Lasting Impact
A knowledge check across all five sessions, followed by reflection and action planning for your classroom.
This session covers
A 12-question knowledge check · growth reflection · forward action planning
How to use this program
01
Work through in order
Each session builds on the last, from brain science through to emotional connection and lasting impact.
02
Pause at the reflections
The reflection prompts are where the content becomes your own practice. Take your time with them.
03
Revisit any time
This is a refresher, not a one-time read. Come back to any session whenever you want to reground yourself.
04
No pressure, just growth
The knowledge checks are self-paced and self-scored, a chance to check understanding, not a test.