Take this opportunity to find out how children really learn to read and write. Explore current research that cuts through the media messages about reading wars and the right way to teach children. Learn by reading stories about children, doing interactive assignments, and exploring the latest in parent and childcare information. You will see everyday children’s play with a new eye as you understand how play can connect to literacy.

You'll learn how a child becomes literate from the moment of birth. First, you’ll investigate the many things a child’s growing mind must do to make sense of the written word and create writing. From there, you’ll explore the development of reading and writing from infancy to the early school years. You’ll know what problems to look for and how to assist a struggling reader. You will see how you can boost literacy growth during daily routines and child’s play.

Gain confidence in your ability to guide a child’s literacy development, and take pleasure in seeing how even the littlest events can lead to really big steps in reading and writing success.

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

Recommended Courses:

Students who enrolled in Ready, Set, Read! were also interested in the following courses:

Guided Reading and Writing: Strategies for Maximum Student Achievement

Creating the Inclusive Classroom: Strategies for Success

Enhancing Language Development in Childhood

An Introduction to Teaching ESL/EFL

Handling Medical Emergencies

Ready, Set, Read!

Writing for Children

Syllabus:

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when the lesson is released, but you must complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

A new section of each course starts on the second or third Wednesday of each month. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

Week One

Wednesday - Lesson 01

In our first lesson, I'll introduce you to the course philosophy and our objectives. Then I'll provide examples and anecdotes to show you some of the many ways we all interact with reading in our daily lives. We'll explore the history of reading instruction so that you'll understand where research has taken us.

Friday - Lesson 02

Just as a child communicates with us before using words, young children initiate many literacy-related activities before they actually read and write. In this lesson, I'll reveal the language skills that have the greatest impact on a child becoming a successful reader and writer. You'll end this lesson with a new understanding of the complexities of language development. You'll also see any child's language skills in a new light.

Week Two

Wednesday - Lesson 03

We all get excited when children learn their ABCs. But what role does this skill play in becoming a reader and writer? And what does it really mean to know your ABCs? Today we'll uncover the differences between rote memory, knowledge of sounds and symbols, phonemic awareness, and how all these things come together for the early reader.

Friday - Lesson 04

While attention and literacy may seem like big words for little people, the way a child's brain is attending to print in his world has a huge impact on reading, writing, and learning. In today's lesson, you'll learn about different types of attention and the importance of having an organized thinking system in order to learn about print. These discoveries may shed some light on your thinking, too!

Week Three

Wednesday - Lesson 05

Today you'll discover what's happening when a child works to store information in memory. By the end of this lesson, you'll realize how important it is to store information in some sort of order, and also how to get things out of memory again once they're put away. You'll then be able to watch a young reader with a new awareness of how this skill impacts her success.

Friday - Lesson 06

You'll understand what understanding is all about in today's lesson. How does a child make sense of what you read to him or what he reads to himself? In this lesson, we'll explore the many skills a child needs to understand text. Just because a child can say a word doesn't mean he knows the word when reading it. After this lesson, you'll know why!

Week Four

Wednesday - Lesson 07

While we'd never want or expect a child under two to read, much pre-literacy work goes on during the early years before a child is really even talking. In today's lesson, you'll learn how infants grow to become readers. We'll explore the many emerging literacy processes that occur during the first two years of life. Then I'll fill you in on numerous activities that you can do during this period to build literacy skills. Put away the flashcards—these activities are way more fun!

Friday - Lesson 08

Today we'll explore the sequence of skills that brings toddlers and preschoolers to the threshold of becoming true readers and writers. You'll learn why you should read that favorite story one more time, with enthusiasm! In fact, once you understand how much this repetition is helping your child's literacy, you'll want to read it a dozen more times. I'll provide examples of pre-writing and reading in this lesson, too.

Week Five

Wednesday - Lesson 09

Research shows that we all learn literacy skills in pretty much the same order. In today's lesson, I'll show you that order, and then I'll explain why it's okay if your child doesn't meet these milestones by a specific age. This lesson will guide you through the evolution of reading and writing letters, words, sentences, and then complex ideas.

Friday - Lesson 10

How do all of these pieces come together to produce an able reader? By the end of this lesson, you'll know what fluency looks like when a young child is successfully reading. We'll also look ahead to a child's future growth. Literacy skills continue to develop so a child can be successful with literacy activities throughout school and life. Today's lesson will help you experience fluent reading through the eyes and mind of a blossoming reader.

Week Six

Wednesday - Lesson 11

Now that you know all about the mental processes and learning sequences that lead to becoming a writer, I'll show you many activities that demonstrate how the complex skill of writing emerges. You'll learn what to watch for and how to assist a child who's becoming a successful scribe.

Friday - Lesson 12

What's going on when a child isn't reading or writing when you expect him to? By the end of this lesson, you'll know how to assist a child who struggles with literacy learning and how to locate resources for assistance. We'll also discuss learning differences to help you enjoy the strengths of a child who may be a little slower to master reading and writing than her peers.

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Kt Paxton.

After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development with high honors, Kt Paxton completed a fifth year of study and holds a California Teaching Credential. She managed a pre-school and has more than a decade of experience teaching elementary schoolchildren. Kt is also the published author of the book "More Adventures With Kids in San Diego."

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

Requirements:

Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

Student Reviews:

"Absolutely worthwhile. Great for use in classroom as well as with my own 2 children (5 years and 2 years). Very good info in last chapter on dyslexia. I have a kid in class that I am seeing these traits with right now!! Thanks!"

"After teaching K-1 for 21 years (6 yrs. teaching at risk 1st graders) I was pleasantly surprised at the level of instruction offered in this course. I felt that this was a valuable means for recertification."

"An educational experience for me. I learned so much about how young children read and write. The class answered a lot of questions that I had. Now that I am "armed" with good information, I am motivated to reach out to the young children that I'm in contact with."

"Another excellent course. I have taken two classes now and love KT Paxton and this method of learning - suits my busy schedule."

"As a future reading teacher this class was simply wonderful."

"Excellent class! Very up-to-date information - lessons were presented in a very user friendly format, and the instructor kept it interesting by giving examples from her experiences and including humor throughout the lessons."

"Great course! Great teacher! Thanks, Kt for another informative course. I loved both of your classes."

"I am a teacher, mom, and a very active grandmother. This course was an answer to my prayers! Thank you, Kt!!!"

"I am currently taking classes to obtain my reading endorsement, and this class was extremely useful. It provided information that was lacking in my other course. I loved the format of this class. I would recommend online classes to other teachers."

"I enjoyed the course. I thought it was challenging, but very useful. It directly affected the way I approach teaching reading to struggling readers."

"I enjoyed this course and found the information valuable. I loved the examples given...they helped me to directly relate the material into situations that I find myself in."

"I felt this was one of the most interesting and valuable courses that I have taken since graduate school. Lots of good, sound information for understanding how young children learn to read and write. I will use a good deal of what I have learned in my classroom. I appreciated that the instructor was knowledgeable, practical and a very interesting writer and teacher."

"I had a wonderful time taking this course. I learned a lot about how children become fluent readers and writers. I have started to put my new knowledge to practice with my six year old. Thank you for the wonderful experience."

"I have an almost 3 yr. old and almost 1 yr. old. We are planning to home school so I wanted to take a course to help me identify the steps of literacy development. What a great course. I LOVED KT and plan to take more of the courses that she offers. Thanks for this. My children will definitely benefit from it and the best part is I didn't have to leave home!!"

"I have taken many reading courses and this one is the best. Kt Paxton does a great job of mapping out the steps our children follow to learn reading and writing. She provides excellent examples and real world techniques that do not require high $$$$ kits or materials!"

"I have to say that I was nervous about taking an online course, but this course was user-friendly, informative, and very enjoyable. The lessons were just the right length and presented in a way that really mimicked a classroom atmosphere...I was really impressed by the practical activities suggested and the useful supplementary materials. I have a wealth of new knowledge to help me with my future teaching and parenting."

"I just wanted to say thank you for all of the wonderful information in this course. It was a GREAT refresher and all of the notes make for a GREAT resource for me. THANKS again!"

"I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed this course. It was packed full of information that I can use in my classroom. Also, you did a great job of presenting it in a clear and concise manner. It's the first time I ever looked forward to the next lesson being released. Thank you!"

"I learned a TON of useful information as a former teacher and mom. The information learned helped bridge connections with previous knowledge regarding the teaching of reading. All early childhood educators would benefit from this course."

"I loved taking a course where I could come away with new ideas to really use in my classroom. It was an exciting and interesting course and I learned a great deal. This was a great experience (my first online class!)"

"I'm a retired K/1 grade teacher and found this course to be the BEST course I've ever taken. I would recommend it to ALL in education. The course clarified some questions I've had through the years. I'm happy to see that the instructor values the work of Dr. Mel Levine. ALL educators should be aware of his research."

"I'm so glad that this course is available! I feel that we can always learn more about how children learn to read and write. The information presented in this class will be helpful to me as a classroom teacher and as a parent of three young children. Thanks."

"I really enjoyed taking this class. I feel like I learned a lot of valuable information that I will really use in my class. Not only with my students but with their parents and the other staff members I work with. I appreciate the way the quizzes are set up so that a student can find out what the correct answer is. Thank you so much."

"I really enjoyed the class. It had a clear goal and the information taught was very well thought out. I learned a lot of technical terms for things that I was already doing, and I also added to my knowledge of reading. Great class!"

"I really enjoyed this class. It gave me great information that I will be able to use not only with the students that will be in my class, but also with my own children. Thank you for such a great class experience."

"I really enjoyed this course and I have started using many of the suggestions in my classroom with good results. Thank you!!!"

"I really enjoyed this course and refreshing my memory on reading concepts and learning new ideas. I really appreciated the personal level in which I could relate the study to my own children."

"I really enjoyed this course. Even though I have worked with young children for many years I learned a lot. I would highly recommend this class. Great Job!"

"I really enjoyed this course. I like the way you write, it is more of a conversation than reading a lecture. I have added new information and used some ideas from the readings to enhance my students’ learning. Great course. Thanks!"

"I really enjoyed this course. I taught third grade for eleven years and am currently staying home with my 4 year old son. I found the information very pertinent."

"I really enjoyed this course! It provided me with useful insight on reading that I will use in the classroom as well as at home."

"I really enjoyed this course. The instructor made us feel very comfortable. She always had a positive comment for me. It really made me feel that she cared and wanted me to have an awesome experience with this course. I hope to be able to take another course from Kt Paxton!!"

"I really enjoy this instructor! I think she would be one of my favorite professors if I was back in school full time and on campus. She is a great communicator."

"I thoroughly enjoyed Kt Paxton's teaching style. She presented the information thoroughly and interjected many personal and professional examples which made the material more interesting and easier to read and comprehend. I have already recommended this course to other teachers in the area and hope that they take this course for recertification credits."

"I throughly enjoyed this course. I am a learning consultant and feel I can better guide teachers who are willing to make adjustments in their teaching to reach struggling readers."

"It is obvious that Ms. Paxton put a great amount of thought into this class. I will be recommending this class to several moms who home school. Thanks for sharing your knowledge."

"I took this class to get hours to renew my teaching license. The information in the lessons helped "jog" my memory from college classes. The flexibility of the online program helped me to manage my jobs, my family, and my course work. I look forward to taking more online courses!"

"It was a very informative course. I will find all of the information very useful in my career in elementary ed. The instructor was very knowledgeable and presented the material in an interesting manner."

"I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up for this course. I am very happily surprised by the level of professionalism, knowledge and course content. I would love to see this course continued with the next few grade levels and would be happy to take another course with this instructor. Thank you."

"I was very pleased w/this course. A lot of useful information and was actually more informative than a previous class I took at our local college. I was so impressed that I have signed up for another class. Thanks."

"Kt has a way of making the courses she teaches very interesting. I gained a great deal from this course that I will use with my own children. If I return to the classroom this info. will be valuable to me there, too. I have taken this course and the Enhancing Language Development course that she teaches. I'd love to take other courses from Kt."

"KT has a way of making the courses she teaches very interesting. I gained a great deal from this course that I will use with my own children. If I return to the classroom this info will be valuable to me there, too. I have taken this course and the Enhancing Language Development course that she teaches. I'd love to take other courses from KT."

"Kt is an excellent instructor. I found the material to be very relevant and helpful. She presents the material in an interesting manner that is easy to understand. I enjoyed the personal touch that she used by including her own experiences with children. She has real knowledge of the subject because she has experienced it first hand. She doesn't just give abstract theory."

"Kt is wonderful! I really loved this class, and she was so very helpful. I would love to take any of her courses."

"KT prepared an excellent course that integrated current research with standard techniques. I have been thrilled with the information in the lessons. Although I have taught students for more than 27 years, I gained new ways for teaching to help my students. Her easy manner of communicating and humor made each lesson a joy. Thanks so much, KT!"

"KT was a fantastic teacher. Her weekly subject materials were and will be very useful to me in my teaching endeavors. The supplementary materials provided will be something I will use for a long time to come as they are loaded with wonderful teaching materials. KT was happy, helpful, funny, curious and intelligent! Thank you."

"Kt was unbelievable. She draws her audience in when she speaks/writes and she truly wants her students to learn and be able to use this material in our classrooms."

"Kt was very knowledgeable and I thoroughly enjoyed learning. As I had stated before, it was good to see what I knew about children and putting that in the aspect of reading."

"Thanks for another great course. I've truly enjoyed it! I would be interested to hear if you are offering any other online courses (besides Enhancing Language Development - as I 've already completed it). Thanks."

"Thank you ever so much for the course that I just completed. I learned a great deal of information. It certainly is important to key into the child and what their needs are when teaching reading. Every parent should take this course prior to having children. They would then realize how important their role is in this developmental process."

"Thank you for all the information that you presented in such an interesting manner. I have recommended your course to many of my friends in the county and across the state. I hope that you will have them in your online classroom as they begin to need courses for certification. Thank you again for making this course both informative and interesting. I especially enjoyed the notes about the children that you used in your lessons. That made it so much more interesting than reading a text book."

"Thank you for an awesome and informative class! I feel much more confident in teaching my young children at home and more prepared for the day I return to the classroom. It had been a long time since I had a reading/writing instruction class...and it definitely was not this informative."

"Thank you for a very informative and well organized class."

"Thank you so much for the wonderful class. I really enjoyed it and came away with useful information. You were extremely helpful and supportive! Thanks again."

"Thank you so much for this valuable information. Teaching reading and writing is a passion for me as a former first grade teacher and now as a mom."

"Thank you! This course was extremely informative...and thought provoking!!! I feel that all of the teachers in our system…especially the pre-k through 3rd grade should take this course...It is an eye-opener. Wish I had had this info years ago...both with my own child and my students. Keep up the good work!"

"THANK YOU!!! This course was invaluable to me, as I am re-entering the teaching force again after 9 years of being a stay-at-home mom. I feel like I am back in the loop, and current with reading/writing research, vocabulary and practices. I will recommend this course to anyone who is interested in working with young readers and writers!"

"Thank you. This course was the most helpful and informative one I have taken in a long time."

"Thank you! This course was very helpful to me. The instruction and resources were great and I will refer to them often. I'm energized and educated for a new school year!"

"The course was very interesting and presented very well. The instructor made the lessons very informative and interesting. I would recommend both to any other student. Thank you!"

"The information in this course will be very beneficial to me as a special education inclusion teacher. I have already implemented many of the strategies and skills discussed and have found success with some. Thank you for such a wonderful class!"

"This course was so much fun! It was exactly what I was looking for in terms of learning about how children learn to read. I can apply my new knowledge directly to my job. Thank you."

"This has been a wonderful learning experience for me. I enjoyed the course and the best part is that I can pass this knowledge on to my kids and my students. It will be easier to recognize the stage of learning that a particular child is in since those don't always correlate with a child’s age. Thank you for teaching this class."

"This has been the best ed2go class I have taken thus far. The instructor was well organized, had a great understanding of the subject matter, had useful assignments and did an excellent job of facilitating discussion on the discussion board. I look forward to taking other classes by this instructor."

"This is a great and valuable class! I've learned so much that will help me be a better mother and teacher. Thank you!"

"This is a wonderful class for parents to understand how reading and writing skills develop during early childhood and early school age. I especially appreciate the practical skills I have learned throughout the course which I can use daily when I interact with my child. This course also gave me more confidence on how to work with child care professionals and school teachers together to help my child's language development. Thank you so much."

"This was a great course. It really broke the reading/writing process down into parts, which made it very easy to understand. I liked her examples, her writing was clear/concise and the supplementary materials were bountiful. I would most definitely take a class from her again."

"This was a great course. It was full of helpful and practical advice and knowledge. The instructor was very informed."

"This was a great course that was very self explanatory and helpful in my field of work."

"This was a great course, very informative. This was also the first time I've tried taking a course online. I really enjoyed it, and I will definitely continue my studies online."

"This was a very informative course and I hope to take another course taught by you in the future."

"This was a very interesting an informative course. I really enjoyed it. The instructor gave relevant examples and made the material very easy to understand."

"This was a very useful course. I received a lot of useful information. I really enjoyed the humor throughout the lessons."

"This was a wonderful, convenient and valuable way to earn the credits I needed for license renewal. I found the instructor to be very knowledgeable and the course ran smoothly from start to finish. I feel that my time was well-spent on this course and that I received information that is relevant to my job as a language arts teacher. I especially like the instant feedback from quizzes and the final exam. I will recommend this course and this online learning website to other teachers at my school."

"This was my first experience taking an online course, and I absolutely loved it! I learned so much and have been practicing the skills with my preschooler and two year old. Thanks so much!"

"This was my first online class and I really didn't know what to expect...and didn't know if I would be able to keep up, but KT made it easy. Thanks KT. You're a great instructor!!!!"

"This was my second class with Kt. She is knowledgeable, well-organized, and responsive"

"Very enjoyable, user friendly, chocked full of good information and a pleasure to participate in. I looked forward to each lesson and what I was going to learn! Well done!"

"Wish I had had KT as an undergrad professor. This course was excellent!"

"Your energy and interest in what you teach is contagious. I am very inspired to learn more and put into practice many of the strategies you shared. I actually had fun teaching a fluency lesson to 5th graders yesterday and I owe it all to this course. Thanks!"

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below: