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Teach Reading the Right Way - For Free

The Science of Reading Academy is a free, self-paced online course that gives teachers and instructional coaches the research-backed knowledge they need to transform literacy instruction in their classrooms and schools. The Academy includes 6 modules, 28 video lessons, bonus content, and a certificate of completion. 

Explore the Modules 

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Module 1 - 3 Lessons

Defining the Science of Reading

As educators, you’ve likely encountered the term “Science of Reading,” but its meaning can sometimes be unclear.In Module 1, we will offer a comprehensive overview of what experts define as the “Science of Reading,” clarifying common misconceptions along the way.We’ll also delve into the tumultuous history of reading instruction, exploring the pedagogical shifts that have shaped our current practices.Finally, we will assess our current reality in reading education and discuss potential next steps for improvement.
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Module 2 - 4 Lessons

Exploring Reading Models

In Module 2, we will delve into various models of reading, each with practical implications for your teaching.We’ll start with Gough and Tunmer’s simple view of reading, a model that simplifies reading into two key components: decoding and comprehension.Next, we’ll explore Scarborough’s Reading Rope, a model that weaves together multiple strands of reading skills to illustrate the complexity of proficient reading.We’ll then cover the four-part processing model, which outlines the cognitive processes involved in recognizing words and constructing meaning.Finally, we’ll discuss the most recent model, the active view of reading, which underscores the dynamic and interactive nature of the reading process. These lessons will equip you with the knowledge to inform your effective reading instruction.
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Module 3 - 3 Lessons

Investigating the Reading Brain

In Module 3, we will investigate the fascinating processes of the reading brain. We will start by exploring the brain’s reading regions and identify which areas are involved in the reading circuit. Next, we will examine neuroplasticity and how the brain’s ability to reorganize itself impacts reading development and instruction. Finally, we will discuss the self-teaching hypothesis, which explains how children can rapidly learn to read independently once they grasp key concepts. These lessons provide a comprehensive understanding of the neurological foundations that underpin effective reading instruction, giving you a deep insight into the brain’s role in reading.
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Module 4 - 8 Lessons

The Road to Decoding

In Module 4, we will explore the integral components that combine to produce skilled decoders. We will begin with the importance of word recognition and its foundational role in reading. Ehri’s phases will help us understand where students are developmentally on their journey to becoming skilled readers. We will discuss the important foundational understandings we must facilitate for our early readers, including phonemic awareness and the alphabetic principle.We will then explore orthographic mapping, the process our brain uses to store words in long-term memory. We will discuss how orthographic mapping can apply to any word students read, including high-frequency words. Finally, we will look at decodable texts and their importance in providing accountable practice with phonics skills. These lessons will equip educators with a comprehensive understanding of the decoding process in reading instruction.
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Module 5 - 5 Lessons

Supporting Language Development

In Module 5, we’ll explore the “top half” of Scarborough’s Reading Rope as we discuss all things language comprehension.First, we’ll discuss the importance of building background knowledge, highlighting how our prior experiences and knowledge shape our understanding of what we read. We will unpack how the structure and meaning of language influence our comprehension.Finally, we’ll focus on developing fluency, examining how fluency can be a vital bridging process to reading comprehension. These discussions will provide educators with valuable insights into fostering effective language comprehension skills in their students.
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Module 6 - 3 Lessons

Investigating the Reading Brain

In Module 6, our focus is on practical implementation. Each lesson will focus on five key essentials educators need to translate the research into practice. We’ll explore the key essentials for word recognition, language comprehension, sound walls, supporting ELL students, and literacy assessments.Through these discussions, educators will gain valuable insights and practical tools for implementing a science of reading approach in their classroom.

Join the Science of Reading Academy to get access to our Incredible Bonus Content!

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What Teachers Are Saying About The Academy 

Anne, a Second Grade Teacher
I was thrilled to find this website and amazed it was all free! I'm a middle-school language arts teacher transitioning down to second grade this year. I had no prior preparation for teaching reading at that level. This course was PERFECT for bringing me into the world of elementary reading and literacy. I have already recommended the website to another teacher and a parent. The information is deep, precise, and very helpful without being overwhelming. This is an amazing resource! Thank you for making it available.
Dayane Figueiredo, Teacher
I truly enjoyed the Science of Reading Academy and found it both practical and insightful, especially in strengthening my approach to reading instruction in the classroom. I've already started applying some of the strategies with my students.
Sarah, Teacher
I wanted to say thank you so much for creating such an in-depth professional development and offering it free of charge for teachers. As someone who is starting my career as a teacher I am wanting to learn as much as I can. My passion is teaching phonics and it was something that was not covered in depth in my bachelor of educational program. I am always looking for professional development on the subject that is evidence-based. Unfortunately, I find that courses I would like to take are often extremely expensive. This was exactly what I have been looking for! I feel as though I am learning so much and am so exicted to put my learning into practice. Thanks for all the hard work putting this together! The workbooks / note templates are truly amazing. I can really tell how much thought and passion went into creating this course!!

FAQs

What is the Science of Reading Academy?

The Science of Reading Academy is a 6-module, 28-video course that takes teachers through the journey of exploring science of reading research and frameworks, applying science-backed strategies to teach decoding, shaping language development, and executing an SOR approach in your classroom. The purpose of this course is to help teachers learn about the science of reading and to give you practical tips for implementing practices in your classroom that align with the science.

Will I receive a certificate of completion?

Yes, you will receive a Laprea branded certificate of completion for PD hours.

How long have you been around?

Anna DiGilio, the founder and C.E.O. of Laprea Education has been in the educational publishing space since 2012.

How long is the course?

The course is 7 hours and includes 6 modules (28 videos) of content. You can move through the course at your own pace.

Is this course really free?

Yes, the course is free! There are note guides available for download as well as incredible bonus content with each module. You do have the option to purchase a separate workbook through Amazon. This workbook comes with video transcripts, note guides, bonus content, and discussion questions and activities that teams and schools can use. This is a great option for both individual teachers taking the course as well as schools and teams that are using the course for professional development.

My plate is so full already! Are you sure I'll have time for this?

I totally hear that! That’s why we’ve structured our Science of Reading Academy to give you maximum results in minimum time. Every single module and resource inside the program gives you the “need to know” info and strategies needed to make the most of the time you have. With some subtle tweaks and “why did nobody teach me this??!” advice, you’ll be amazed by how much more spacious and streamlined your teaching time feels! This is truly a gift to your students and your future self.

And if life is a little hectic right now, no problem! You can devour the entire program in a couple of sittings or work through everything in little bites and take as much time as you need. You will have lifetime access to the materials, so you can choose a pace that suits you.

Is there a workbook?

Though there are downloadable note guides and incredible bonus content provided for free throughout the course, you have the option to purchase a separate workbook through Amazon. This workbook comes with video transcripts, note guides, bonus content, and discussion questions and activities that teams and schools can use. This is a great option for both individual teachers taking the course as well as schools and teams that are using the course for professional development.

CLICK THE LINK TO PURCHASE:

The Science of Reading Academy Workbook

Does this work with all curriculums, materials and other approaches?

YES! The Science of Reading Academy is the perfect companion to any curriculum and will assist you with an effective and streamlined approach to teaching structured literacy.

What you’ll learn in this course is a framework for making structured literacy work for you, no matter which curriculum or teaching material you’re already using.

I need help!

No problem, reach out to our amazing service team at info@structuredliteracy.com, and they’ll be able to assist you with almost anything you need!