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Sam Nulf

Now, more than ever, parents need the knowledge and tools to support their child and keep up with classroom initiatives. Home Schooling is a reality for a lot of families today. Learning Launched unpacks curriculum and instructional best practices to provide strategies for parents to support a child's learning at home.  We provide you with background knowledge and practical advice to engage a child's natural curiosity and demonstrate improvement over time.

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What's inside

Syllabus

My name is Sam Nulf and I am a certified teacher with 14 years of classroom experience. This course is designed for parents and caregivers to better support a child's reading at home.
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Introduction
In this section we will build a working definition of Literacy, outline the developmental stages of reading and discuss the importance of the Home Library.
What is Literacy?

Which answer best fits our definition of Literacy?

The Reader
The Home Library
Engage a Child's Curiosity
How to Choose a Book - Intro
A Purpose for Reading
Matching Books to Readers
Features of Text
The Reading Continuum
By the end of this section students will know an instructional approach to work with a child, phonological awareness for fluency, and some suggestions for best practices and measurable results.
Reading Together
Framework for Learning
Shared Reading
Phonological Awareness
Word Study and Approaches to Practice
Expand the View
Learning Through the Arts
Challenge the Norm
Technology for Learning
Conclusion
Closing Thoughts

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn to Read - Children Beginning Literacy with these activities:
Review Phonological Awareness
Reviewing phonological awareness concepts will help parents better understand the foundational skills needed for reading success.
Browse courses on Phonological Awareness
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos explaining phonological awareness.
  • Practice identifying sounds in words with your child.
  • Play phonological awareness games online.
Read 'The Read-Aloud Handbook'
Reading this book will provide parents with a deeper understanding of the benefits of reading aloud and how to choose appropriate books.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Read-Aloud Handbook'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how to apply the book's advice.
Create a Home Library
Creating a home library will provide a rich environment for fostering a love of reading and supporting literacy development.
Show steps
  • Dedicate a space for books in your home.
  • Gather a variety of books suitable for your child's age and interests.
  • Organize the books in an accessible way.
  • Make the library a comfortable and inviting space.
Three other activities
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Design a Reading Nook
Designing a reading nook will create a dedicated and inviting space for children to engage with books.
Show steps
  • Choose a quiet and comfortable location.
  • Gather cozy elements like pillows and blankets.
  • Add good lighting for reading.
  • Personalize the space with your child's interests.
Explore 'Reading Magic'
This book provides insights into the benefits of reading aloud and how to make it a magical experience for children.
Show steps
  • Find a copy of 'Reading Magic'.
  • Read the book and highlight key takeaways.
  • Consider how to implement the book's suggestions.
Volunteer at a Library
Volunteering at a library will provide opportunities to share your knowledge and passion for reading with others.
Show steps
  • Contact your local library about volunteer opportunities.
  • Assist with reading programs or story times.
  • Help children select books and find resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn to Read - Children Beginning Literacy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Homeschool Educator
A homeschool educator takes responsibility for teaching children in a home environment, covering various subjects and developmental areas. This course is directly relevant to the needs of a homeschool educator focused on building literacy. The course's comprehensive approach, including building a working definition of literacy and outlining developmental stages, provides a homeschool educator with a structured framework. The emphasis on practical advice and engaging a child's curiosity is valuable for creating a stimulating learning environment at home.
Reading Tutor
A reading tutor provides individualized instruction to students who need extra support in reading. This course provides foundational knowledge about literacy development that is directly applicable to the role of a reading tutor. The course's approach to building a working definition of literacy and outlining the developmental stages of reading is useful for assessing and addressing students' reading needs. Learning Launched’s attention to engaging a child's curiosity offers a wealth of ideas for making tutoring sessions effective and enjoyable.
Parent Educator
A parent educator provides guidance and support to parents on topics related to child development and parenting skills. This course is essential for understanding how to best support children's literacy development at home. The course provides background knowledge and practical advice to engage a child's natural curiosity. A parent educator can use the course's content to design workshops and resources that empower parents to foster a love of reading in their children.
Elementary School Teacher
An elementary school teacher guides young students in foundational subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics. This course directly aligns with the skills needed to effectively support early literacy. Understanding the developmental stages of reading, as discussed in the course, helps an elementary school teacher tailor instruction to meet individual student needs. The course's emphasis on engaging a child's curiosity and practical advice for fostering literacy at home translates directly to classroom strategies for educators.
Literacy Specialist
A literacy specialist assesses students' reading abilities, develops intervention strategies, and provides targeted support to improve literacy skills. This course helps in understanding foundational literacy concepts. Learning about the developmental stages of reading and strategies for engaging a child's curiosity, as covered in the course, enables a literacy specialist to tailor interventions to address specific student needs. The course's focus on practical advice and measurable results aligns directly with the goals of a literacy specialist.
Literacy Coach
A literacy coach works with teachers to improve their instructional practices in reading and writing. This course provides a solid foundation in early literacy development, which a coach can use to better support teachers. The course's exploration of instructional approaches, phonological awareness, and word study directly informs effective teaching strategies. The course's emphasis on measurable results ensures that a literacy coach can help teachers track student progress and make data-driven instructional decisions.
Early Childhood Educator
An early childhood educator works with young children in preschool or daycare settings, focusing on their social, emotional, and cognitive development. This course helps in understanding the foundational skills needed for reading readiness. The course's framework for learning and focus on engaging a child's curiosity is consistent with the play-based learning techniques employed in early childhood education. The exploration of the 'Home Library' is also valuable, as it encourages early childhood educators to promote the presence of books in the home environment.
Children's Librarian
A children's librarian fosters a love of reading and learning in children by providing access to books, resources, and programs. This course can inform a children's librarian's understanding of early literacy development and how to best engage young readers. Knowledge of the developmental stages of reading and strategies for matching books to readers, as provided in the course, enables a librarian to curate age-appropriate collections. Understanding a purpose for reading and expanding the view of literacy can help in developing library programs that promote lifelong learning.
Educational Therapist
An educational therapist works with students who have learning differences or disabilities, providing intensive and individualized support to address their specific needs. This course can improve a therapist's understanding of the foundations of literacy development. The course's approach to phonological awareness and word study will be valuable for supporting students with reading challenges. The emphasis on practical advice and measurable results ensures that an educational therapist can track student progress and make data-driven decisions.
Special Education Teacher
A special education teacher works with students who have diverse learning needs, adapting teaching methods and materials to support their individual growth. This course may be useful for understanding how to support children with reading difficulties at home. The course's content on phonological awareness and word study might be of particular use, as these are often areas of focus for students with reading challenges. Learning Launched’s approach to breaking down literacy concepts into manageable steps makes it a helpful resource.
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer designs and implements educational programs and materials. This course may be useful for understanding the practical needs of parents and caregivers supporting their children's literacy at home. Knowledge of instructional best practices and strategies, as unpacked in the course, helps a curriculum developer create resources that align with both classroom learning and home support. The course's approach to engaging a child's natural curiosity and demonstrating improvement over time offers valuable insights for creating effective and engaging curriculum.
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer creates learning experiences and materials for various educational settings. This course may inform the design of literacy-focused resources for parents and caregivers. The course's focus on instructional best practices for supporting a child's reading at home offers valuable perspectives for developing engaging and effective materials. The frameworks and approaches discussed in the course will help an instructional designer create resources that align with both classroom learning and home support.
Educational Consultant
An educational consultant advises schools and families on best practices in education. This course may be useful for understanding how to best support children's literacy development at home. The course’s focus on instructional best practices, engaging a child’s curiosity, and practical advice could assist an educational consultant in providing informed guidance to parents and educators. The course's strategies for demonstrating improvement over time is valuable for assessing the effectiveness of educational interventions recommended by the consultant.
Children's Book Editor
A children's book editor reviews and refines manuscripts to ensure they are engaging, age-appropriate, and of high quality. This course provides editors with a deeper understanding of early literacy development. The course’s exploration of a child's reading stages and matching books to readers is useful for evaluating manuscripts. The course's content regarding how to best engage a child's curiosity makes it a helpful tool.
Writer
A writer creates written content for various purposes, such as books, articles, or educational materials. This course on children's literacy provides insights into the foundational elements of reading and engaging young readers. The course’s examination of features of text and matching books to readers can inform a writer’s approach to creating age-appropriate and engaging content. The course's emphasis on engaging a child's curiosity helps a writer craft stories and materials that resonate with young audiences.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn to Read - Children Beginning Literacy.
Emphasizes the importance of reading aloud to children of all ages. It provides practical advice on selecting books and making reading a fun and engaging experience. It offers a wealth of information on the benefits of reading aloud and how it can foster a lifelong love of reading in children. This book valuable resource for parents looking to support their child's literacy development.
Champions the transformative power of reading aloud to children. It provides insights into how reading aloud can build vocabulary, improve comprehension, and foster a love of learning. It emphasizes the importance of creating positive reading experiences and making reading a joyful activity. This book great resource for parents who want to make reading a central part of their child's life.

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