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.

A new section of each course starts monthly. 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.

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 lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

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).

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."

“ 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. ”

“ 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 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. ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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 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! ”

“ 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. ”

“ I have taken other online classes and felt this one far exceeded them. I learned so much valuable information and hands-on ideas to use in the classroom. ”

“ I want to thank you for a fascinating course. Initially, I took the class for reading credit, which was part of the requirements to renew my teaching certification…I wanted to take a course that would be useful to me, a benefit in some way to my art classes. I needed something that I could fit easily into my schedule too. This class was perfect...what I discovered through these lessons made lots of sense and opened my eyes. I am so glad that I experienced all of the course. I do truly feel that I have information now that will indeed enhance my art lessons in a very positive way. I will be better able to design meaningful experiences for my students, ones that will hopefully inspire and motivate them even more. ”