This is Autumn and her mom Nicole.
Autumn is frustrated and feels like she will never be able to read.
Nicole is overwhelmed. She can't figure out how to help her daughter. She also knows that since the pandemic, there has been a huge drop in literacy for children like Autumn, the number of young learners needing intensive intervention has increased, and she doesn't want her daughter to become one of these statistics.
There is a solution!
AlphaBeginnings offers children a fun way to learn to read without feeling pressured so they can enjoy the journey.
For Kids, we provide activities that encourage independence and fun that is centered around a topic of curiosity ... animals!
For adults, we offer support through our books, website, and social media to help parents/educators feel confident and (hopefully) excited!
Why AlphaBeginnings?
At Arizona State University, we were trained to teach reading using the Common Use Order method.
I was so excited to start using it in my classroom after graduation. However, I couldn't find this type of program. So I created one.
What is Common Use Order?
Common Use Order is the order that letters are used the most down to the ones used the least. Learning letters in the order they are most commonly seen in print creates a faster learning curve. Everyday things (like signs, labels, etc.) become a teachable moment.
Since reading is a group of letter sounds blended together (ex: "cat" is /kat/ not "see-ay-tee"), presenting letter sounds before letter names are most helpful. I have created a letter chart that helps with remembering these sounds.
Stories give context to information, emotional connection, and higher retention. People love stories. We remember more content from a movie than from a speech. I have combined stories and common use order to set the stage for an interactive reading experience like no other.
Think Highlights Magazine meets National Geographic Kids meets Brain Quest.
Our books are child friendly and perfect for travel. Each one has an original Seuss-like story, literature- based activities for math/art/language/writing/science, animal fun fact cards, real animal pictures, letter chart, a calendar with pieces, letter/shape/color/number, American Sign Language (ASL) for each letter, and more. Having an inspirational quote on each back cover is our way of "encouraging one another and building each other up." The characters in our stories lead by example in speech, conduct, and love.
All of the books are well written. My four year old grandson likes to look at the pictures while his mother reads to him. The books hold his attention. They make great gifts, too! These books are perfect for the occasion. The books are educational as well as fun. I have all of them and will continue to add to my grandson's collection as more are released soon.
Leah E. / Missouri
LeAnn has used all of her life experiences to make a group of versatile books to help children learn good values that will help them in their life experiences.
Beverly D. / Florida
This is a good one to get!
This author is so creative in her approach. You can tell she really brings the characters to life and makes learning fun! That takes skill, training, AND natural talent!
Kindle Customer / U.S.
LeAnn is an exceptional teacher! I have had the pleasure of sitting in on classes she has taught. I have seen the enthusiasm she brings to the class. She keeps the children motivated and encouraged. Her consideration and kindness are unmatched in and out of the classroom. Our family loves her!
Holly E. / Illinois
Her books are a very fun and creative approach for learning. The detail that is put into each book has been very thought through! Always one of Beau's favorite books to read as they're kept fun and descriptive and the story line is perfect for young readers.
Kelly S. / Missouri
I view LeAnn's books as a breath of fresh air. I find them very interesting and intriguing not only for the youth, but for adults as well. I feel that in the world we live in today, these books are a Godsend for teaching the fundamentals of life, health, and family integrity.
Darrell D. / Florida
Meet LeAnn
LeAnn is a mom of four who is best known for her ability to connect with students and make learning enjoyable. She graduated with a teaching degree from Arizona State University in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education (birth through 8th grade).
LeAnn has been teaching children for over 20 years. During that time, she was a reading interventionist teacher for 5th graders, a Pre-K teacher for 80 students, and taught English to Chinese students. She homeschooled her own children until they went to high school. Her students and parents of those students most often describe LeAnn as "very patient, humorous and lively, has a beautiful smile, and is highly recommended."
LeAnn has earned a TESOL Certificate of Training for Foundations of Teaching English and a TESOL Certificate of Training for Advanced Training for Teaching English, is a content creator for her YouTube Channel "AlphaBeginnings Books", and has self-published her AlphaBeginnings reading program book series. She also helped create and run a homeschool co-op for 2 years.
LeAnn understands first-hand the emotional struggle that comes with helping a child learn how to read as well as the pressures that come from high expectations. Her experience of that emotional rollercoaster is how this program came to be and why she hopes to help learners and educators who may be going through similar experiences.
