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Revolutionize Reading Instruction 

Transform the way you teach reading - and watch your students thrive!

 

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Code Emphasis Reading Strategies

A Complete Toolkit In One Course

Code Emphasis Reading Strategies is a dynamic, evidence-based course created by Julia Brennan, M.Ed., to revolutionize literacy instruction. Packed with powerful teaching methods, practical lesson plans, and tools designed to spark progress, this master course empowers educators to break through reading barriers, support every learner—including those with dyslexia—and build a strong foundation for lifelong literacy success.

Code Emphasis Reading Strategies

A Complete Toolkit In One Course

Code Emphasis Reading Strategies is a dynamic, evidence-based course created by Julia Brennan, M.Ed., to revolutionize literacy instruction. Packed with powerful teaching methods, practical lesson plans, and tools designed to spark progress, this master course empowers educators to break through reading barriers, support every learner—including those with dyslexia—and build a strong foundation for lifelong literacy success.

Science of Reading

Research-Based Practice

Phonological Awareness

Orthographic Mapping

Teaching Word Decoding

Tools for Dyslexia

Science of Reading

Research-Based Practice

Phonological Awareness

Orthographic Mapping

Teaching Word Decoding

Tools for Dyslexia

 

What You Will Learn In This Course

The course is divided into two sections: the first provides a fundamental understanding of the science of reading, and the second delivers sequential lesson plans for teaching literacy effectively. 

I. The Science of Reading

This evidence-based course equips educators with scientifically grounded resources to deepen their understanding of effective reading instruction. Rooted in research from leaders in the field, it offers a structured sequence of lessons essential for building foundational literacy skills.

Key research models, like 'Scarborough's Reading Rope',  'Ehri’s Phases of Reading', Gough and Tumner's Simple View of Reading', Seidenberg and McClelland's Four-Part Processor, Dr. Carol Tolman's Hourglass provide a roadmap for understanding reading development stages.

Scarborough's Reading Rope  

The iconic rope model, developed in 2001 by Dr. Hollis Scarborough, illustrates the complexity of the brain’s processes required for fluent reading.

Word Recognition 

The Four-Part Processing Model, based on Seidenberg and McClelland’s 1989 research, presents reading as a complex mental activity that relies on the coordinated function of four cognitive processors.

Phonological Awareness 

Dr. Carol Tolman’s Hourglass, co-author of LETRS, illustrates the instructional progression in both Phonological Awareness (speech sounds) and Orthography, demonstrating how sounds are systematically connected to print.

II. The Lessons

Each lesson plan, follows a five-step, explicit, systematic multisensory approach based on Orton-Gillingham research and top researchers in the field. Preview a sample segment from Lesson 5a below.

 

(watch sample lesson)

Each lesson is designed to explicitly teach: 

  • The 44 phonemes with real and nonsense words
  • Phonics concepts with clear, sequential progression
  • Spelling practice with explicit instruction in spelling single and multisyllabic words
  • Reading from decodable text based on The Research of Ehri's 5 Phases of Reading to reinforce the new skill and provide practice with previously taught skills

watch sample lesson

III. The Toolkit

The Master Video Course is paired with two companion books — Code Emphasis Reading Strategies and Code Emphasis Sounds/Motions — along with a hands-on Magnetic Soundboard. These physical materials reinforce the video instruction, giving educators practical tools to bring the strategies to life in their classrooms.

 
Code Emphasis Reading Strategies

The foundation of the course, this 150-page manual combining research and ready-to-use lesson plans for effective reading instruction.

Code Emphasis Sounds/Motions

A companion book that pairs sounds with physical motions, helping students anchor phonics and decoding skills through multisensory learning.

The Soundboard

A hands-on tool that allows teachers and students to physically build and manipulate words, reinforcing phonemic awareness and spelling patterns.

What You Will Earn In This Course

Professional recognition for your commitment to literacy.
certificate of completion

You will receive a certificate of completion that recognizes your expertise in effective reading instruction and contributes to your professional development.

What You Will Earn In This Course

Professional recognition for your commitment to literacy.

Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of completion to showcase your achievement and dedication to effective reading instruction. This credential affirms your expertise and enhances your professional development portfolio.

What You Will Gain In This Course

Lifelong support from a community of literacy leaders.
That's What I Heard Community

Stay connected, inspired, and supported long after the course ends with:

Streaming Sessions  • Private Facebook Page • Online & In Person Event
Streaming Sessions  
Private Facebook Page 
Online & In Person Event

Meet Julia Brennan

A proven method backed by educational research with a track record
of success in hundreds of my students over a 30 year career as an educator.

 

Julie Brennan, Author Code Emphasis Reading Strategies

Author of Code Emphasis Reading Strategies and Educator of over 30 years.

I understand the challenges you face. Having walked in your shoes, I empathize with the struggle of standing before a diverse classroom, striving to meet the needs of every student. Over the years, I've dedicated myself to honing my craft through hands-on experience in the classroom and learning from esteemed mentors in the field. 

My passion for teaching literacy has led me to develop a comprehensive course, "Code Emphasis Reading Strategies,"  born from a lifetime of dedication and experience, which I am eager to share with you.

Educator

Literacy Educator and Advocate for 30+ Years

Author

Code Emphasis Reading Strategies 

Founder

That's What I Heard, LLC.

Endorsed by Educators

Trusted by School Districts

 

Code Emphasis Reading Strategies has received strong endorsements from educators, principals, and administrators for its practical and effective approach.

Schools value the clear research-based strategies that empower teachers to enhance student reading outcomes and effectively address the challenges faced by struggling readers.

 

"In Code Emphasis Reading Strategies, Julia distills her wealth of knowledge, expertise, and practical experience into an invaluable resource that offers an accessible and easy-to-digest guide, tailored for both parents and teachers."

-Michele Biggerstaff, M.A., CCC-SLP

 

""Julia provided a 4 day training to teachers who were hearing about the science of reading for the first time. She did a phenomenal job. The teachers were inspired and are seeing results!""

-- Christine Kress, Former Special Education Director, Lakeview Public Schools

 

Carsonville Schools

"Julia provided a 4 day training to teachers who were hearing about the science of reading for the first time. She did a phenomenal job. The teachers were inspired and are seeing results!""

-- Christine Kress, Former Special Education Director, Lakeview Public Schools

Memphis Community Schools

Instructed 14 Educators 

St. Clare of Montefalco

"Julie Brennan is a passionate and dynamic reading instructor. She worked meticulously with our elementary teachers to raise their confidence and understanding in teaching decoding skills in the classroom. The positive results were seen in the classrooms in so many ways!"

Sarah Hensien
Principal

Questions You May Have:

Video Course

Discover the freedom of learning at your own pace with our on-demand and engaging easy-to-follow video tutorials. 

Book & Soundboard

Complimenting the course is Code Emphasis Reading Strategies  and Code Emphasis Sounds/Motions and The Soundboard.

Community

Join our private community with those who share your passion of expanding reading literacy. 

Take the Next Step Toward Transformative Literacy Instruction!

Join us in empowering educators with science-backed methods to make a lasting impact on students' reading skills. Enroll in our course today to equip your teachers with the tools they need to foster a love for literacy and ensure every student succeeds!

Enroll Today!
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