How the Secret Stories® Method Works

An Approach to Teaching Reading that Kids Want to Learn

Secret Stories® is a brain based approach to traditional phonics instruction that accelerates learner access to the reading and writing code. Secret Stories® provides the logical explanations for letter sound behavior that learners brains crave. These logical explanations are shared in the form of “secret” stories, which are the secret reasons WHY letters make all of the crazy sounds that they do when they get together in words. The “Secrets” work seamlessly with any reading series or phonics program, fitting snugly between the teaching of reading and writing.

Decoding in Reading

What is phonics, why is it important and at what ages should children learn to read?

About Decoding in Reading

Secret Stories® Method

Secret Stories® brain based approach to phonics brings the study of words to life in an engaging and playful way that deepens learning and makes it stick.

Secret Stories® is always teaching.

The Secrets are always brought into reading and writing with kids using what they are learning. Skill transfer occurs naturally within every reading and writing experience—all day long, making Secret Stories® the easiest thing you will ever teach.

The Secret Stories® Method

Not More, Just Better Reading Instruction

Secret Stories® is the brain based gas that makes the learning go at “warp-speed!”

While it may seem impossible that kids could actually own more of the code in less time and with less effort than it takes to learn a letter a week in kindergarten, it’s not.

And it’s easy. Just do what you’re already doing, but do it with the Secrets!

Why Secret Stories® is Not More Teaching, Just Better Teaching

What About Sight Words?

Stanford University’s study on brain waves shows how different teaching methods affect reading development… “Teaching students to sound out “C-A-T” sparks more optimal brain circuitry than instructing them to memorize the word ‘cat,’ …even on future encounters with the word. This groundbreaking study provides some of the first evidence that a specific teaching strategy for reading has direct neural impact.”

What About Sight Words?

Phonics Stories Examples

Au and aw have a HUGE crush on each other, so whenever they have to stand side-by-side in a word, they get so embarrassed, that they always put their heads down and say, “Ahhhhhhhhhhh….”

See Phonics Stories Examples

Kindergarten & First Grade Writing Samples

A guiding premise behind Secret Stories® is that there is no reason to teach phonics aside from using it to read and to write, which is why kids need more of the code earlier on. Reading and writing in kindergarten while learning only a letter a week is impossible.

See Writing Samples

Phonics Success Stories

Travis Burke vetted over 20 resources submitted and his favorite was the “The Better Alphabet Song” created by Katie Garner. Her Secret Stories® resource provides educators with an amazing body of brain research and a high-quality model for young learners.

How the Secret Stories® Method Works

An Approach to Teaching Reading that Kids Want to Learn

Decoding in Reading

Secret Stories® Method

Not More, Just Better Reading Instruction

What About Sight Words?

Phonics Stories Examples

Kindergarten & First Grade Writing Samples

Phonics Success Stories

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