From Reading Teachers, Parents, Principals, and School Districts
Michelle, First Grade Teacher:
"I once read a post by another teacher in an online discussion about Secret Stories being the 'lifeblood of her classroom.' So of course, I had to try it. And wow, that really nailed it. The Secrets really do permeate every aspect of our day, not just when reading and writing, but ALL DAY LONG, and even outside the classroom. I have heard others say that Secrets are the most-used tool in their classrooms, but I would go a step further and say that Secret Stories has made me the teacher that I’ve always wanted to be. They don’t just make it easy to teach reading, they make it FUN! And not just for the kids, but for me too!"
Phyllis, Kindergarten Teacher in New York:
"Wow! What a difference this made in only 2 short weeks! My students can't start their day without learning a new 'secret' and singing the letter run songs. Thanks so much!"
Danielle, Assistant Principal in Florida:
"I attended a workshop with you a few years ago and have since implemented your strategies in two schools. We are hoping to be Title I next year, which would allow for additional professional development and hopefully for you to come out and work with my staff. As the kids would say—'You rock!'"
Sandra, S.A.I. Director in Florida:
"Since your workshop, I’ve seen these strategies in action in many schools. The Secret Stories are becoming a hit here!"
Debbie, Primary Director in Indiana:
"Last year, at this time we had 11 kindergarten students reading at or above grade level. This year, we have 34! The Secret Stories are better than anything out there for quickly transforming kids into REAL readers and writers!"
Kendra, Kindergarten Teacher in Dubai:
"Secret Stories is a game-changer for so many kids here in Dubai! All our kids are ELLs. Using the Better Alphabet Song, by November 3rd, 98% of my kindergartners knew ALL of the letters and sounds!"
Carolyn, Second Grade Teacher in California:
"I have been an elementary teacher more years than I can count, and the strategies you shared were more beneficial than anything I have ever brought back to my classroom!"
Virginia, Kindergarten Teacher in Illinois:
"After just two days I realized I could no longer teach reading or writing without them! It is amazing how easily they remember!"
Adriana, First Grade Teacher in Minnesota:
"These are the most useful and interactive posters I have in my classroom. If nothing else goes on your walls, hang these posters!"
Lisa, First Grade Teacher in South Carolina:
"I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE HAPPY WITH A PURCHASE FOR MY CLASSROOM! Of my 15 students, 8 are already at level J, and the others are on track. The Reading Recovery coaches are now using the Secrets with their students too."
Carla, Reading Specialist in Wyoming:
"Your program is amazing. He loves the stories, and I can finally see him actually 'getting' the whole decoding thing. I’m personally purchasing the program!"
Crystal, Kindergarten Teacher in Maryland:
"I had the pleasure of coming to your session at the Maryland Conference last year. My kids are writing more than ever and had their vowel sounds down within a month."
Amanda, Second Grade Teacher in Illinois:
"I bought my book and original set of posters years ago. One of the BEST classroom purchases I have made in 12 years of teaching!"
Lisa, Kindergarten Teacher in Edmonton, Canada:
"Keynote speaker Katie Garner shared a brain-based way to explain phonics patterns and exceptions. My students can already tell you why vowels say their names—they are Superheroes!"
Josalin, K-4 Intervention Teacher in Illinois:
"I use Secret Stories with all of my K-4 students. I believe they are the key to teaching reading and helping students actually 'get it.'"
Pat, Learning Disabilities Teacher in Nebraska:
"Working with a stroke survivor using your program has started to make a major difference in her reading ability. Thank you, Katie, for making this program so readily available."
Terri, Third Grade Teacher in Florida:
"My friend had a stroke and lost her ability to read. The Secret Stories helped her regain skills. What a difference this has made in so many lives!"
Melissa, Kindergarten Teacher in South Carolina:
"Thanks to my experience in Oklahoma, I now use Secret Stories. Phonics is now by far my favorite (and my kids’ favorite) time of the day!"
Barbara, First Grade Teacher in California:
"Secret Stories are THE BOMB! My kiddos remember everything. Parents ask about it at conferences."
Shelly, Kindergarten Teacher in Washington:
"Our curriculum lacks phonics. Secret Stories is a game changer. I had my boss purchase 4 sets for new teachers."
Sarah, K-3 Reading Coach in Arkansas:
"You did it! You harnessed muscle memory for phonics skill acquisition. Genius!"
Tara, First Grade Teacher in West Virginia:
"The Secret Stories are the life-blood of our classroom. We can’t read words without them."
Chastity, Kindergarten Teacher in West Virginia:
"It's only September and I am amazed at how quickly they are picking up the Secret Stories and applying them!"
Mandy, First Grade Teacher in Georgia:
"My students know EVERY letter and sound. Saxon phonics just didn’t work. We love your Secret Stories!"
Aimee, Second Grade Teacher in Florida:
"These are the most useful and interactive posters I have in my classroom."
Sandra, Kindergarten /1st Grade Inclusion Teacher in Pennsylvania:
"One teacher got this for her classroom and her class went so far, so fast she nearly passed up the next grade level!"
John, Writer at Early Education Online:
"The Secret Stories provide an amazing body of brain research and a high quality model for young learners."
Jennifer, K-5 Reading Intervention Teacher in Florida:
"My K-5 intervention reading groups are reaping amazing rewards from this resource!"
...and many more.
These testimonials represent just a fraction of the passionate feedback shared by educators and families across the globe about Secret Stories.