Science of Reading in the Preschool Classroom: Phonemic & Print Awareness

Course Description

Early Start, Strong Finish. This course provides early childhood educators with an evidence-based foundation for aligning preschool literacy instruction with the Science of Reading (SOR). Rather than treating reading as a skill that develops naturally, participants will explore the cognitive and neurological shifts involved in learning to read and consider how intentional early literacy experiences help prepare young children for future reading success.

Participants will examine the Reading Rope framework to better understand how language comprehension and word recognition work together to develop skilled reading. The course focuses on developmentally appropriate ways to build phonemic awareness through play-based activities and everyday classroom routines, including rhyming, syllable clapping, and identifying individual phonemes within words.

Educators will also explore how intentional read-alouds can strengthen receptive and expressive vocabulary while building the background knowledge children need for future comprehension. Throughout the course, participants will connect Science of Reading principles with practical strategies that can be incorporated into the preschool classroom.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate the Reading Rope framework to explain how language comprehension (upper strands) and word recognition (lower strands) interact to develop skilled reading in preschool-aged children.
• Develop play-based interventions and daily routines that explicitly teach phonemic awareness, including rhyming, syllable clapping, and identifying individual phonemes within words.
• Design intentional read-alouds that build receptive and expressive vocabulary and background knowledge, creating the necessary “knowledge hooks” for future comprehension.

Course Details:

Date: Register anytime between August 21, 2026 – August 20, 2027
Instructor: Marisa Dahl (marisa@growprofessionally.com)
Course #: EDIA 610
Number of License Renewal/Graduate Credits: 1
Registration Deadline: Last day to register is Friday, August 20th 2027 by 5:00 p.m.