A Message to Parents

Dear Parents,

Do you want to teach your child to read, but you don't know where to start? I understand — I've been exactly where you are.

As a mother of fraternal twin boys, I wanted to give my children the best possible start. Teaching them to read felt overwhelming at first — even with my education background! After trying many different approaches, I developed a system that finally worked.

When my boys were just 2 years old, I posted a video on Facebook of them reading. I was amazed at the response! Parents from all over began asking me how I had taught such young children to read so well. After explaining my method to friends and family, I had the idea to publish my curriculum for everyone to use.

That is how FirstStepReading.com was born in 2010.

Since then, thousands of children have learned to read using the methods I created. My system is based on true phonics mastery — children learn the why behind reading, not just memorization. This means they can decode words they've never seen before, all on their own!

First Step Reading is a complete, step-by-step reading curriculum. We guide children through all the fundamentals — short vowels, long vowels, digraphs, blends, sight words, and more — so they're fully prepared to tackle any beginning reader book.

You don't need to be a teacher. You don't need special equipment. Just sit with your child, press play, and follow along together. I'll guide you both every step of the way.

I truly believe every child can learn to read — they just need the right system. I hope First Step Reading gives your family the same joy it has given mine.

With warmth and encouragement,

Heather 💚

Creator of First Step Reading | B.A. UC Berkeley | M.Ed. UCLA