Before They Read: A Parent's Guide to Phonics, Connection, and the Nervous System
You want to be part of your child's reading journey. You want it to feel connected, playful, and pressure-free. This book walks you through foundational phonics concepts alongside a nervous-system-aware approach that puts connection first. No flashcards. No drills. No pressure. Just you, your child, and a gentle, informed way forward.
Available as an instant PDF download
What's Inside
Everything you need to confidently begin your child's reading journey, covering the earliest foundations of letters, sounds, and nervous system aware learning in a way that is playful, connective, and completely pressure free.
Phonics Made Simple
Clear, accurate guidance on letter sounds, which to teach first, and how to say them correctly so your child gets information their brain can actually use.
Nervous System Awareness
Understand how regulation and connection shape learning for both you and your child, and how to respond when things don't go as planned.
Multisensory Learning
Gestures, touch, movement, and play based techniques that help letter sounds stick, including a complete gesture guide for every letter sound.
Everyday Integration
Simple, pressure free ways to weave letter learning into your daily life without a rigid schedule or formal lessons.
Activity Ideas
Movement based, sensory, and creative activities for every kind of learner that can be adapted to any letter or energy level.
Practical References
A complete letter sound reference chart, gesture guide, and glossary you'll return to again and again.
Meet the Author
Lindsay Lee
I'm a former kindergarten teacher, literacy specialist, and mama who believes that learning works best when it feels safe, connected, and joyful.
My approach to early literacy has been shaped by years in the classroom, by my work supporting children and families, and deeply by my own experience raising a child with a highly sensitive nervous system. As someone who is highly sensitive myself, I know how powerful it is when learning feels attuned, unhurried, and truly respectful of who a child is.
When I became a parent, I wanted something different. I wanted to support my child's reading journey in a way that honored who they are, protected our relationship, and never once made learning feel like a demand.
Every child deserves to begin their reading journey feeling safe, capable, and loved. And every parent deserves to be part of that moment with confidence and joy. That's why I wrote this book.
Before They Read
$19.99/ per copy
Instant PDF download
60 pages
Letter sound reference chart
Gesture guide for every letter sound
Activity ideas for every kind of learner
Glossary of key terms
Yours to keep forever
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this book right for my child's age?
This book is designed for parents of children roughly ages two through six who are in the early stages of letter and sound awareness. Every child develops at their own pace and this book honors that fully.
Do I need any teaching experience?
None at all. This book is written specifically for parents with no teaching background. Everything is explained clearly and without jargon.
Is this a curriculum I need to follow daily?
Not at all. This book is not a curriculum. It is a resource you dip into as needed, at your own pace, on your child's timeline.
What format does the book come in?
Before They Read is a PDF ebook delivered instantly after purchase. You can read it on any device or print it at home.
What if my child isn't interested in letters yet?
This book is built around following your child's lead. The nervous system aware approach means there is no pressure to push forward before your child is ready. This book will be here when the time feels right.