New Self-Paced Course for Preschool Educators!
Playing with Words
Build Strong Sound Foundations Through Playful, Research-Backed Instruction
Phonological awareness is the invisible foundation of reading success—yet most preschool teachers were never trained to teach it. Let’s change that.
Playing with Words
Is your go-to course for building confident, science of reading–aligned practices that make sound skill instruction clear, purposeful, and fun. 

Whether you’re a teacher or a director guiding your team, this self-paced course gives you the clarity and confidence to start teaching sound play—without stress, worksheets, or overwhelm. 
 
You’ll learn playful strategies like syllable stomping, “I Spy” hunts, and puppet games—all using everyday classroom materials to keep learning effective and fun. You’ll leave with a clear, step-by-step path for building sound skills with ease. 

1.5 hours CEU certificate included

 $50 per teacher license 

*School group rates available. See below.

Repudiandae

What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of this course, you’ll know how to:

  • Understand phonological awareness and how it connects to early reading 
  • Deliver purposeful sound instruction without adding to your plate
  • Weave sound skills into play, stories, and routines  
  • Follow the research-backed progression for ages 2–5 
  • Confidently plan phonological awareness instruction throughout the year
  • Use fun tools that support all learners based on skills and needs

This isn’t theory—it’s a proven system that works in real classrooms with real kids. And, it is approved for CEUs!

Meet Your Instructor
Hi, I’m Melissa McCall—literacy enrichment teacher, trainer, curriculum creator, and founder of Moving Little Minds. 

With over 20 years in early education, I’ve worked in classrooms, trained teams, and supported hundreds of preschool teachers and directors across the country. 

I created Playing with Words to fill the gap I saw in so many programs: a clear, practical path for teaching sound awareness that’s rooted in the Science of Reading and actually FUN! 

Now I get to watch teachers light up as they finally feel confident in teaching phonological awareness—and their students thrive, building the very skills that set the stage for reading success. 

 This course is everything I wish I had when I was starting out, and it’s here to help you teach with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
What’s Inside the Course?

This self-paced course is divided into 9 quick, actionable modules:

Module 1: What is Phonological Awareness?

  • Clear definitions and real examples 
  • How PA differs from phonics (and why it matters)

Module 2: What the Research Really Says
  • The science of reading and why PA matters 
  • Harvard studies and foundational data
Module 3: Developmental Milestones
  • What to expect from toddlers through pre-K 
  • How to notice red flags and close the gaps
Module 4: Intentional Sound Play
  • How to plan small-group or whole-group activities 
  • How to blend instruction into your existing day
Module 5: Play in Action
  • Real classroom examples from ages 2–5 
  • Playful strategies that actually stick
Module 6 - Intentional Instruction of Skills
  • How to set up your classroom to teach phonological awareness. 
  • Pacing tips for success.
 Module 7: Merging Instruction with PLAY!
  • Easy ways to incorporate play. 
  • The power of poetry. 
  • Examples of playing with words in the classroom.
Module 8: Go-To Tools
  • Our favorite hands-on tools for explicitly teaching skills.
  • Our favorite songs. 
  • Our favorite books and products.
 Module 9: Tips and Troubleshooting
  • The importance of assessment. 
  • Troubleshooting tips for specific skills.

"Eveniet quam natus et commodi minus consequuntur enim iure magnam nam fugit voluptas."

Samantha
CEO / Founder
Bonus Materials (Included Free)
PLUS: Our New Activity Generator BOT ($25)
An interactive tool that allows you to select your thematic unit and receive a list of phonological awareness activities instantly!  

Total Value: $98
Your Price: $50
Real Talk: What Might Be Holding You Back?
“I don’t have time for one more thing.” 
This course simplifies—not adds. Even five minutes a day makes a difference. Think of it like adding seasoning to a meal you’re already cooking. 

“My students are too young.” 
Sound play starts in toddlerhood! Clapping out "ba-na-na"? You’re already teaching PA. 

“I’m not a literacy expert.” 
You don’t need to be. This course is like a recipe—good ingredients and easy steps. 

“We already do phonics.” 
PA is a precursor to phonics. If your children know letters but can’t blend or isolate sounds, they will struggle to learn to read. 

“This feels too academic for preschool.” 
Nope. It’s silly songs, stomping, clapping, and giggles. It’s developmentally spot-on and full of purposeful play.
What Other Educators Are Saying

“Your course is phenomenal... It is so clear to understand. So many teachers need to connect with you! LETRS training was great but the way you provide hands-on information teachers can take back to their classrooms with a clearer understanding of the why is incredible!”

Tammie T.
Preschool Director

“Omg Melissa!! This course is PACKED!! I always love your stuff but this one is blowing me away and I'm only just getting started. I can't wait to dig in more!!!”

Sara S.

"I love literacy already but left the course with even more passion for it and its importance. I also left the course with the confidence that parents and educators CAN teach literacy in truly meaningful ways that are play-based and engaging. Take the course, you won’t be disappointed."

Alyssa J.
Preschool Teacher

"Aut dicta commodi nostrum quidem delectus molestiae ad et ex odit."

Samantha
CEO / Founder
Your Investment: Just $50

That’s less than a classroom poster set—and a whole lot more impactful.

What’s included:

  • 9 core video modules 
  • 3 bonus resource packs + planning BOT
  • CEU Certificate (1.5 hours) 
  • Videos of teaching in action
  • Lifetime access
  • Exclusive Facebook group

Group pricing available for schools

and centers. See below.

Our “Start Strong, Stay Supported” Pledge
This course won’t overwhelm you. It will equip you!

You’ll walk away with knowledge, confidence, and tools you can use immediately. While we don’t offer refunds, we stand firmly behind the transformation. If you don’t feel clear on how to begin using phonological awareness activities in your classroom at the end of the course, we will work with you one-on-one until you do!  
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Playing with Words

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Wait! Make Learning Stick! Add the Home Connection Letters Now
Turn classroom concepts into fun, at-home literacy practice families will love.
Here’s what makes them amazing:

Skill-by-Skill Focus

Clear, Parent-Friendly Language

Fun, At-Home Games

Age-Appropriate Guidance

Book Recogmentation

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    3 Seats$135.00
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    4 Seats$180.00
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    5 Seats$225.00
  • Preferred option
    6 Seats$270.00
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    7 Seats$315.00

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    Affiliate:

    Directors: Equip Your Whole Team

    If you’re purchasing this course for a group, we’ve made it easy (and more affordable) to sign up together.


    We offer special pricing and bonuses for group access:

    What’s included:

    • 1-2 teachers: $50 each
    • 3-7 teachers: 
    •  $45 each 
    •  PLUS 30-minute implementation support call for 3 or more teachers


    Purchasing for more than 7 teachers? Reach out for custom pricing to hello@movinglittleminds.com. 

    Everyone in the group gets their own login and full course access — so you can go at your own pace, but still enjoy learning together. 


    Simply select the number of seats you would like at checkout. After purchase, we will contact you to set up individual login access for each user.

    "Eveniet quam natus et commodi minus consequuntur enim iure magnam nam fugit voluptas."

    Samantha
    CEO / Founder