WHAT IS “STEP 2-3-4”?                                                                                                                                                          

Step 2 is studies for students ages 7-8, and students of any age who are developing literacy.  STEP 3 is studies for ages 9-10, who read well.  STEP 4 is studies for ages 11-adult.  Courses that are listed as “3-4” can be used by either group.

DOES MY STUDENT NEED TO DO LOWER STEPS TO GET A STEPS EDUCATION?  
No.  Each Step covers the entirety of each subject offered, but as the student goes up through the Steps, the materials become more detailed, and challenging.  Students start at the Step right for their age and literacy.  They do not need to go back to an earlier level unless they find themselves truly struggling, and for a significant amount of time.

IS STEP 4 FOR HOMESCHOOLING?  OR THE CLASSROOM?                                                                                                                                                                    

Step 3 is independent study for homeschoolers, but it has been used with success in the classroom.

ARE STEPS COURSES BOOKS?  HOW DO I GET THEM?                                                                                               

STEPS courses come as PDFs, online downloads.  When you purchase courses on our site, they are immediately sent to the email address you give us.

HOW DO STEP 2-3-4 LITERATURE GUIDES AND READING PROGRAMS WORK?

Literature Guides each present one famous book, selected for its appropriateness for the age group, its greatness as literature, its importance in the history of literature – and for how much fun each piece is.  These are fantastically thorough, creative studies of famed authors and books, detailing the period of history when the book was written (for context), the author’s life, the reception of the book itself, elements of literature defined and investigated, and of course, the book – always included in the materials. 

Step 2 Literature Guides (and for students looking for fun, easy reads) include The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz; Andersen Fairy Tales; and The Story of Doctor Dolittle.

Step 3 Includes all the above, plus Guides for Short Works by Edgar Allen Poe; Short Works by Mark Twain; Scary Stories by Washington Irving; H.G. Wells The Time Machine; Sherlock Holmes Stories by Conan Doyle; and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Step 4 adds a guide for one book, required in Step 4 History, Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha.

Reading Programs have been created for each of Step 2-3-4.   Each level has a “standard” Reading Program”, which includes a creative system allowing the student to select for himself what he wants to read, and yet making sure state-mandated reading requirements are met.  A lengthy suggested reading list provides further guidance.  Also part of each reading program – a “test” that isn’t a test, wherein the student writes a brief essay describing what he read and covering certain points which will help the student think through every selected book.  Poetry, plays, and genre-oriented books are provided suggested reading lists for Steps 3-4.

Also, we offer Reading Programs specializing in Science Fiction, and in Fantasy.  These courses present the history of each genre, in context to selected reading on the time line, so the student can see how each genre developed.  Great fun for readers discovering literature!

CAN I PURCHASE INDIVIDUAL COURSES TO FILL NEEDS IN MY CHILD’S EDUCATION?                                        

Yes.  Each STEPS course is a free-standing, independent study. 

CAN I PURCHASE A FULL SEMESTER OF STUDIES IN STEPS ALL AT ONCE, OR A YEAR'S WORTH OF A CERTAIN SUBJECT?                                                          

Reading Programs are often included in semester bundles.  Our Literature Guides are currently only available as independent purchases.

HOW QUICKLY COULD I START USING STEPS 2-3-4 READING PROGRAMS?
Start now.  You can start STEPS at any time of the year, 24/7/365.   Everything you need is pretty much included in the courses you will download, for STEP 3.  (Some courses require films or outside books, which are carefully explained, with links provided detailing where to find them.)

HOW MUCH DO I, THE TEACHER OR PARENT, NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LITERATURE OR READING IN ORDER TO USE STEPS?  HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO DO?
You (teacher/tutor/parent) do not need any expertise in subjects your student is studying, using STEPS.   Not as a teacher, or in the subjects being taught.  You do not need a degree, or experience as a teacher.  Each course does the “teaching”.   Just follow the lesson plans, and keep your eyes open for fun opportunities related to whatever the student is studying.   The course does the teaching.

HOW QUICKLY CAN I MOVE MY STUDENT UP STEPS?

A student can move up at any time he has the literacy skills and maturity for the next level.  The student does not need to “complete” a lower level of curriculum to move up.  The student just needs to be able to successfully do the next higher level of curriculum as far as difficulty and literacy.  With STEPS, a student is never “behind” or “ahead” – each student moves at the pace they’re comfortable with, every step in every lesson plan, every course, every level. 

SUCCESS STORIES ABOUT STEP 2-3-4 READING STUDIES!
(Literature Guides) I taught a literature class in my homeschool co-op using two CTT Literature Guides, Sherlock Holmes stories and The Time Machine. The Literature Guides are very easy to use. The lesson structure made scheduling and assigning homework very simple. We used the lesson questions to stimulate class discussion and I was impressed with the contributions that the students made during class. I look forward to continuing to use CTT products!  L.F. Teacher
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(Step 3-4 Reading Program) My kids love this reading program! It's easy to use and fun, too. Thanks so much!  M.T., Homeschool Parent, Professional Educator
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(Science Fiction reading program) This course has an amazing, detailed reading list for science fiction. Most of it I, the parent, have never read, but always wanted to. My 14-yr-old son was so excited. He has started the reading list and looks forward to each new book he encounters! I love presenting this as worthy reading, along with literary classics! C. A, Homeschool Mom
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(Step 2 Reading Program) I just wanted to give a "shout out" for the Elementary Reading Program. I have a 9-year-old who is/was not a confident reader and has read at an emergent reading level for years. I began the elementary reading program with him less than a month ago, and what a difference it has made!  The program is so simple, but the results have been astounding. All of it has helped to build my son's confidence and fluency. Just this week, my son picked up two books on his own and read them for pleasure. This has NEVER happened before.

Because of his reading level, I had started my son in the Connect The Thoughts Elementary program, but I am sure that if I continue using the reading program, my son will quickly move into the lower school materials.  I just wanted to share because I am so excited!  M.L., Homeschool Mom