Richards Learning Systems is revolutionizing literacy education by offering an engaging, evidence-based approach that empowers both educators and students to succeed in reading.
A Lifeline for Struggling Readers
Imagine a world where every child, regardless of their background or abilities, has the chance to unlock the power of reading. For Carole Richards, this vision became a driving force behind the creation of Richards Learning Systems and its flagship program, Sammy and the Magical Reading Chest. As a literacy expert with over 40 years of experience, Carole witnessed the challenges that students and teachers faced in traditional reading programs. It was these challenges that inspired her to develop a solution, a groundbreaking approach that not only teaches children to read but also equips teachers and parents with the tools they need to succeed.
A Lifelong Passion for Literacy Education
Carole Richards’ journey began long before Richards Learning Systems took shape. With decades of experience in literacy instruction, she saw firsthand the struggles faced by students in both mainstream classrooms and specialized settings. Her work with thousands of teachers and students across various educational landscapes gave her a unique perspective on what was missing in the traditional methods of teaching reading.
In her years of experience, Carole found that many teacher preparation programs were lacking critical components in teaching reading. Too many programs overlooked the Science of Reading, and instead, educators were relying on outdated methods that had long been debunked. This left many teachers ill-prepared to teach foundational literacy skills, especially for struggling readers. In turn, students were often left behind.
After much reflection, Carole decided to create something that would change the game. She knew that it wasn’t enough to just give teachers a set of instructions or a curriculum. What was needed was a practical, evidence-based program that would allow teachers and parents to teach children to read in a fun and engaging way. This led to the creation of Sammy and the Magical Reading Chest, a program that would not only change how reading is taught but also how educators and parents engage in the learning process.
A Revolutionary Approach to Teacher Training
One of the biggest obstacles in education is the quality of teacher training. Traditional teacher preparation programs often fail to equip educators with the tools needed to teach reading effectively. The result? Schools face a never-ending cycle of retraining teachers, which is both costly and time-consuming. Carole realized that teacher training needed to be simplified and more accessible.
That’s why Sammy and the Magical Reading Chest incorporates a video-based learning system that allows teachers, parents, and even volunteers to get up to speed quickly. With short, five-minute video lessons taught by fun puppet characters, animation and children, the program is easy for anyone to implement, no professional teacher training required beyond the five-minute video lessons . The beauty of this system is that it aligns with research-based reading strategies while being accessible to those who may not have a background in education.
By focusing on both teaching and learning simultaneously, the program ensures that everyone, teachers, parents, and students, are engaged in the learning process. This “train the trainer” model has proven to be especially effective in helping struggling readers catch up quickly. A great example is a nonverbal autistic 7-year-old who, after just three years of using the program, is now reading complex words and holding conversations. Stories like these highlight the profound impact Richards Learning Systems is having on students across the world.
Grounded in Science, Designed for Success
At the heart of Richards Learning Systems is a deep commitment to evidence-based teaching methods. The program is rooted in the Science of Reading, an approach that emphasizes phonics, phonemic awareness, and systematic instruction. With this foundation, the program offers students the tools they need to become proficient readers, from learning how to sound out letters to mastering complex spelling patterns.
Richards Learning Systems goes beyond basic literacy skills by incorporating multi-sensory techniques, making learning engaging and effective. From letter sounds to advanced spelling patterns, students are taught through a combination of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods. This helps students not only understand the mechanics of reading but also internalize those skills in a way that ensures long-term retention.
As students progress, they are able to read and spell words that range from simple words (like “cat”) to complex words (like “antidisestablishmentarianism”). The program’s structured approach builds mastery and automaticity, ensuring that students don’t just learn to read, they learn to love reading.
Impact Beyond the Classroom
Richards Learning Systems isn’t just for schools, it’s making a difference in workplaces and communities as well. For over a decade, Carole’s program has been used to teach adults in the workplace how to read, many for the first time. One such moment stands out: Carole went to troubleshoot a class of nonreaders at a tough shop. Even the union steward was in the room, but Carole didn’t let that intimidate her. With a sock puppet in hand, she said, “Please don’t laugh at me, but you’ll never forget me with this sock on my hand.”
It was this human connection, this willingness to be vulnerable, that made all the difference. By using humor and empathy, Carole was able to teach these adults how to read, opening up new opportunities for them both personally and professionally. The success of the program in nontraditional settings highlights its versatility and its ability to meet learners where they are, with respect and dignity.
Richards Learning Systems Today: A Leader in Literacy Education
Today, Richards Learning Systems is a leader in the field of literacy education, recognized for its innovation and effectiveness. The program was recently featured on the cover of Education Insider Magazine as the Top Reading Program of 2025, a major accomplishment that speaks to the program’s widespread success. Carole was also named one of the 20 Most Impactful People to Watch in 2025 by All The Worlds magazine, further solidifying her position as a thought leader in education.
Richards Learning Systems continues to grow, both in the United States and internationally. Carole’s recent travels took her to Africa and Israel, where educators showed great interest in the program’s potential to help children and adults alike. This global reach reflects the universal appeal of the program’s straightforward, fun, and effective approach to literacy.
Visit Richards Learning Systems today to learn more about how you can join this movement and make a lasting impact on the future of literacy.
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