Hello! I’m Tori Akselrad
I am a mom, elementary teacher, and the creator of Feelings-Based Phonics. After years in the classroom, one thing became very clear. Kids learn best when they feel seen, supported, and emotionally safe. Yet teachers are asked to fit more into the day than ever before. There is simply not enough time to give students the daily SEL practice they need while also meeting literacy expectations.
So I began building something new.
A phonics program that honors the Science of Reading and also supports a child’s emotional world. A system that teaches letter sounds and self-awareness at the same time. A resource that brings calm, connection, and confidence back into early literacy.
Why Feelings-Based Phonics was created
I noticed the same thing year after year.
Students struggled most not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked tools for managing big feelings. A child who is overwhelmed or dysregulated cannot fully access decoding skills. So I wondered what would happen if phonics instruction included simple SEL language woven into each lesson.
What started as simple conversations and cue cards for my own classroom slowly grew into a full program. Today The Sound Squad characters help kids understand sounds and emotions side by side. Active A jumps with energy. Brave B stands tall when learning feels hard. Mindful M reminds us to slow down and breathe.
Every card teaches a sound and an emotional skill.
Every lesson supports literacy and regulation.
Every story invites kids to reflect on who they are becoming as learners.
Who this program is for
Feelings-Based Phonics was designed for:
- Teachers looking for literacy resources that are easy to use
- Parents who want simple, research-backed tools at home
- Homeschool families who want a gentle, structured path to reading
- Anyone who believes learning to read should feel joyful and safe
What You Will Find Here
On this site you will discover:
– Sound Squad character cards
– Multisensory phonics lesson guides
– Decodable stories with SEL themes
– Dictation practice and word ideas
– Discussion prompts for emotional growth
– Free tools and guides for parents and teachers
A bit about me
I live in the beautiful Colorado mountains with my husband and two daughters, who inspire everything I create. Outside of teaching and writing, you can usually find me skiing, biking, lifting weights, sipping coffee, and spending time outdoors with my family.
My goal is to make literacy instruction feel more manageable and meaningful. Whether you are teaching in a classroom, supporting your child at home, or homeschooling, I am so glad you are here!