Our Story
We are Surprise Decodables! Our books were developed by 3 friends and experienced primary and literacy educators from the Sunshine Coast in beautiful British Columbia. We are honoured to live, learn, work and play on the unceded territories and waters of the Shíshálh and Skwxwúʔmesh nation. As educators, we value the importance of aligning our literacy practices with current research. We believe our unique approach to having text on one page and surprise pictures on the next is a winning combination that will support developing young readers.
Enjoy!
Michelle has enjoyed teaching for over 30 years in a variety of roles. These roles have included being an early primary teacher and literacy support teacher. Michelle currently works for Queens University teaching online post graduate courses for BC teachers. She also works as a parent educator supporting early childhood development for the Sunshine Coast. Michelle is an avid reader and loves being part of the Sunshine Coast Literacy Committee. She has been working to support teachers with bringing in the current Science of Reading research into their classroom practice. Michelle currently lives with her partner Ron in both Aldergrove and Peachland in British Columbia, Canada. When she isn’t working, she loves to paddle board, swim, read, travel and spend time with family and friends.
Sylvia has taught for over 30 years in a variety of roles, including being an early childhood educator, (preschool teacher), Child Life Therapist, Special Education Teacher’s Assistant, primary & intermediate teacher and literacy/numeracy support teacher. She has spent her career working with children, from birth to 12 years. Sylvia is passionate about teaching reading and a love of literacy to early learners. Currently she is semi-retired after many years teaching K/1/2, and working as a substitute teacher. She is often called to set up reading programmes for schools and to support struggling readers. Sylvia is very interested in the Science of Reading and Writing research. Sylvia lives in beautiful, Secret Cove (Halfmoon Bay) British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, Gerald, and her border collie Gemma. When she’s not writing Surprise Decodables, Sylvia loves to spend time with her 2 ½ year old granddaughter. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, crafting and of course reading!
Colleen has taught for over 30 years in a variety of roles. These roles have included being an early primary teacher and a literacy/numeracy support teacher for many years. She also worked for Simon Fraser University as a Faculty Associate in their teacher education program. Currently she is supporting the Sunshine Coast School District by offering professional development sessions for teachers around the Science of Reading and Writing Instruction. Colleen lives in beautiful, Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband John. When she’s not writing Surprise Decodables, Colleen loves kayaking, gardening and reading!