Early Literacy

Early reading is crucial to overall academic success. In Plain Local, we are committed to ensuring that every child exceeds grade-level expectations for reading. Strong literacy skills open the door to academic success K - 12 and beyond!

We begin in Kindergarten by teaching letter-sound knowledge, then move to reading smaller words then more complex words, and eventually whole texts. Students are exposed to rich language through our Wit & Wisdom reading curriculum. They build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills from the very start.

All Plain Local Teachers are trained in Structured Literacy. Structured literacy is a way to teach students to read. It follows a specific order to teach reading, from simple to more complex skills, based on how we know people’s brains work. It is also very direct. Teachers focus on the exact skills that students need to know to go from speech to printed words.

Structured literacy is based on hundreds of thousands of research studies. This body of knowledge is called the Science of Reading. All of our programs align to this science. Each of our curricula address the Five Components of Reading: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension.

We use the Structured Literacy curricula "Fundations" and "Heggerty". Heggerty develops students’ phonological awareness in Kindergarten and First Grade. Fundations supports students’ phonics in grades K - 2. It is hands-on learning of letters, sounds, and words. For comprehension, vocabulary, and oral language, our teachers use Wit & Wisdom, a knowledge-building curriculum designed to strengthen students’ knowledge and curiosity. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are often paired with one another to support a student’s learning.

Some students may demonstrate learning concerns. This may include dyslexia, one of the most common reading issues. A child with dyslexia often struggles to match letters to sounds or read simple words. Therefore, we frequently assess students to monitor their reading growth.  We use the Acadience Reading Assessment to assess every Kindergarten through Fourth Grader.

We believe prevention and early intervention are the best means of supporting students. We use a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Model to support all learners. We carefully use assessment data to match instruction to your child's needs. If your child shows signs of reading concerns, they will receive targeted intervention by one of our highly-trained teachers. This may include their classroom teacher, Intervention Specialist, Title Teacher, or Literacy Specialist. All of our teachers are trained in supporting students with learning needs. We will do everything we can to help your child meet their learning goals.

Your child's teacher will communicate with you about your child's growth and progress. If you have any questions, please let your child's teacher or principal know.

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Not only do we provide intervention for students who need it, but we believe strongly in stretching the growth of our strongest readers.

If your child is reading at or above grade level, their teacher will provide them with challenging books and activities to ensure that they continue on an accelerated path.

Our teachers use the Wit & Wisdom Reading Curriculum, which is a highly-rated, rigorous program. It uses deep questioning and written responses to keep students' curiosity growing. Students use evidence to support their answers and engage with their peers in deep conversations.

Learn more: 

• Reading Rockets: Reading Rockets is one of the very best resources for helping children with reading.  Their “Literacy At Home” page is filled with parent information and activities.
• The Ohio State University: OSU’s Family Engagement Center is designed to support families with more information about dyslexia and how to help your child at home.
• The Right to Read Project: “The ABCs of Teaching Reading at Home” as a guide for families of students at all elementary levels.