Mrs. Lauren will be leading our reading instruction, using the highly effective Reading Curriculum by Tara West. Tara West, a passionate educator and curriculum author, developed her approach after identifying gaps in traditional, one-size-fits-all classroom materials. Her curriculum is designed to bridge those gaps, offering a rich, engaging way to teach essential reading skills. The carefully selected stories will align with our unit studies, providing a seamless integration of key concepts such as story structure, sequencing, the features of both fiction and informational texts, making predictions, and much more. Alongside these texts, students will enjoy creative crafts that bring the stories to life, making reading an interactive and enjoyable experience. This hands-on approach will not only deepen your child's reading comprehension but also foster the development of their independent reading skills in a fun and meaningful way. 

Mrs. Marisa will lead phonics instruction for our Kindergarten through 2nd-grade students using two programs. The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) focuses on building essential reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This evidence-based approach provides structured, systematic instruction to create a strong reading foundation for academic success. For preschool and kindergarten, Mrs. Marisa will also use Playing Preschool from Busy Toddler. This play-based curriculum integrates reading, math, science, and art, fostering curiosity while building foundational skills in letters and letter sounds. Her expertise in using both UFLI and Playing Preschool ensures that our students receive a well-rounded, engaging educational experience. Her dedication to fostering a love for learning,combined with her ability to connect with each child, makes her an invaluable resource for supporting academic growth and building strong foundational skills in our students.