Foothills students head into Grade 3 with new confidence after Literacy Playground

From Okotoks Online, Emily Rogers

A group of Foothills students is celebrating a successful summer of learning after graduating from a literacy program designed to help them enter Grade 3 with greater confidence. 

In its second-year running, the Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation (FFSF) Literacy Playground program welcomed 23 students over 18 days, offering small-group instruction, hands-on learning, and literacy-focused activities designed to improve reading skills and confidence.  

Students were chosen for the program based on report cards, reading marks, their language arts marks, writing, and teacher comments.  A graduation ceremony was held on July 29, where students celebrated their accomplishments and performed a Reader’s Theatre. 

Program Coordinator Janet Jack said the graduation marked an important milestone for students who worked hard throughout the summer. 

“We believe that if kids read well, they are going to succeed. It's going to be so much easier for them in their classroom,” Jack said. “Even if they're developing and still struggling, if we can help them with the confidence to try, it’s going to carry over.” 

Jack noted that Grade 3 is a critical time in a student’s literacy development. 

“The research shows that we've got to get them early,” she said.  “There'll be more learning through reading as the year progresses, but really, we want to make sure they're hitting Grade 3 as strong as they can be.” 

Throughout the program, students worked in small groups, allowing instructors to focus on individual learning needs and adjust lessons as students progressed. 

“You can plan your day and change on the spur of the moment if you have the materials available to do that,” Jack said.  

One of the most rewarding parts of the program for Jack was watching students gain confidence in their abilities. 

“I could see the light bulb go on, you can see it in their eyes, it's wonder and surprise when they make that connection,” she said. “As a teacher, you go, ‘Wow, I helped with that.’” 

Building skills through hands-on learning 

Throughout the program, teachers focused on meeting students where they were, building on their individual literacy needs. 

Instructors worked with students on a variety of skills, including reading strategies, and writing, while incorporating activities such as comic design, word games, and puppet theatre and Reader’s Theatre. 

The program also included connecting activities that linked classroom learning with hands-on experiences. Students explored themes such as hot air balloons, classic cars, and machines, then completed crafts based on what they learned.  

Positive change 

Students completed an attitude survey throughout the program, with results showing positive change. 

Jack noted that by the end of the program, many students were expressing how much they enjoyed the experience. 

“You're like the Grinch and your heart grows three sizes because you know you've made a change,” she said.  

Changes made in second year 

After launching the program last summer, organizers made several changes for its second year. 

“Last year we said we were flying the plane as we were building it,” Jack said. 

The first year came together quickly after funding was secured in July, with the program launching in August. 

However, with support from the Foothills School Division (FSD), organizers were able to secure a space for the program, recruit elementary teachers, and prepare resources well ahead of time. 

Jack said having materials and logistics in place before the program began made a significant difference. 

“Last year, we were emptying our computers and our caches of material to try to find appropriate stuff,” she said. “This year, our books were in the pod. We walked out of our rooms and got the next level.” 

The program introduced volunteers this year, to support each classroom, and help keep students focused on tasks.  

The program was also moved to July instead of late August, allowing students to settle into a routine more quickly.  

“Once the kids get here, we really do focus on enjoyment. We do a lot of hands-on activities with literacy, so they see it as fun,” Jack said. 

Looking ahead 

Jack is hopeful the Literacy Playground program can continue annually, but future funding is needed. 

“Confidence in literacy is on top of so many people's lists,” Jack said. “We're all going to work towards that.” 

Jack is thankful for the support FSD, instructors, volunteers, and the community have shown for the program.