Last week, Small Magic was thrilled to launch the latest cohort of Phonics Power, designed to teach preschool children the basics of phonics and ensure they arrive in kindergarten ready to read. On Tuesday night, 16 excited students and their families gathered at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church for the kickoff event of this eight-week program.
A Vibrant Start
The energy was palpable as families, all alumni of our Birmingham Talks program, reunited. Many of these children were mere babies when we last saw them, and now they’re vibrant 3 and 4-year-olds, ready to embark on their next learning adventure. To kick off, parents shared one word to describe their children’s summer moods, with descriptors like “curious,” “relaxed,” and even “mermaid.”
Empowering Parents and Children
Many parents described their young ones’ summer moods as active, which is perfect for the engaging and interactive nature of Phonics Power. Each family received a take-home phonics kit, packed with high-quality literacy materials to practice between sessions. These kits are a vital component of the program, helping to reinforce the lessons learned and making learning at home both fun and effective.
Community and Support
We are immensely grateful to Sixth Avenue Baptist Church for hosting us and providing a welcoming space for our program. The sense of community was strong as families and staff came together to support our youngest learners. Reflecting on the event, Raven Johnson (Program Director at Small Magic) shared, “Seeing the growth and enthusiasm of these children as they begin their phonics journey is incredibly rewarding. Programs like Phonics Power are crucial in ensuring all children are equally prepared for school and lifelong learning.”
The Science Behind Phonics Power
Phonics Power is built on research that highlights the importance of early literacy skills. The program includes bi-weekly check-in sessions where parents can track their child’s progress and receive personalized tips from our early literacy experts. This hands-on approach ensures that every child receives the support they need to succeed.
Join Us on This Journey
Phonics Power is an extension of our commitment to maximizing school readiness and future economic mobility for all children. We invite you to learn more about the science behind the program and how it empowers both parents and children. Visit our Phonics Power page for detailed information.