Blog

We’re so proud to introduce this year’s lineup of storytellers.

In our latest All 99 feature, we’re delighted to introduce the Sherrell-Goodwin family, a multigenerational household in the heart of Birmingham whose bond is as deep as their shared commitment to learning. 

We are thrilled to announce the return of Storytime: Chapter 3, our annual gathering for adults who believe in the power of words and the limitless potential of children. This year, we invite you to join us as we explore the theme of growth. 

We’re looking for a partner to help bring a new early literacy curriculum to life.

We’re launching the Magic Makers Collective, an opportunity for individuals and families to come together in support of Birmingham’s children and collective future. 

Reading is one of the most powerful skills a child can gain, and it starts with a foundation in phonics. Phonics is the key to unlocking written language. It teaches children the relationships between letters and sounds, allowing them to break down words and gain confidence in reading. Without effective phonics instruction, children may struggle to decode words, impacting their ability to read fluently and limiting their future opportunities. 

In the earliest years of life, a child’s brain develops quickly. By age five, a child’s brain is about 90% of its adult size, and the words they hear during this critical window play a fundamental role in shaping their cognitive and social development. However, not all children have the same opportunities to build strong language skills from the start. This disparity is known as the “word gap”, a crucial early literacy challenge that affects millions of children, particularly those in lower-income communities.

At Small Magic, we believe real change starts small. And for the past five years, we’ve seen that change unfold in ways that are truly inspiring as we have grown from a hopeful idea to a community-driven force for early childhood education. Read our annual report to see how your support has made a difference and what’s next for Small Magic.

Storytime: Chapter 2 came alive with magic, joy, and countless surprises. Building on the success of our inaugural event, this year’s theme, “Surprises,” brought together a sold-out crowd in celebration of storytelling, the power of words, and the importance of early literacy for Birmingham’s children.