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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.

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.

Conversations Count: Innovating Early in the Deep South This March, Small Magic took center stage at the South by Southwest Education (SXSWEdu) conference, a gathering renowned for spotlighting the brightest…