Phonics & Structured Literacy
“We’re committed to making sure our students have the tools they need to succeed. Some of our students are finding success through student support plans that use therapy to improve cognitive function. Others are finding success through programs like phonics. We’re for whatever works, and we’re excited to expand our services to help kids succeed.”
— Tim Kuhns, Trinity K-8 Principal
Trinity now uses Saxon Phonics* for the K-2 reading curriculum. The program is highly effective for students who struggle with dyslexia as well as those who do not.
“Approximately 20% of all people are dyslexic,” says Trinity’s Alphabetic Phonics* instructor Christine Kelly. “Structured Literacy* is a proven solution. And the earlier you work to close the reading gap, the easier it will be to close.”
All K-3 Trinity teachers have been trained at The Fundamental Learning Center in the essentials of Structured Literacy, giving these instructors more tools to help struggling readers.
*What are phonics?
Structured Literacy is a teaching approach which prepares students to decode words in a systematic manner. This approach is proven to help students with dyslexia, and there’s substantial evidence that it’s helpful for all readers.
Phonics is a part of Structured Literacy. It teaches children to associate the sounds of spoken English with individual letters or groups of letters, helping them decode unfamiliar or unknown words by sounding them out.
Saxon Phonics K–2 is a branded curriculum of phonics that is both research-based and evidence-proven.
Christine Kelly, Phonics therapist
Christine is a certified academic language therapist, and a 2000 Trinity alum.
The 2022-23 school year was Kelly’s first year working as an Alphabetic Phonics teacher at Trinity. She taught 15 students who received instruction in small groups three to five days a week.
“We’ve seen so much progress with these students. I’m excited to continue and expand this program. Kids learn to read and spell, and the therapy is fun,” said Kelly. “We play games!”