Root to Fruit — The Sprig Learning Newsletter for Holistic and Equitable Early Learning.
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Improving Reading With Dyslexia in Early Literacy
Dyslexia, and other related co-occurring learning disorders like ADHD, can put affected students at a disadvantage. In a diverse classroom, the needs of such students can be overlooked, unless we pledge to take the necessary steps to provide the support they need.
In this article, Sprig covers the basics of dyslexia, and offers tips to improve reading with dyslexia in the early years of education.
Although dyslexia is non-curable, when properly managed, it’s possible for many dyslexic students to be proficient in reading!
How Principals Can Improve Foundational Reading Skills at Their Schools
Improving foundational reading skills requires the collaborative effort of many. Sprig has written about these players in previous blogs. See for example, the primary teacher, the literacy specialist and the literacy coach. This article deals with the all important role of the school principal.
When enough principals adopt a validated, peer-reviewed approach to literacy, they can also influence the superintendents in their districts to try out evidence-based methods, which have been proven to reduce risk of reading failure.
Early Literacy State of Affairs. 6 Major Ways to Make a Difference.
Given the current state of affairs for K-2 students, and for those from marginalized backgrounds, Sprig has identified six factors that make a positive difference in the learning outcomes of children.
These six factors, when understood properly, can be used to make a difference for students who are: struggling to read, just beginning to learn how to read, or going to start learning in the near future.
40 Science of Reading Insights You Need to Know for Strategic Reading Instruction
In this article, we look at multiple aspects of SoR to derive lessons that can be applied in the classroom.
To do this, we rely on an assortment of 40 factual statements on SoR. They are grouped where appropriate, to offer valuable insights to educators, staff and leaders for improving reading instruction at schools.
Early Literacy: Academic Return on Investment (ROI) For Schools
Education leaders do not seek a monetary return on their investments, but they do seek greater student learning and cost-efficiency. This is called the academic return on investment for schools. This article is about increasing the academic return on investment through early literacy initiatives.
Early Literacy Instruction for Primary School Teachers/Elementary Teachers
Recently, there is more awareness about the immense value of early literacy. Studies continue to be published from various states showing that roughly a third of all K-2 students are missing early literacy benchmarks.
It’s a collective responsibility to ensure that the early literacy experience for children is optimized. Apart from parents, teachers spend the most time with kids in their daily lives during the school year. Their role in young students’ early literacy development is paramount to student success.
This article, Part 3 in our series, is dedicated to classroom teachers in early elementary grades who have a permanent seat at the early literacy dream team table. (Read Part 1 and Part 2.)
Sprig Learning Partners With Joyful Literacy To Develop a New Evidence-Based Early Literacy Teacher App
Sprig Learning was purpose-built to help provide every student with a fair shot at success. To date, we have worked with schools across North America to improve the assessment process in the early years, support teachers and provide all young learners with the chance to succeed in both school and in life. We have helped thousands of early learners acquire the fundamentals of early literacy and numeracy.
Sprig Learning’s early literacy tools are built around the Science of Reading. To take the next big leap in early literacy innovation, Sprig is excited to partner with Dr. Janet Mort and her Joyful Literacy team to bring you Sprig Reading: Powered by Joyful Literacy! Joyful Literacy is a proven, evidence-based literacy framework that has consistently improved classrooms to 90% grade-level literacy achievement. Wherever it is implemented, the results soon follow!
How Literacy Coaches Help Reading Achievement 101
This week, we turn our attention to the literacy coach. Like the reading or literacy specialist, it’s another in-school role that plays an invaluable part in teaching school children how to read.
The literacy coach, or reading coach, is someone trained in early literacy and who is aware of all recent developments in reading research. They use these skills to show teachers how to more effectively help students learn to read.
The role of a literacy coach is multivarious. It involves planning for coaching, reviewing teaching and assessment practices, and organizing resources for early literacy instruction.
The ABCs of Supporting Reading Specialists
Approximately 4 million students are enrolled in Grade 3 in the US in 2022. We regularly read reports from different states about the percentage of Grade 3 and Grade 4 students scoring below the state assessment level for reading proficiency. It ranges from 20% to as much as 60%.
Even if the lower quartile is considered, that means 1 million students are struggling to read in the US. It’s quite a daunting task for reading specialists, with each reading specialist, on average ,responsible for supporting 52 students!
In this article, we look at the nature of the job that is done by reading/literacy specialists, evidence of their effectiveness, and put forward ways in which we can better support them.
The Undeniable Case for Early Literacy Intervention
Often the word “literacy intervention” conjures up thoughts that relate to cost-inefficiencies and doubts over its overall efficiency.
But with hundreds of reading intervention programs being used by thousands of schools, we are past the point of debating the usability of interventions.
Rather, the focus should be on how to best implement literacy interventions in schools.
Design a Summer Reading Program for Early Literacy
Indeed, schools should be well equipped to manage returning students that had varied summer experiences and were exposed to diverse learning opportunities. Some students may require more help than others in the form of one-on-one or group support.
But how can we mitigate the summer slide?
Or looking at it from a more positive angle, what if more learning opportunities were available during the summer so all students could continue to maintain and build their early literacy skills?
The 20 Best Strategies for Teaching Early Math Skills
In a study on school readiness and later achievement, it’s said that early math skills have even greater predictive power than reading and attention skills, when it comes to determining success.
Given math is such an integral part of early childhood education, we wanted to do a comprehensive roundup of all strategies written on this topic.
We present them in this article.
Early Childhood Teachers— Creating the Perfect Team
Despite all the challenges commonly faced by teachers, they are committed to the teaching profession to help students.
It takes an enormous amount of effort and dedication to teach preschoolers, kindergarteners and students in the early elementary grades. That’s why Sprig Learning supports the teaching cause by designing holistic early learning programs for Pre-K to Grade 3.
For this year’s National Teacher Day, let’s take time to understand each teaching role to truly appreciate them!
Using Play-based Technology to Teach Early Math Skills
Encouraging and motivating a student during their early math experiences allows them to develop a keen interest in math. Such enjoyment and persistence in learning math pays off. Students explore creative ways to advance their learning instead of being discouraged and frustrated.
Play-based learning drives engagement in the early years.
Technology facilitates play.
In this article, we explore technology’s potential in teaching early math skills.
Early Learning Student Successes From 3 Amazing Case Studies.
It may be easier to raise the performance standards for some students, but it’s a much more difficult task to ensure all students receive the academic support they need.
Whether it’s creating the right vision for early learning, or writing a high-performing school improvement plan, Sprig aims to present what has worked for schools.
This article is the latest installment of our early learning school improvement series. We present 3 case studies from the US that resulted in early learning student success. Each case is followed by a takeaway.
Applying the Science of Reading in Early Literacy Strategies
There are hundreds of different factors that determine literacy success, and there are potentially more factors that remain unresearched.
That being said, the evidence for the Science of Reading deserves thorough consideration from educators who are looking for ways to build early literacy skills in and develop proficient readers in their classrooms.
In this article, we look at how the Science of Reading informs early literacy strategies.
Building Early Literacy Skills in Schools. Thoughtful Considerations.
Literacy is a science, and there is a plethora of things to consider when explaining variances in literacy outcomes.
For schools, timeliness is especially important in making a difference in building early literacy skills. A stitch in time saves nine.
In this article, Sprig Learning zeroes in on early literacy skills, and their impact on student outcomes.
11 Reasons Why Holistic Learning Strengthens Early Learning
One of the major reasons is holistic learning’s connection to differentiated instruction, which enables educators to personalize learning for every early child. Sprig’s holistic assessments help educators identify the unique strengths, needs and learning interests of every child.
Here are 11 more reasons why holistic learning suits early learning so well.
![Improving Student Achievement in Early Learning [Findings From Over 30 Schools and 3 Case Studies]](https://www.spriglearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/0102-ImproveAchievementBlog-Website-400x250.png)
Improving Student Achievement in Early Learning [Findings From Over 30 Schools and 3 Case Studies]
Sprig Learning is a purpose-built company that aims to provide every child a fair shot at success. Doing so requires the cooperation of many — administrators, teachers, parents, etc.
In order to best serve all learners, there should be a needs assessment conducted by school districts followed by school improvement plans that are written in accordance with the discovered needs.
By assessing what is working versus what is not, an action plan for school improvement can be set in motion.
![High-Performing School Improvement Plan [With 3 Actual Cases from Early Learning]](https://www.spriglearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2402-SchoolImprovementPlanBlog-Website-400x250.png)
High-Performing School Improvement Plan [With 3 Actual Cases from Early Learning]
With the right school improvement plan, becoming a high-performing school is a reality. It’s best to learn from existing case studies. We present three of them in this article.
Sprig Learning designs high-quality and culturally enabling early literacy and numeracy programs for pre-K to Grade 3.
High-quality early learning programs are used by school districts all over North America to produce meaningful results and deliver the best outcomes for young students.
Designing The Best Assessments in Early Childhood Education
Assessments are critical to early childhood education and development. We look at early learning assessment best practices to design the most effective assessments.
In school districts across Canada and the US, there is a standardized assessment delivered at the end of grade 3 or grade 4 which often represents the first standardized assessment in the early years. It also often marks the end of the primary school years. But in fact, a lot of the time, early childhood education begins with an assessment!
The Essentials of An Early Childhood Teacher Schedule
How can educators be better supported in their daily schedules? The essential components of teacher schedules are explored in this article, to suggest areas where help can be accepted. By following a set structure, an educator ensures that they are fitting the best quality education possible in the time they have at the school with their students.
What Can Sprig Learning Do for You?
Introducing Sprig Learning, the holistic early learning platform that provides every young student a fair shot at success. What does this mean for everyone involved? Whether you are a parent, a teacher, principal, a school district or community leader, an education innovator, or perhaps all of the above, Sprig’s products are designed to help everyone involved in early childhood education.
3 Critical Reasons to Focus on Early Childhood Education Programs
Why are early childhood education programs of such importance in our society? Here are 3 critical reasons that break it down. Early childhood education is defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the National Association for the Education of Young Children as birth to 8 years of age. This corresponds to pre-K to Grade 3 in the school system.
The 4 Golden Rules of Early Literacy Development
Early literacy development is in the back of every Pre-K to grade 3 teacher’s mind. Apply these 4 golden rules to see young students become better readers and writers. Family Literacy Day was created by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999 to promote the joy of life-long learning. It’s never too late for anyone to improve their skill level in reading or writing. But it’s best if such a process starts early, hence the importance of early literacy!
The Interactive Map of Holistic Learning in Canada
A holistic approach to education is often the answer to many of the challenges faced by school districts and policy makers today. This interactive map of Canada looks at the state of holistic education across the country.
Augmented Reality in Early Childhood Education. More Than a Trend.
Will augmented reality work in early childhood education? It will, if used in the right context. We explain its potential. Adding technology to any learning program will not immediately translate into improved student outcomes. However, technology, when used with physical educational materials, has the potential to add tremendous value to classrooms.
Holistic Formative Assessments. The New Wave.
Formative assessments are used by educators throughout North America to teach students. How can holistic formative assessments help? In education, formative assessments are extremely popular. Schools that use formative assessment show gains in academic achievement for students. For previously underachieving students, the gains are more pronounced due to the impact of formative assessments.
Recommendations to Make Best Use of ESSER Funds
ESSER contains 3 stimulus packages thus far to help schools during the public emergency. With the right recommendations, it’s a tremendous opportunity to make long-term winning investments.
![Sprig Learning Yearly Review [Includes message from CEO]](https://www.spriglearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1221-YearlyReviewBlog-Website-1-400x250.png)
Sprig Learning Yearly Review [Includes message from CEO]
This is Sprig Learning’s 2021 end of year reflection. There is so much to be grateful for, as we work to ensure all early learners have the best shot at success in school.
4 Types of Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Education
Parental involvement is essential for a high-quality early childhood education. For best results, make sure that these four things are taken into consideration.
5 Solutions to 5 Key Challenges in Early Learning in North America
Every challenge has a solution. Apply these 5 solutions to address the 5 major early learning challenges faced by schools in North America.
5 Early Learning Challenges Faced by Schools and Programs Across North America
So many articles, journals, whitepapers, conferences, and experts agree on these 5 challenges in early education. Yet, they continue to exist. What are they? We discuss.
The Essential Terms in Early Childhood Educational Equity and How They Increase Quality
In order to address the opportunity gaps that exist in early childhood education, all relevant terms that make or break a program should be understood. We cover the most essential terms in this article.
11 More Key Figures in Early Childhood Education in North America
Organization focused influencers in early childhood education are a driving force in the betterment of early learning. We look at 11 key figures in North America.
21 Key Figures Today in Early Childhood Education in North America
Early childhood education is a discipline that continues to evolve over the years. Here are 21 key influencers today who make ECE what it is.
The Unrivaled Miniguide to Introducing Differentiated Instruction in Early Learning
Use this miniguide to build your differentiated instruction strategy for early learners. Acquire a complete perspective of differentiated instruction implementation.
What Is Holistic Learning’s Role in Assessing Early Literacy?
Is there such a thing as a holistic approach to assessment in education? We explore the depth to which holistic learning and assessments align with early literacy.
The Equity Issues in Early Childhood Education That Will Stop You in Your Tracks.
We have a long way to go to achieve equity in early childhood education. Here is some food for thought and potential solutions.
Dealing with Implicit Bias in Early Learning Assessments
Is it possible to mitigate implicit bias in early learning assessments? Further your understanding of this topic and get some recommendations.
What You Should Know about Assessments In Early Childhood Education.
Assessments are essential in schools, but are we missing something in the way we conduct assessments? See how formative assessments could be immune to learning disruption.
The Most Emphatic Early Learning Numbers Explained. 0 to 100!
If we only looked at the numbers and nothing else, what story would that depict? In early learning, we look at many such numbers from zero to hundred to tell a story.
![Benefits of Differentiated Instruction in Early Learning—The Comprehensive List [With Matching Strategies]](https://www.spriglearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/1910-DITacticsBlog-Website-400x250.png)
Benefits of Differentiated Instruction in Early Learning—The Comprehensive List [With Matching Strategies]
What’s the hype about differentiated instruction in early learning? We address all of its benefits in one place, with strategies to match.
Why You Need High-Quality Head Start Preschools for Early Learning
A robust head start preschool program is required to educate early learners. But what’s the difference between a high-quality preschool vs other preschools?
Formal Formative Assessment or Informal Formative Assessment. What’s Right for Early Learning?
Is one type of formative assessment better than the other for early learning? We explore the nature of both formal & informal assessments.
How Differentiated Learning Supports All Forms of Early Learning
Differentiated learning is not a standalone approach. It affects many other types of early learning approaches. We look at the central role it plays in early learning.
13 Amazing Indigenous Learning Initiatives from 13 Provinces & Territories of Canada
In honour of Orange Shirt Day, we pledge to never forget, but to look ahead. Canada is in the process of reconciliation. These 13 Indigenous learning initiatives are making an impact.
Early Learning Funding Sources That You Must Follow in the US
Improving quality and accessibility of early learning programs has always required appropriate investments. In response to the greater urgency for funding, we list the must-follow early learning funding sources in the US.
15 Characteristics of Holistic Learning
You’ve heard the idea of holistic learning before in early childhood education. We bring you 15 characteristics that reveal the essence of holistic education, with examples.
The North American Primer on Early Indigenous Education
Indigenous education awareness is at an all-time high. We explain the current state, challenges and opportunities in North America, focusing on early learners who are most impacted by any change.
Learning Loss and the Road to Recovery for School Children
It’s said that Covid 19 school closures have devastated early learning. We discuss the journey from learning loss to learning recovery for those affected.
Sprig Learning Partner wins Governor General’s Innovation Award
Indigenous education authority, Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, recognized for its innovative approach to learning. OTTAWA, ON (May 20, 2021) —The Mi’kmaw education authority in Nova Scotia is one of six recipients from across Canada to win the prestigious Governor...
Ontario Partners with Canadian EdTech Company to Support New Math Curriculum
Sprig Math Focuses on Building a Deeper Understanding of Mathematics in the Early Years. OTTAWA, ON (March 10, 2021) — Leading educational technology company, Sprig Learning, launches Sprig Math to support teachers, students and families as they navigate the...
Designing Classroom Resources: Part Two – Process & Execution Design Tips & Tricks for Early Childhood Educators
For part two of our ‘Designing Classroom Resources’ series, Chris is going to focus on process and execution; how to create engaging resources that are inspired by your own ideas or by borrowing inspiration from/putting your own twist on activities you may have...
Designing Classroom Resources: Part One – Fonts Design Tips & Tricks for Early Childhood Educators
Interested in creating your own classroom resources for early learners? Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Sprig’s in-house graphic designer is sharing a design education series just for you; to give you access to the tips and tricks you need to design...
More Tips to Protect Your Child’s Data Online (Part Two – Children on Computers)
As a follow-up to Part One - Children on Computers, we now shift the focus to securing data on mobile technology. While the evolution of mobile and wireless technologies have contributed positively to lives over the past 10+ years, many people continue to debate the...
Five Tips to Protect Your Child’s Data Online (Part One – Children on Computers)
With most schools running either part- or full-time remote learning programs (or a combination of both), parents are advised to stay vigilant about doing everything they can to protect their child’s data online. At Sprig Learning, we take online security and privacy...
COVID Slide: How COVID-19 Affects Young Learners
COVID-19 brought the entire world to a standstill. Arguably, the education sector was the most impacted. School closures for nearly six months are having a profound impact on young learners. According to UNESCO, approximately 1.5 billion children were affected by...
Innovation meets Indigenous pedagogy: the Canadian company revitalizing Indigenous languages
This article was originally published at https://www.canadadownunder.org.au/sprig-learning/ Jarrett Laughlin comes from a family of Canadian educators. As someone with nearly two decades of experience in the Canadian education sector, his passion and work are...
Canadian EdTech Company Launches Free Early Learning Platform for Parents During School Closures
Across the country, Canadian families are feeling the effects of COVID-19 school closures. In some provinces, schools have been closed indefinitely, prompting many parents to seek credible learning resources that have been designed with them in mind. In response,...
ICTC Q&A With Sprig Learning Founder Jarrett Laughlin
This interview was originally published by The Information and Communications Technology Council on Monday, March 9, 2020. The constant proliferation of new educational technologies can distract from important questions such as “Is this software helpful” and...
Sprig Learning Expands Oral Language Learning Program
Sprig Learning, a leader in holistic early years programming, is excited to launch our new innovative platform Sprig 2.0 for the 2019-20 school year. With improved data visualization for educators, iOS assessment application features and learning resources for...
Using Data to Drive Decisions in the Classroom
There’s a change going on at my school near the Trans-Canada Highway in the southeastern Alberta town of Bassano. Teachers are turning on to how student data can be used to drive decisions in the classroom. I’ve been the principal at Bassano School for about three...
As Class Sizes Grow, So Does the Need for Efficient Data Management Practices
Education administrators, teachers and parents have access to more personalized data about their students than ever before. With class sizes growing and caps being removed, it is important that we learn how to process and apply the information collected effectively to...
SXSW EDU 2019
Sprig Learning CEO Jarrett Laughlin had the opportunity to talk about how an iPad and real-time data are helping Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in Nova Scotia capture multiple perspectives of early literacy while promoting language learning in the home,...
It Takes Two to Keep Student Data Safe
Technology isn't leaving anytime soon – that's a fact. With job markets desperate for digital skills and teachers desperate for support, devices have a place in today's education system. The trouble is, schools are adopting technology at an accelerating rate while the...
Freethinking Finger-Painters: Media Literacy for Early Learners
The truth is hard to come by, isn't it? Even for adults, the line between truth and falsehood is often blurry. Social media, news sites, online publications – the access to information is limitless but so too is our exposure to misinformation. For every reputable news...
Student Data Privacy – What Makes Sprig So Secure?
Protecting student data is a top priority for school districts and schools, and with the upswing of new edtech products on the market, it can be hard to qualify which tools offer the kind of protection that you and your students need. While some edtech companies may...
Sprig Learning Wins Best Language Learning App of 2018
We are thrilled to announce that the Sprig Learning Bookshelf has been named the Tech Edvocate’s Best Language Learning App of 2018! The Sprig Learning Bookshelf was built in partnership with Mi’kmaw Kina’matenwey of Nova Scotia, and provides Indigenous and...
6 Strategies that Boost Parental Engagement
Parental engagement is one of the most powerful ways to raise student achievement in academics, but actually getting parents in the door of your school is easier said than done. Check out Sprig Learning's six strategies to boosting parental engagement, and create a...
Culturally Responsive Teaching for the Digital Age
Children of all backgrounds should have role models to admire. Most young children have heroes and they’re often quite literal in the rationale behind their choices. Race and gender are often deciding factors and while pop culture is responding by diversifying content...
Digital Literacy is Important, Early Literacy is Important-er
Coding, digital literacy, tech etiquette – these competencies are being squeezed into curriculums faster than you can say ‘growth mindset’. There is a justified reasoning behind this digital push, but let’s not forget the importance of early literacy. Without...
Why Traditional Early Years Assessment is Failing
Among personalized learning and caregiver engagement, student assessment is one of the most important aspects of early learning. Educators who consistently use formative assessment strategies are shown to double the speed of learning for students in their classroom....
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