Nurturing Lifelong Readers & Writers
Comprehensive K-8 Literacy Philosophy
The most effective approach to K-8 literacy instruction combines systematic foundational skills with increasingly sophisticated reading, writing, and critical thinking experiences — a balanced literacy framework that evolves with student development.
Early Elementary Foundation (K-2)
The foundation should be explicit, systematic phonics instruction (Fundations). Children need to understand how letters map to sounds and how to decode unfamiliar words. This includes phonemic awareness (Heggerty) activities, letter-sound correspondences, and practice with decodable texts. The research strongly supports the use of structured literacy approaches at this level.
Simultaneously, students need exposure to rich literature and language through interactive read-alouds, shared reading, and access to books at their interest level. This builds vocabulary, comprehension skills, and motivation to read.
Intermediate Elementary (Grades 3-6)
As students progress, the emphasis gradually shifts toward comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, and reading across different text types. Students require explicit instruction on how to comprehend complex texts, draw inferences, and think critically about what they read.
Secondary School Transition (Grades 7-8)
In grades 7 & 8, literacy instruction expands to include advanced critical literacy skills essential for academic success and civic engagement:
Advanced Text Analysis: Students analyze increasingly complex literary and informational texts, examining author's purpose, bias, perspective, and rhetorical techniques. They learn to evaluate the credibility of sources and distinguish between fact and opinion in digital and print media.
Academic Writing Development: Writing instruction emphasizes argument construction, evidence-based reasoning, and discipline-specific writing conventions. Students practice research skills, proper citation methods, and crafting multi-paragraph essays across content areas.
Digital Literacy Integration: Students develop skills for navigating, evaluating, and creating digital texts. This includes understanding how multimedia elements contribute to meaning and learning to communicate effectively across digital platforms.
Content Area Reading: Literacy instruction supports reading comprehension in science, social studies, and other subjects through explicit teaching of domain-specific vocabulary, text structures, and thinking strategies unique to different disciplines.
Independent Critical Thinking: Students engage with texts that present multiple perspectives on complex issues, learning to synthesize information from various sources and form well-reasoned opinions supported by textual evidence.
Key Elements Throughout All Grades (K-8)
Integrated Writing Instruction: Students learn to express ideas clearly and understand how authors craft texts, with increasing sophistication in organization, voice, and style as they progress.
Daily Independent Reading: Time with books that students choose and can read successfully, progressing from picture books to young adult literature and non-fiction.
Ongoing Assessment: Regular monitoring to identify struggling readers early and provide targeted interventions, with increasingly sophisticated diagnostic tools in upper grades.
Vocabulary Development: Systematic instruction in word learning strategies, morphology, and academic vocabulary that becomes increasingly important for content area success.
Discussion and Collaboration: Regular opportunities for students to discuss texts, share interpretations, and learn from peers' perspectives.
Flexible, Responsive Approach
The approach should be flexible enough to meet individual needs while maintaining high expectations for all students. Some students will need continued intensive foundational skills support, while others may be ready for more advanced analytical work earlier. In grades 7-8, this differentiation becomes particularly important as students prepare for high school-level literacy demands.
Balanced Philosophy
What's most important is avoiding extremes — neither pure skills drill nor unstructured approaches serve students well. The combination of systematic skill instruction within a print-rich, intellectually engaging environment that grows increasingly sophisticated tends to produce the strongest outcomes. By grade 8, students should be confident, critical readers and writers prepared for the literacy demands of high school and beyond.
From the summer newsletter:
West Hempstead UFSD's Guide for Parents
Let's Spark a Love for Literacy!
Imagine your child lost in a book or proudly sharing a story they wrote. At West Hempstead UFSD, WHe are all about fostering that magic. Inspired by our unforgettable Family Literacy Night, our school leaders share actionable tips to help your child become a lifelong reader and writer. Let's dive in!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Dear West Hempstead RamFam, Imagine your child curled up with a book, lost in a world of adventure, or penning a story that sparks their imagination. At West Hempstead UFSD, WHe are passionate about nurturing lifelong readers and writers, and it starts at home with YOU! Our schools—Chestnut Street (PreK-K), Cornwell Avenue (Grades 1-3), George Washington (Grades 4-6)—along with our Director of Humanities, Director of ENL, Executive and Assistant Directors of PPS, and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, are here to share practical tips to make literacy a joyful part of your family’s daily life. Let’s dive in and explore how you can inspire your child to love reading and writing.
Our Elementary Philosophy
The most effective approach to K-6 literacy instruction combines systematic phonics instruction with rich, meaningful reading experiences.
For early elementary (K-2), the foundation should be explicit, systematic phonics instruction (Fundations). Students need to understand how letters map to sounds and how to decode unfamiliar words. This includes phonemic awareness (Heggerty) activities, letter-sound correspondences, and practice with decodable texts. The research strongly supports the use of structured literacy approaches at this level.
Simultaneously, students need exposure to rich literature and language through interactive read-alouds, shared reading, and access to books at their interest level. This builds vocabulary, comprehension skills, and motivation to read.
As students progress (grades 3-6), the emphasis gradually shifts toward comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, and reading across different text types. Students require explicit instruction on how to comprehend complex texts, draw inferences, and think critically about what they read.
Key elements throughout all grades include:
Writing instruction integrated with reading — students learn to express ideas clearly and understand how authors craft texts. Daily independent reading time with books that students choose and can read successfully—ongoing assessment to identify struggling readers early and provide targeted interventions.
The approach should be flexible enough to meet individual needs while maintaining high expectations for all students. Some students will need more intensive phonics support, while others may be ready for more advanced comprehension work earlier.
What's most important is avoiding extremes — neither pure phonics drill nor unstructured "whole language" approaches serve students well. The combination of systematic skill instruction within a print-rich, engaging environment tends to produce the strongest outcomes.
Current Newsletter
Early Childhood - Chestnut St.
At Chestnut Street, WHe believe that a love for reading begins with joy! Our youngest Rams are diving into stories through play, songs, and interactive read-alouds. Dr. Minicozzi shares:
"Our PreK and Kindergarten scholars are soaking up stories like sponges. WHe use playful activities—like acting out The Very Hungry Caterpillar or singing about letters—to make literacy fun. "Our Pre-K and Kindergarten students are building a strong foundation in literacy through joyful, hands-on experiences. Whether they’re dramatizing The Very Hungry Caterpillar or singing songs that reinforce letter sounds, we integrate play and storytelling to spark a lifelong love of reading."
At-Home Tip: Create a cozy reading nook with pillows and a basket of books. Read aloud with silly voices or let your child "retell" the story through drawings. Try our Padlet resource for interactive storytelling ideas:
Primary - CA
At Cornwell Avenue, we’re fostering young writers by encouraging creativity. “Our students are writing their own stories, from superhero adventures to letters to their future selves,” says Principal Deanna Sinito. “We use journals and prompts to help them express their ideas confidently.”
At-Home Tip: Set up a “writing corner ”with colorful pens, notebooks, and prompts like “If you could visit any planet, what would you see?” Encourage your child to write a sentence or two daily. Check out our Padlet for writing prompts tailored to Grades 1-3: https://padlet.com/RandibethDEI/literacy-pd-o0ock7q5ew0ege2e.
Why It Works: Writing boosts confidence and critical thinking. When kids see their ideas on paper, they feel like authors!
Intermediate - GW
As we kick off an exciting new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all our families. At George Washington, we believe that Ram Pride is more than a mantra —it’s the heart of our school community. Together, as part of the Ram Fam, we are committed to helping every student grow into a confident, lifelong reader. Your support at home makes a big difference — especially in these intermediate years when students are building stamina, vocabulary, and deeper comprehension skills. Here are two simple, developmentally appropriate ways to help:
1. Make Reading Part of the Daily Routine
Set aside just 20 minutes each evening for your child to read independently — whether it's a novel, graphic novel, nonfiction book, or even a magazine. Afterward, ask specific questions like: “What’s the most interesting thing you read tonight?” “Did the main character face any tough decisions?”
2. Bring Reading Into Real Life
Look for everyday opportunities to read together: follow a recipe while cooking dinner, read and discuss a news article (like from Newsela or Time for Kids), or listen to an audiobook on a drive and pause to talk about what’s happening. These experiences show students that reading connects to the world around them. Together, we can help every Ram grow stronger in their reading and learning this year. Here’s to a year of curiosity, growth, and Ram Pride in every chapter!
With Ram Pride,
Ms. Milliner - Principal of George Washington Intermediate School
Literacy Coach
Celebrating a Reading Milestone!
At the close of the last school year, over 170 students in grades 4–6 registered for West Hempstead Public Library cards—marking the library’s highest student enrollment in years!
Many students were so enthusiastic that they encouraged family members to sign up as well, highlighting the many benefits of a library card, including free access to local parks, recreational activities, books, and media.
One of the most exciting features for our students was gaining access to the Libby app, which opened the door to thousands of free eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines, making summer reading dreams come true.
As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, we are excited to continue our partnership with WHPL.
Together, we aim to foster a love of literacy, support strong reading habits, and help students strengthen their connection to the community.
Ms. Andrejko
ENL & Dr. D.
Ram-Powered Reading: Building a love for reading across languages
If your child is an English Language Learner, we believe in nurturing their identity as a globally connected learner. At the heart of our approach is the belief that multilingualism is a powerful asset. The English as a New Language (ENL) Department encourages families to read in any language at home, as this builds essential background knowledge that supports long-term academic success. Reading together in your home language not only strengthens literacy skills but also honors the rich cultures, experiences, and traditions your family brings to our school community.
At-Home Tip: Read aloud in your home language and ask your child follow-up questions in English.
This supports vocabulary development and helps your child make meaningful connections between languages.
Why It Works: A strong foundation in a child’s first language enhances their ability to acquire a second language and supports overall brain development. (Gonzalez, V. The Brain, Languages & the Classroom)
From the Humanities Office
Making Literacy a Family Adventure
“Literacy is more than schoolwork—it’s a family adventure,” says Molly Gegerson, our Director of Humanities. “We’re using strategies like shared reading and vocabulary games to make literacy engaging across all grades. Parents, you’re the key to making these habits stick!” Our goal is to help students not only improve their academic literacy, but also to develop a lifelong love of reading--in any form!
At-Home Tip: Play a “word of the day” game at dinner. Pick a new word, use it in a sentence, and challenge everyone to try it. Change it up! Each night a different family member gets to pick the word.
Explore our Padlet for vocabulary- building activities: https://padlet.com/RandibethDEI/literacpd-o0ock7q5ew0ege2e.
Why It Works: Family involvement makes learning feel like a team effort, sparking curiosity and connection
From Pupil Personnel Services
Supporting Every Reader and Writer
At West Hempstead UFSD, WHe believe that every child of every ability deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader and writer. Through the collaboration of our special education teachers, related service providers, and families, our PPS team ensures that literacy is accessible, engaging, and individualized.
In the PPS department, Whe believe literacy is empowering. "Whether through multisensory reading instruction, speech-language supports, or assistive technology, we tailor strategies that help each student unlock their voice."
At-Home Tip: Try a multisensory activity, such as tracing sight words in sand or shaving cream, or use magnetic letters on the fridge to build sentences. For older students, consider exploring audiobooks from the library that are paired with text to support comprehension and vocabulary development.
Why It Works: When students learn in ways that match their unique strengths, their confidence and independence soar, turning reading and writing into lifelong tools for self-expression.
Tips from Ms. Reilly
Building Habits That Last
“As a district, we’re committed to fostering lifelong learners,” says Ms. Reilly. “Our literacy programs, like MyOn and book clubs, are designed to build skills that last beyond the classroom. Parents, your support at home is what makes the difference.”
At-Home Tip: Set a family “reading challenge” with a goal (e.g., read X books this month). Track progress on a chart and celebrate with a treat like ice cream or a movie night. Or try this: https://www.abcmouse.com/learn/wp- content/uploads/2024/04/ABCmouse-Reading-Reward-Chart.pdf
Find recommended books and tracking tools on our Padlet: https://padlet.com/RandibethDEI/literacy-pd-o0ock7q5ew0ege2e
Call to Action
Ready to make reading and writing a family adventure? Start small—pick one tip from this newsletter and try it this week. Visit our literacy Padlet for more ideas and resources: https://padlet.com/RandibethDEI/literacy-pd-o0ock7q5ew0ege2e. Share your family’s literacy moments with us on social media using #WHeRiseTogether, and let’s celebrate your child’s journey to becoming a lifelong reader and writer together!
With gratitude,
The West Hempstead UFSD Team
Start Today!
Chestnut Street (PreK-K): Start Small, Dream Big
Read Aloud Together: Grab a fun picture book like Creepy Carrots and use silly voices to make characters pop.
Play with Words: Label household items with sticky notes or play rhyming games during car rides. Celebrate Their ‘Stories’: Have your child draw a picture and tell you a story about it. Write down their words to show they’re already authors!
Cornwell Avenue (Grades 1-3): Building Confidence
Create a Book Nook: Set up a cozy corner with library books. Let your child choose what to read— it’s all about ownership!
Write for Fun: Encourage them to write a letter to a favorite character or keep a summer journal. Ask Big Questions: While reading, ask “What do you think happens next?” to spark critical thinking.
George Washington (Grades 4-6): Fostering Independence
Let Them Lead: Encourage them to pick books that match their interests, like graphic novels or mysteries.
Talk About Reading: Ask “What’s cool about this story?” over dinner to build comprehension. Encourage Writing Projects: Suggest they write a blog post or short story about their favorite hobby.
Grades 7-8: Empowering Voices
Connect to Their World: Suggest books or articles tied to their passions—music, sports, or social issues.
Encourage Digital Writing: Let them create social media posts or blog entries about causes they care about.
Model Lifelong Learning: Share what you’re reading and discuss it together to show reading’s value.