Skip To Main Content

Literacy

At Winchester Thurston, we are committed to fostering strong literacy skills through a comprehensive and balanced approach. We utilize two key programs - Wit & Wisdom and Heggerty - to ensure our students develop critical reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. 

Heggerty (JPK - 2)

Heggerty is a phonemic awareness program that lays the foundation for reading success by focusing on the sounds in spoken language. Key components include:

  • Phonemic Awareness: Daily lessons help students recognize, segment, blend, and manipulate sounds in words.
  • Early Reading Foundations: By strengthening skills like rhyming, syllable counting, and sound substitution, students develop the essential skills needed for decoding and spelling. 
  • Engaging and Interactive: Activities are designed to be fun and engaging, promoting confidence and a love for learning. 

Bridge to Reading (K-2)

Bridge to Reading connects Heggerty phonemic awareness lessons to daily phonics instruction. Phonics lessons are broken down into an I do, We do, You do scaffolding model. Each week of phonics lessons include opportunities for assessment, differentiation, and independent practice.

Wit & Wisdom (Grades K-5)

Wit & Wisdom is a content-rich English Language Arts (ELA) program that builds knowledge and vocabulary through the study of high-quality texts. This program emphasizes:

  • Reading Comprehension: Students engage deeply with literature, nonfiction, and visual art to develop a deeper understanding of themes and ideas.
  • Writing Skills: Students practice various types of writing, including narrative, expository, and persuasive, with a focus on evidence-based responses.
  • Speaking and Listening: Through discussions and presentations, students enhance their ability to articulate ideas and build on others’ thinking.
  • Knowledge Building: Each module explores topics across history, science, and the arts, enriching students' content knowledge alongside literacy skills.

Together, these programs provide a strong foundation for literacy, ensuring our students are prepared to succeed academically and communicate effectively.