A Little Background Information About our Literacy Program
When Ascent opened in 2020, we implemented Access Literacy, a phonics-based program. In 2022-2023, we piloted the Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham (YOG) program. While YOG was effective, we returned to Literacy Essentials (formerly Access Literacy) to align with Hillsdale K-12 Education Office recommendations.
Phonics vs. Whole Language
We believe in explicit phonics instruction over the "whole language" approach. Phonics teaches the written code of language first, which research shows is more effective for literacy development.
How Literacy Essentials Works
Our phonics program begins with spelling, teaching students to encode (write) spoken words using phonograms—symbols representing sounds. By learning the 72 phonograms, students match sounds to symbols, enabling them to spell words correctly. Reading naturally follows as students decode the words they’ve learned to spell.
What Sets Our Program Apart
Spelling is taught explicitly with rules, not by memorizing lists.
Spelling tests assess understanding of phonics, not rote memorization.
Parents may find our symbols and methods unfamiliar, but they are essential to mastering literacy systematically.
How Parents Can Help
Read Aloud: Share quality children’s literature with your child.
Encourage Reading: Have your child read aloud to you and provide gentle corrections.
Stay Engaged: Communicate with teachers about concerns.
Observe: Volunteer in the classroom or observe literacy instruction in action.
Support a Growth Mindset: Reinforce that literacy takes effort and perseverance.
Understanding Grades
Low grades in literacy indicate areas for growth, not failure. Students progress at their own pace, and mastery of foundational skills builds long-term success.
What We Do and Don’t Do
We DO:
Teach phonograms and spelling rules.
Link spelling to reading for deeper understanding.
Focus on writing (encoding) before reading (decoding).
We DON’T:
Practice sight words or memorize spelling lists.
Use letter names over sounds.
Send spelling lists home for practice.
The journey to literacy takes time, and we appreciate your patience and partnership. Please reach out to your teacher with questions or to explore opportunities to support your child’s learning.