Literacy Pods

Creating Pathways to Literacy for Multilingual Learners.

Building confidence, connection, and a love of reading

At Lee Pesky Learning Center, our Literacy Pods help students strengthen foundational reading skills while building confidence and a sense of belonging. Designed especially for multilingual learners and students who need extra support, Literacy Pods provide small-group, evidence-based instruction that helps close the literacy gap, one reader at a time.

What Are Literacy Pods?

Literacy Pods are small-group reading programs led by trained educators using instructional methods grounded in the Science of Reading. Students work together in an encouraging environment to develop phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. With a focus on individualized attention and relationship-building, each pod helps students grow not just as readers, but as confident learners.

Where and When We Offer Them

Summer Bridge Literacy Pods: Intensive summer sessions for elementary students to strengthen reading fluency and prevent learning loss.
IGNITE! Literacy Pods: Middle school program focused on decoding and fluency skills through structured literacy instruction.
After-School Literacy Pods: Ongoing programs in Idaho’s Wood River Valley and beyond that extend learning throughout the school year.

Why Literacy Pods Matter

Since launching in 2020 with just 8 students, Literacy Pods have grown to serve over 140 students across Idaho each year. The results are clear:

85% of students improve in decoding accuracy
70% show measurable gains in reading fluency
Nearly all report increased confidence and motivation as readers

These outcomes reflect the dedication of our educators, the resilience of our students, and the power of community partnerships to change educational trajectories.

How You Can Help

Your support helps us expand access to Literacy Pods for students who need them most.

partner with us

Phonemic Awareness

Teaching sound recognition and manipulation within words. Phonemic awareness helps students understand that words are made up of individual sounds (phonemes) and teaches them to identify, blend, segment, and manipulate these sounds, forming a foundation for reading.

Phonics

Helping students understand the relationship between letters and sounds. Phonics instruction connects sounds to written letters, teaching students to decode words by matching letters to their corresponding sounds. This essential skill builds students’ ability to read and spell words.

Fluency

Developing the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. Fluency allows students to read smoothly without hesitation, which frees up cognitive resources to focus on understanding the text, improving overall comprehension.outcomes.

High-Frequency Words

Building a foundation in common words that appear frequently in texts. High-frequency words are essential for fluent reading as they are often irregular and cannot always be sounded out. Learning these words by sight enables students to read more naturally and smoothly.

Vocabulary

Expanding students’ knowledge of word meanings and usage. A strong vocabulary helps students understand and engage with texts more effectively, allowing them to express ideas accurately and comprehend more complex material.

Comprehension

Empowering students to understand and interpret what they read. Comprehension involves making meaning from texts by connecting ideas, drawing inferences, and recalling information, which are all essential for successful reading and academic growth.

Community Collaboration

The Literacy Pods program thrives through partnerships with local schools and organizations, including:

YMCA
Far & Wise
College of Idaho
Blaine County School District
Vallivue School District

With additional support from College of Idaho interns, we bring hands-on, engaging reading instruction to students who need it most.

Stories of Impact

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Leaders in Learning

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Literacy Pods Expanding

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YMCA Summer Bridge

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Far + Wise Partnership

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The Impact of Literacy Pods

Since launching as a pilot in 2020, the Literacy Pods program has expanded to serve students across Blaine County and Vallivue School Districts. By the end of each session, students can recognize letters, blend sounds, and confidently read CVC words.

“Yo aprendi casi todo el abecedario!” (“I learned almost the whole alphabet!”)

– Student Feedback

“LPLC’s Literacy Pods have allowed my students to not only make progress in their reading skills but to become more confident readers. It has been great to see my students grow as learners in many ways!”

– Deiysi Paredes-Monjaras, LPLC Literacy Pods Tutor

How it Works

Learning Frequency

Each participant receives individualized support 2-4 days per week, providing consistent assistance.

Duration

After-school and summer programs provide year-round learning opportunities.

Structure

1-on-1 and small group sessions help students build confidence and reading proficiency at their own pace.

Support the Literacy Pods Program

Learning Donate

Your contributions help us expand our Literacy Pods program and reach even more students in need.

Partner with Us

Schools, organizations, and community members are welcome to join us in providing critical literacy support.

Contact Us

Learn more about how to enroll students or partner with LPLC to bring Literacy Pods to your community.