Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC) believes every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in literacy. Founded in honor of Lee Pesky, who faced learning challenges, our center provides resources, training, and intervention for students, families, and educators.

Our Literacy Pods program, part of our Tier 2 services, offers specialized reading instruction for Multilingual Learners, providing the tools and support they need to build foundational literacy skills and close the opportunity gap.

Why Literacy Pods?

In Idaho, only 32% of 4th graders read at or above proficiency level (NAEP, 2022). The gap is wider for English learners, making targeted literacy interventions critical for success. Our Literacy Pods program addresses this by offering small-group and one-on-one reading instruction tailored to each student’s unique needs.

Focus Areas

  •      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.
  •      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
Leaders in Learning
Literacy Pods Expanding
YMCA Summer Bridge
Far + Wise Partnership

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

  • 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

  • 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.