A teacher shared that during our review of Begin’s year-end evaluations.
And it stopped me for a moment.
Because when we talk about literacy, we often focus on reading scores.
But for many children, the real challenge begins much earlier.
If a child cannot confidently read the question, how can they answer it?
Over the past year, we saw encouraging improvements in phonics, reading, comprehension, and grammar among children in Begin.
But some of the most meaningful changes appeared outside the English classroom.
Teachers told us that many children were beginning to read their EVS and Social Science textbooks independently.
Some noticed children responding more confidently in English during classroom discussions.
For me, that was the real reminder:
Foundational literacy is not only about helping children read words.
It shapes how they follow instructions, engage with lessons, participate in class, and learn across subjects.
For many children, reading is not the destination. It is the doorway to everything that follows.
Grateful to the teachers who continue to observe, encourage, and patiently walk alongside children on this journey.
