Student Programs
Our students are at the heart of everything we do at Vermont Literacy Network. We are dedicated to providing a wide range of enriching programs designed to enhance literacy skills and foster a lifelong love of learning. From personalized individual lessons to engaging summer camps, our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of our students. Explore our student programs and discover how we can support your child's literacy journey!
Featured Student Programs
Literacy
Labs
Explore our monthly Literacy Labs! These exploratory programs are perfect to bond with your children over a love of literacy!
Free Read Alouds
Join us for our free virtual and in-person read alouds! Our story hours foster a love for reading in a fun, interactive environment.
October Reading Challenge
Looking for a challenge this October?! Grab your young reader and participate in VLN's October Reading Challenge! Submit your completed reading challenge sheet to the Vermont Literacy Network by email or in person for a chance to be featured on our website and social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook! Plus...you'll be entered into a random drawing to host your own virtual read-aloud on our YouTube channel!
Individual Lessons
Our Individual Lessons program is where it all began! Supporting developing readers is at the heart of everything we do. Our Individual Lessons are no exception! Both virtual and in-person lessons go beyond traditional tutoring. VLN's skilled literacy teachers custom design structured literacy interventions for students from preschool to third grade. It is never too early to give your child the support they need to be successful in reading and writing!
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How can I stay informed about upcoming events and programs?You can stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter where we regularly share information about upcoming workshops, classes, and community events. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and announcements, or check our website for detailed program calendars and special events!
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What is Vermont Literacy Network?Vermont Literacy Network is an early literacy organization on a mission to connect our community one word at a time! VLN offers comprehensive student, professional, and community programming that are deeply rooted in structured literacy practices and the science of reading. Services are available both virtually and in-person at our Bristol facility. Whether you’re a student, educator, or community member, the Network provides the tools and support needed to foster a literacy-rich Vermont!
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Where are programs held?Our programs are offered both in-person and virtually. In-person programs are available throughout Vermont, with a primary focus on Bristol and surrounding communities. We also offer virtual programs, allowing participants from all over the world to to participate in our lessons, workshops, and professional development courses!
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Are VLN’s professional programs aligned with current educational research?Absolutely! All of our programs are grounded in the most up-to-date, research-based, and evidence-based practices. We integrate proven methodologies from the science of reading and structured literacy, including multisensory instruction and data-driven intervention strategies. We stay informed on new developments in literacy research to ensure that our content reflects the latest understanding of how students learn to read and write.
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What professional development programs does Vermont Literacy Network offer?Currently, we offer virtual workshops that focus on the science of reading, structured literacy, and practical strategies for educators. We also provide custom workshops for schools and organizations that request tailored training to meet their specific needs. In addition, we are excited to announce that we are working on developing asynchronous courses to give educators more flexibility in accessing our training.
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What qualifications do the professional workshop facilitators at VLN have?Our workshop facilitators are highly trained professionals with extensive classroom and intervention experience. Many of them are certified in Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading System approaches.
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What types of lessons and programs do you offer for children?We offer a range of personalized programs for children, including Individual Lessons, workshops, classes, and clubs. These programs focus on early literacy development, reading comprehension, and intervention strategies to help students overcome reading challenges. Each program is designed to engage children through multisensory, personalized experiences!
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How are the Individual Lessons tailored to my child’s needs?Individual Lessons are customized based on the data collected within your child's Initial Student Evaluation (ISE). We assess your child’s strengths and areas for growth to create a targeted intervention plan that focuses on developing key reading skills. Both virtual and in-person lessons are designed to adapt to your child’s progress and learning preferences to ensure continuous growth!
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How do you measure my child’s progress?We closely monitor your child’s progress through regular formative and summative assessments, or "show what you knows", to ensure they are growing in their targeted areas. After each session, literacy teachers gather notes and data which families can request at any time. Additionally, families and their child's literacy teacher attend monthly conferences to discuss progress, address concerns, and adjust the instructional plan if needed.
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Can I observe my child’s lessons?Yes, we encourage parents to be involved and observe their child’s progress. Our Bristol facility has a cozy waiting area where you can comfortably watch the lessons. However, we do ask that you refrain from interacting with your child during the session so that the literacy teacher can focus on working their magic without interruption.
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What is an Initial Student Evaluation?The Initial Student Evaluation (ISE) is the first step in tailoring your child's journey in Individual Lessons. This evaluation helps us identify your child’s specific strengths and challenges in areas such as phonemic awareness, decoding (reading) skills, comprehension, fluency, writing, and spelling!
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What age groups do your programs serve?Currently, our student programs primarily serve children from preschool through 3rd grade. However, we are excited to expand our offerings in the new year to include programs for children from birth to age 3, and students in grades 4-8.
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Are your programs suitable for children with learning differences?Yes! Our student programs are designed to be inclusive and supportive of children with a wide range of needs including those with sensory processing disorders, neurodivergencies (such as ASD and ADHD), and other needs. We are well-versed in accommodations and modifications as outlined in educational plans such as IEPs, and we are committed to upholding these supports during instruction. We are dedicated to creating an equitable and welcoming learning environment where every student can thrive. We are passionate in ensuring that all students receive the personalized instruction they need to succeed.