About Jump Start Literacy

Welcome to Jumpstart Literacy—an engaging, child-centered program designed to build strong early literacy foundations before children begin school. Our program thoughtfully combines proven, research-based approaches to support all types of learners, especially those who benefit from hands-on, visual, auditory, and movement-based experiences.

 

At the heart of Jumpstart Literacy is Handwriting Without Tears, a developmentally appropriate printing program created by occupational therapist Jan Olsen. This approach supports motor, cognitive, visual, perceptual, and language development while helping children learn proper letter formation in a structured, child-friendly way. Through music, movement, and multisensory activities, children gain confidence with printing—even if they struggle with pencil grip, focus, or sitting still.

 

We also incorporate Jolly Jingles, a playful phonics program that teaches letter sounds through music and actions, making learning both memorable and fun. In addition, AlphaTales brings each letter to life through engaging stories, helping children build vocabulary and connect letters to meaningful words.

 

Our program is designed to build step-by-step. Each session introduces a new letter while reviewing previously learned ones, giving children repeated exposure and practice. By the end of the program, children have revisited each letter many times, strengthening their ability to recognize, name, and print letters, as well as understand their sounds.

 

In just 30 sessions, children develop a strong foundation in early literacy skills—gaining confidence, independence, and readiness for school. Jumpstart Literacy also offers a gentle introduction to being away from home, with one-hour sessions that help ease the transition into a classroom environment.

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