Teach Literacy through the Arts in DC, MD, and VA

This year, through Write Your Story (WYS – pronounced “wise”), we reached 668 young children and 307 educators across 11 early childhood organizations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. WYS provides a unique set of resources and services that boost learning while increasing an essential ingredient in daily life—JOY. Designed to directly support young children through interactive, arts-rich experiences, WYS also takes a systemic approach by building the capacity and well-being of the adults who support them.

In 41 classrooms, students and teachers engaged in joyful, arts-integrated learning that supported early literacy, social-emotional growth, and lasting connection.

From the outside, it may have looked like singing and dancing. But these sessions were carefully co-designed with each site to meet specific needs—whether that meant building vocabulary, reinforcing classroom themes, or strengthening self-regulation through movement and rhythm.

One classroom teacher shared: “The sessions with different people and their way of teaching really brought kids out of their shells. I see them more confident now, which will help in kindergarten next year.”

For many of the children we serve—especially those learning English, living in or near poverty, or with identified special needs—access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning is far from guaranteed. WYS uses the arts to create inclusive, engaging environments where every learner can thrive.

At a center in Germantown, teaching artist and cognitive scientist Marsha Goodman-Wood wove music and rhythm into literacy games that built phonological awareness. In Silver Spring, dance artist Kelly King returned weeks after her final session for a family event. The children, many of whom are still acquiring English, ran to hug her and proudly pointed to their artwork on the walls. At another site, visual artist Jamie Cowen guided toddlers and preschoolers through sensory-based, multi-media art that deepened understanding of classroom science and language themes.

Educators received professional development—often with credit hours toward job requirements—and families received tools and tips for supporting their child’s learning at home. To help bridge school and home environments, we also distributed 390 Art Kits, one for each child, family, and staff member.

As one classroo teacher put it: “It’s captivating. The children are really engaged and excited to be hands-on—and then they’re so proud to see their work!”

Thanks to your support, WYS continues to strengthen early literacy and build joyful, confident learners across our region.

Links:

• Write Your Story 2024-25 Video Overview:
• Weaving it All Together, Childhood Education Innovations