Blog Staging

Weaving Together an Early Literacy Program

Jackie Taslim — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:35:38 GMT

In the quest to redefine early literacy, Lavinia Group unveiled RedThread Foundations, a K-2 phonics program aligned with the latest research in the science of reading. One mind behind this initiative is Lavinia Group’s Co-President Jackie Taslim, whose rich background in education—from teaching middle school to holding leadership roles—fuels her dedication to unlocking every child's fullest potential.

Since 2016, Taslim's vision at Lavinia Group has been both simple and profound: to ensure that all children nationwide have access to the best learning opportunities.

RedThread Foundations is not just another phonics curriculum; it's a leap forward, born out of the need for a structured literacy program that pairs engaging, multicultural decodable books with the latest research in teaching reading. With Taslim's insight and a passionate team of curriculum experts, RedThread offers a holistic learning experience, intertwining phonics curriculum with knowledge-building to craft strong readers and thinkers.

Join us as we unravel the fabric of RedThread Foundations and explore how this unique program came to life.

Back-to-School Reading: How to Build Reading Momentum From Day One (Clone)

Admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:35:37 GMT

By learning about students' summer reading experiences, connecting them with books they'll want to keep reading, creating inviting classroom libraries, and protecting daily reading time, schools can help students begin the year with confidence, curiosity, and lasting reading habits.

Beyond the Classroom

Jillian Roche — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:33:55 GMT

Instructional leaders understand the complexity of teaching and the meticulous attention it demands. Observing student engagement through smiles and raised hands provides some helpful, yet superficial insights.

The critical question is: Are our teaching strategies fostering real understanding?

Ambrosia Johnson, an Instructional Consultant and Institute Lead at Lavinia Group, works with schools to implement data-driven student work-study.

Math Identity and Classroom Culture

Lavinia Group — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:25:12 GMT

Across the country, educators are searching for ways to improve math outcomes. New programs, new materials, and new initiatives often promise the next breakthrough. But the reality is simpler: we do not need the next shiny object in math instruction. Research tells us what works.

How to Evaluate a K-8 Literacy Program Beyond the Buzzwords

Admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:25:11 GMT

Why Literacy Program Reviews Have Become More Complicated

When evaluating a K–8 literacy program, look beyond whether it includes phonics, vocabulary, writing, and knowledge-building. The strongest programs create a coherent student experience where reading, writing, discussion, and knowledge accumulation work together to develop increasingly sophisticated readers.

How Whole Books Impact Comprehension

Admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:25:10 GMT

_{Whole books support stronger comprehension and engagement than disconnected excerpts because students must carry ideas across chapters, revisit earlier thinking, and build meaning over time. Excerpts can support skill practice, but when they dominate instruction, they limit students’ ability to develop sustained understanding and reading stamina.}

Bridging the Reading Gap

Lavinia Group — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:25:08 GMT

Decodable books play a crucial role in early reading education, allowing students to practice applying phonics skills and letter-sound correspondences they are explicitly taught. Designed to match students' current decoding abilities, they provide a scaffold for beginning readers who possess some letter-sound knowledge but are still developing automatic word recognition.

2026 Summer Reading List for Elementary and Middle School Students

Lavinia Group — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:25:07 GMT

One of our team members recently shared a story about her daughter finishing a book late at night at the start of summer break. The next morning, before anyone else in the house was awake, she had already started the sequel.

The Importance of Whole Books in Upper Grade Literacy

Admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:25:06 GMT

Across the country, educators are noticing a similar pattern. By the time students reach upper elementary and middle school, many can read a page fluently, but sustaining meaning across a full text still feels out of reach.

How to Evaluate the Best K–8 Literacy Program for Your School

Admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:25:05 GMT

Most Literacy Curriculum Looks Similar on Paper

The best K–8 literacy programs do more than include phonics, vocabulary, writing, and knowledge-building. They create a coherent literacy curriculum where reading, writing, discussion, and knowledge build together over time.

A decade ago, curriculum reviews focused on standards alignment or instructional materials. Today, nearly every literacy curriculum includes explicit phonics, writing, vocabulary, and complex texts.