Literacy at Neighborhood Co-op

Where the Science of Reading Meets the Joy of Discovery

At Neighborhood Cooperative Nursery School, we blend evidence-based literacy instruction with a Reggio-inspired approach that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child.

Building a Love of Reading and Writing

At Neighborhood Cooperative Nursery School, we believe that learning to read and write should feel joyful, engaging, and full of discovery. Our literacy program is designed to give children a strong foundation in language while honoring their natural curiosity and love of learning.

In our Pre-K and kindergarten classrooms, we use a blend of trusted, research-based programs like Wilson’s Fundations and Heggerty Phonemic Awareness to help children learn the sounds, patterns, and structures that make up our language. For our younger learners, we draw from Lively Letters and Handwriting Without Tears, which make early literacy fun and hands-on, using movement, song, and play to bring letters and sounds to life.

We’re also incredibly fortunate to have Marsha Durbano, our dedicated Literacy Specialist, leading this work. Marsha’s passion for helping children become confident readers has been recognized far beyond our walls—she was even featured on the well-known podcast Sold a Story. Her expertise ensures that every child is supported in ways that meet their individual needs.

What truly makes our literacy program unique is how it fits within our Reggio-inspired approach. Children learn best when they’re interested and engaged, so literacy naturally weaves into our projects, play, and daily conversations. Whether they’re writing stories about their block structures, labeling a nature collection, or sharing a favorite book with friends, reading and writing become meaningful parts of their world.

By blending the science of reading with a child-centered, joyful classroom environment, we help children grow into curious, confident readers and writers—without the pressure.