What Happens When You Take Literacy Learning Outdoors?

At a Glance: What happens when phonics steps outside the classroom and into the natural world? 

In Gates County, that question has been answered in a powerful, heart-warming way. A recent feature by EducationNC highlights how Letterland is helping transform early literacy into an immersive, real-world experience where reading, storytelling, and environmental awareness come together.  

This innovative approach shows that literacy isn’t just something children learn -it’s something they live! This perfectly captures the heart of our mission: bringing literacy to life. By using child-friendly phonics that transform abstract letters into lovable characters, we turn the "work" of reading into a joyful, lived experience that sticks with children for a lifetime. 

From Classroom to Community: Literacy in Action 

Led by literacy specialist and Letterland Trainer Lisa Wilkins, more than 250 students from T.S. Cooper, Buckland, and Gatesville Elementary Schools took part in a unique literacy event that moved beyond traditional instruction. 

Instead of worksheets and desks, children: 

One standout moment saw students using the popular Letterland strategy Live Spelling to spell words like “conservation,” physically breaking them into sounds and syllables. By bringing phonics to life through movement and collaboration, students are building the strong foundation defined by the Science of Reading in a way they’ll never forget. 

A Revolutionary Celebration 

This special day also helped celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The theme, "Conservation is Revolutionary," taught students that taking care of our land is a powerful way to be a hero. High school theater students even joined in, performing a play that connected reading skills with real-world responsibility. 

As Mary Derfel from the NCDPI Office of Early Learning noted, seeing phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension woven together in the "real world" is exactly how we help children become confident readers. 

Your Questions, Answered  

What is Letterland and how does it teach phonics? 

Letterland is a phonics program that uses characters and stories to teach letter sounds. Its multisensory approach helps children remember and apply phonics skills effectively.