This school year, Sherwood School is excited to introduce The Learning Lab—a dedicated daily block designed to strengthen literacy skills and support the whole child. Every student, from Grades 4–9, will participate in this 20-minute course as part of their regular schedule.

Grounded in the science of reading, the Learning Lab focuses on the critical components of literacy development: decoding, fluency, comprehension, and accuracy. Students will first be assessed in these areas and then placed in a group that targets their individual learning needs. For some, this may mean receiving additional support in essential reading skills, while for others it will mean opportunities to be challenged and extended academically.

The Learning Lab runs in 6–8 week cycles. After each cycle, students will be reassessed and regrouped to ensure they continue progressing at a pace that is right for them. This flexible model ensures that instruction is personalized, evidence-based, and responsive to growth.

In addition to literacy, students will engage in important learning that connects to our curriculum in other ways. Between cycles, they will explore:

• Indigenous ways of knowing and being
• Social-emotional skills that foster resilience, perseverance, and well-being

We encourage families to talk with their child about the importance of this block. While only 20 minutes a day, the impact of consistent, targeted practice is profound. Research shows that small, structured, daily literacy and social-emotional learning opportunities can significantly improve not only academic outcomes but also confidence and resilience.

The Learning Lab is mandatory for all students, and we are confident it will set them up for success—not just in reading, but across every subject area and in life beyond school.