Early Literacy at MPS

A child reads a book with colorful photos and sentences

At Midland Public Schools, we believe that early literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning and student success. This work takes place every day in our elementary classrooms, guided by the State of Michigan literacy essentials and informed by research-based and evidence-based practices rooted in the science of reading.

We invite the community to take a deeper dive into what early literacy means at MPS: what's being taught, how it's being taught, and what it all means for our students. Each month through the 2025-2026 school year, we'll post a new article on this page that tackles a topic related to early literacy instruction. These articles will share insights, strategies, and stories from our classrooms that will tell the story of how we support students, families, and staff as we work together to build strong readers.

Find a list of current articles below. To learn more about the MPS curriculum for students across all grade levels, please visit the Curriculum page.

Early Literacy Articles

A young boy holds up a book and smiles in his elementary school building
What Snow Pants and Early Literacy Have in Common

When it comes to early literacy education - and winter gear in the Mitten - getting the right fit is essential to long-term success.

Fri Feb 27 04:24 PM

A girl sits on the floor of a classroom with a green tray, writing words using a book
UFLI Foundations Program Makes Phonics Fun for Early Learners

By utilizing the UFLI Foundations program to teach phonics and phonemic awareness, elementary students at MPS are gaining the tools they need to become lifelong readers.

Fri Jan 09 01:02 PM

Two young girls at Central Park Elementary sit back to back in small chairs while reading books
Tying it Together: MPS Sets the Foundation to Turn Learners into Readers

While learning to read may seem simple, it's one of the most complex skills a human brain ever develops. We dive into how that process works and how MPS is setting an early foundation to encourage lifelong reading.

Fri Nov 14 04:02 PM

View All