Learning how to read and write can happen in many ways.
And a research project taking place at Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School in Windsor, Ont., is aiming to enhance literacy among our youngest learners with LEGO.
"This project was developed in response to the growing need for early literacy support, particularly for students who are learning English as an additional language," said Lead Researcher Gelsea Serra. "We're working with kindergarten students through structured, play-based sessions where LEGO is used as a hands-on tool to build vocabulary, storytelling, and comprehension skills. It has been an opportunity to better understand how interactive, hands-on approaches can support language development and pre-reading skills in meaningful ways."
Kindergarten students at Notre Dame have been using LEGO, as well as other open-ended materials like paper, markers, felt and clay to help develop basic literacy skills.
"This initiative grew out of a need to better support early literacy in diverse classrooms," said Serra. "What's exciting from a research perspective is that we're not only helping students build language skills through play, but also learning how these kinds of engaging, hands-on approaches can make a meaningful difference in how children experience literacy."
The project is supported by a $360,000 grant over three years as part of an NSERC CCSIF Grant awarded in 2024 and is being overseen by St. Clair College's Research and Innovation department.
The curriculum is being taught collaboratively both by educators in the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, as well as students in the Early Childhood Education program at St. Clair College.
"I think it really supports my students' understanding of what the basis of literacy is," said Kathie Tate Rayner, a professor in the Early Childhood Education program. "Before children are entering the school system, these are the foundations of literacy. So, before alphabets or printing words make sense, children need to play with those concepts. And I think this research project has really helped my students to see the benefits of that."
St. Clair students are also collecting information based on observational data and documenting the impacts of the curriculum.
"Through this learning and play, the children are able to express themselves orally and they connect whatever they are learning to their daily life," said Ivy Hoetu, a student in the ECE program. "As educators, we are co-learners with the students. And through this literacy project, we've been able to identify and connect what we actually learn in the classroom with what the children are learning to develop themselves."
The school's principal is also noticing how engaged the young learners are with this collaboration.
"Our board motto is to "Know, Inspire and Empower." This program beautifully fits our board vision with knowing our JK/SK students, inspiring them in the learning process, and empowering the children with foundational literacy skills to become lifelong learners," said Michelle Baggio, Principal at Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School. "The collaboration between the College and Notre Dame brings so many positives. Our students look forward to working with the ECE students each week."
Baggio also notes many of the ECE students are former students within the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board system.
"To have them return to share their love of education with our littlest learners is a win all around, giving the students at the College an opportunity to have real-life classroom experience and for our students to be highly engaged in the learning environment," Baggio said.
"Children will love the learning process when their educators present learning in rich and meaningful ways," she added. "The ECE students and faculty at the College have been wonderful with meeting our children where they are at, documenting the strengths and next steps, and collaborating with our educators to support the frames of the kindergarten curriculum, especially literacy and math."
The LEGO kits being used in the classroom are a key resource for teaching. More than 50 kits were generously donated by project partner, Studica Limited (Ltd.).
"This project represents an important collaboration between research, education, and community need," said David Potocek, a Project Research Manager within St. Clair College's Research and Innovation department. "Supporting the implementation of a play-based, evidence informed approach to early literacy, particularly for students learning English as an additional language, has highlighted the value of translating research into practical, classroom-based initiatives."
"Equally important, the project provides invaluable experiential learning opportunities for our Early Childhood Education student researchers, allowing them to apply theory to practice, develop research skills, and gain meaningful hands-on experience."
