The Iowa Education Innovation Hub and the Iowa Reading Research Center has partnered with the Iowa City Public Library to offer an event that introduces parents and caregivers to the Iowa Reading Research Center’s new Spark Early Literacy resources. The Spark Early Literacy Hub offers a free eLearning module, letter-sound app, and downloadable activities designed to help children develop letter identification and letter-sound skills. During the session, participants will learn how to access these resources and engage in modeled activities that can be used at home to support early literacy development. Participants will leave with ready-to-use materials and practical strategies for supporting literacy learning at home.
What You Will Learn:
Identify two foundational early literacy concepts: phonological awareness and letter-sound correspondence.
Discuss how parents and caregivers can play a critical role in the development of early literacy skills.
Describe how to access and create Spark Early Literacy activities.
Demonstrate Spark Early Literacy activities that can be used with children at home.
Workshop Details:
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Where: Iowa City Public Library
Who: Parents, Caregivers, Current and Aspiring preK-12 Educators and Staff
Cost: Free
Registration: Walk Ins are Welcome; however, please register HERE for planning purposes.
Presenter(s): Jill Thoele, Clinical Assistant Professor of Special Education, University of Iowa; Leah Zimmerman, Assistant Director of Research, Iowa Reading Research Center
Maximum Participants: 25
By registering for this event, you agree to be photographed or filmed for promotional purposes.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email coe-uieih@uiowa.edu and we will work with you to make any accommodations.