Last year, KDL asked patrons to nominate individuals and organizations for KDL's Literacy Champion Award. The submissions were so inspiring! Let's learn more about one nominee, Hayley Smit.
For some children, learning to read can feel intimidating. For others, the right teacher can transform it into something joyful.
That’s exactly what Hayley Meyer has done for her kindergarten students.
When one young student entered kindergarten, she was shy, anxious and easily overwhelmed by anything involving schoolwork. But from the very beginning of the school year, Hayley created an environment where reading felt safe, encouraging and fun. In just a few short months, her student’s confidence and love of literacy have blossomed.
Now, this six-year-old is decoding words, sounding them out, blending letters and syllables and even teaching her siblings what she’s learning at school.
“ I could not be more proud to have Hayley as her teacher,” her mother, Hillary Meyer, shared in her Literacy Champion nomination.
Hayley’s impact goes beyond teaching the mechanics of reading. She makes time for her students to practice reading with her one-on-one at the small-group table, creating a space where they can build their skills without fear of making mistakes. She also encourages students to read books at home each month, helping families make literacy a part of everyday life.
Most importantly, Hayley sees the whole child. She cares deeply about her students and their families, and that care is evident in the classroom each day.
Her approach is a powerful reminder that literacy is about more than learning to decode words. It’s about building confidence, discovering the joy of stories and helping children see themselves as capable readers.
That’s what makes Hayley a Literacy Champion.
Add a comment to: Literacy Champion Spotlight: Hayley Smit