Interactive Literacy

We believe learning is more fun—and more effective—when students are truly engaged. That’s why our signature Interactive Literacy program blends creativity with academics, using tools like LEGO building, comic book creation, and video games to make reading and writing exciting and accessible for all learners. Paired with our personalized tutoring services, we provide students with the academic support they need while fostering confidence, imagination, and a genuine love for learning.

Building Literacy With Legos

At Ash Tree’s Interactive Literacy Lab, we believe that literacy isn’t limited to books and pencils—it can be built, imagined, and brought to life brick by brick. LEGO building is a powerful tool for developing literacy skills, encouraging students to think critically, communicate clearly, and tell their own stories in creative ways.

Through LEGO-based activities, students practice sequencing, descriptive language, storytelling, collaboration, and problem-solving—all essential elements of strong reading and writing.

Lego Literacy Activities

Build & Tell

Students build a LEGO scene and write or verbally share a short story that explains what’s happening. This helps with narrative structure and oral language skills.

Step By Step Writing

Students build something simple, then write detailed instructions on how they built it—focusing on sequencing, transition words, and clarity.

Lego Book Talks

After reading a short story or book, students build a scene that represents a key moment and explain or write about its importance.

Dialogue Builds

Build two LEGO characters and write a conversation between them, practicing dialogue punctuation, tone, and expression.

Boosting Literacy Through Comic Books

At Ash Tree’s Interactive Literacy Lab, we use comic books as a powerful tool to engage young readers and writers. Comics combine visual storytelling with rich language, helping students build literacy skills in a fun, accessible way.

Reading comics strengthens comprehension, vocabulary, and sequencing, while creating comics allows students to practice dialogue, character development, and story structure. For many reluctant readers, comics offer a less intimidating path to understanding and enjoying text.

Comic Book Literacy Activities

Comic Retell

After reading a short story or passage, students retell it in comic strip format, focusing on summarizing key events and identifying plot elements.

Visual Vocabulary

Choose vocabulary words and students draw comic panels that illustrate each word in context, reinforcing meaning through visual learning.

Dialogue Detective

Read a short comic and highlight how characters express feelings through dialogue. Then students rewrite the dialogue to change the tone or emotion, practicing expression and inference.

Sequential Storytelling

Students are given a story prompt and has t draw and write a 3- or 4-panel comic strip that tells a beginning, middle, and end. This reinforces story sequencing and logical flow.

Leveling Up Literacy Through Video Games

At Ash Tree’s Interactive Literacy Lab, we believe that video games can be more than entertainment—they can be powerful tools for learning. When guided with purpose, video games can help students develop critical reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and storytelling skills in ways that feel natural and exciting.

Many games require players to read instructions, follow narratives, make strategic decisions, and even write within the game environment. This makes video games a fun and immersive way to boost literacy, especially for reluctant readers and hands-on learners.

Video Game Activities

Story Mode Breakdown

Play a narrative-based game (like Minecraft: Story Mode or Ori and the Blind Forest). Pause to discuss or write about characters, setting, plot, and conflict.

Vocabulary in Gaming

Build a list of new or game-specific words students encounter while playing. Use them in sentences or short stories to expand their vocabulary in context.

Game to Story Retell

After gameplay, students write a short story or comic strip retelling what happened in the game, reinforcing comprehension and sequencing.

Quest to Log Writing

Students create their own video game quest. They write a mission description, objectives, and dialogue for characters—practicing purpose-driven writing and structure.

Building Literacy Through Content Creation

At Ash Tree’s Interactive Literacy Lab, we use content creation—like podcasting, blogging, video production, and digital storytelling—as a dynamic way to build strong reading, writing, and communication skills. When students create content, they aren’t just learning—they're using language with purpose, voice, and creativity.

Through planning, scripting, editing, and presenting, students practice key literacy skills such as organizing ideas, developing clear sentences, using descriptive language, and engaging their audience. Content creation transforms literacy into a hands-on, expressive experience that resonates with today’s digital learners.

Content Creation Activties

Mini Podcast

Students write and record short podcast episodes on a topic they love. They practice research, scriptwriting, and verbal expression.

Digital Storytelling

Using apps like Canva or Google Slides, students create digital storybooks complete with text, visuals, and voice narration.

Student Blog Series

Each student contributes a blog post on a classroom topic or project. This builds written fluency, structure, and editing skills.

Vision

We envision a future where every child, regardless of background, becomes a confident reader, critical thinker, and creative communicator. By combining innovative learning tools with individualized academic support, Ashtree aims to redefine after-school education and inspire the next generation of storytellers, builders, and leaders.