What do science, art and the zoo have in common? They are all helping Santa Barbara Unified students learn vocabulary words.

The Literacy Moves program gave 172 preschoolers a chance to build a foundation in vocabulary by embarking on monthly field trips to commuity-based spots like the Santa Barbara Museum of Art; MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation; and Santa Barbara Zoo.

The immersive experience is designed to provide young learners with a robust basis in vocabulary, setting them on a trajectory for success as they transition into kindergarten and beyond, the school district said.

Each organization involved played a role in imparting theme-based vocabulary aligned with the content of the newly adopted Wit & Wisdom curriculum in Santa Barbara Unified elementary schools TK-6. 

While on the field trips, classes held a scavenger hunt to look for words listed in both English and Spanish.

Additionally, the program helped students learn about the unique and engaging community resources available in Santa Barbara they might not otherwise get access to.

“It’s critical to build a strong foundation for students to learn to read and write by the third grade. We hope this program shows there is learning all around us in our everyday lives,” said Hilda Maldonado, schools superintendent. “I want to thank all of our partners who made this happen. It shows what we can do as a community when we leverage our great resources to inspire literacy,”

Santa Barbara Unified thanks the Santa Barbara Education Foundation, First 5 Santa Barbara County, Leni Foundation, and Montecito Bank & Trust for making Literacy Moves possible.