The Learning Lamp

Kindergarten Readiness Skill #23: Matches Letters to Sounds

Matching letters to sounds is a foundational reading skill that helps children recognize words, build vocabulary, and become confident readers.

🔤 Try this at home:
Practice letter sounds together during everyday activities. Point out letters on signs, books, or food packages and ask, “What sound does this letter make?”

📚 Free resource:
Starfall offers engaging activities that help children learn letter-sound relationships through play:
👉 https://www.starfall.com/h/abcs/

✨ Follow The Learning Lamp and watch for next week’s kindergarten readiness skill!

📍 Somerset: FREE preschool now enrolling for income-eligible families!

Give your child the best start with a fun, high-quality preschool experience that prepares them for kindergarten—and beyond.

📢 LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE IN SOMERSET

✅ Monday–Friday | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
✅ Hands-on skill building and progress reports
✅ Social and emotional growth through play
✅ Smooth kindergarten transition
✅ FREE lunch and snacks

Call 814-262-0732 x289 or email [email protected] to apply today.

✨ Is your little one ready for preschool? ✨

Our program sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and makes learning fun every day.

We are now registering for the 2026-27 school year at these preschool locations:
📍 Richland
📍 Somerset
📍 Portage
📍 Bedford
📍 Claysburg

💡 Hands-on learning and caring teachers
🏫 Safe, supportive classrooms

Spots fill quickly—call 814-262-0732 x289 or email [email protected] to enroll today!

🛝 Nothing beats a fun day on the slide! These toddlers were all smiles as they climbed, slid, and enjoyed every moment of outdoor play.

Will your child be kindergarten ready?

We offer free developmental screenings for children ages 2-5 in the Johnstown area. You can find us at community events in June to have your child screened and learn more!

📆 JUNE EVENTS
✅ June 15 – Art in the Park, Stackhouse Park, 998 Luzerne Street, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
✅ June 16 – WIC Clinic at Oakhurst Community Room, 553 N Sheridan Street, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
✅ June 16 – Juneteenth Celebration, Peoples Natural Gas Park, 2 to 5 p.m.
✅ June 20 – Families U Us, Prospect Community Center, 12 to 3 p.m.
✅ June 22 – Highland Library, 330 Schoolhouse Rd, 6 to 8 p.m.
✅ June 23 – WIC Clinic at Oakhurst Community Room, 553 N Sheridan Street, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
✅ June 29 – Art in the Park, Stackhouse Park, 998 Luzerne Street, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
✅ June 30 – Diaper Bank at Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies, 540-542 Central Avenue, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Regional Manager Laura Martin recently represented The Learning Lamp at the Pennsylvania Capitol as part of the Trying Together 2026 Advocacy Fellowship.

Joined by Connellsville Preschool teacher Emily Glacken, Laura met with Sen. Pat Stefano and shared information with Rep. Ryan Warner and Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa to advocate for increased investments in early childhood education, including the proposed $10 million increase for the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program.

We are proud to have leaders and educators who use their voices to support children, families, and the early education workforce across Pennsylvania.

🐻 One week until our next Story, Snack & Activity at the library!

Join us at the Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville as we read “I’m Not Scared, YOU’RE Scared!” by Seth Meyers. After the story, stick around for a fun activity and snack.

📅 Saturday, June 20
🕙 10 a.m.
📍 299 S. Pittsburgh Street, Connellsville, PA 15425

Families with children from prenatal through kindergarten are welcome with an adult.

🌋 The floor is lava… and story time is this Monday!

Join us at 12th Street Park and Splash Pad in Connellsville for Story, Snack & Activity featuring “Harry and the Hot Lava” by Chris Robertson. Enjoy a story, snack and themed activity with us!

📅 Monday, June 15
🕛 12 p.m.
📍 201 Ball Park Road, Connellsville, PA 15425

Families with children from prenatal through kindergarten are welcome with an adult.

Planning a summer trip to Idlewild & SoakZone?

The Learning Lamp is selling discounted Idlewild tickets for just $39 each, valid for one 2026 admission from May 23 through Oct. 31.

Tickets are available for purchase Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at:
2025 Bedford St.
Johnstown, PA 15904

Quantities are limited, so stop by and grab yours while supplies last!

Questions? Call 814-262-0732 ext. 302.

Congratulations to Human Resources Manager Melissa Mock on graduating from the Cambria Regional Chamber's John B. Gunter Community Leadership Initiative.

The year-long program brings together professionals from across the region to strengthen leadership skills, build community connections, and develop projects that make a positive impact.

We're proud of Missy's accomplishment and the leadership she brings to The Learning Lamp every day.