CALSA Summer Institute 2026

Shoonya Kids is a research-backed, multilingual learning platform for PreK–2nd grade learners that helps students build foundational skills in literacy and math while supporting their social-emotional growth. It is used in both classrooms and at home, with a teacher dashboard that supports differentiated instruction and progress monitoring, and is designed to support multilingual learners in early grades. It supports foundational skill development in literacy and numeracy through:PreK, TK–2nd grade classroom learning during center time, small-group instruction, game-based learning, and independent practiceDual Language programs supporting instruction in English and Spanish, with built-in scaffolding to support cross-linguistic transfer, vocabulary development, and comprehension as students build confidence in biliteracyELOP before- and after-school programs that reinforce foundational skills in literacy, biliteracy, and mathematical thinking through game-based strategiesSummer school and enrichment programs in five languages that engage learners through game-based experiences designed to build early literacy, biliteracy, and math conceptsAs part of a recent U.S. Department of Education Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant, Shoonya Kids collaborated with pedagogy experts and early childhood educators to develop a curriculum focused on building math confidence among early multilingual learners. The program is currently being implemented in California public schools, with WestEd serving as the independent research partner, and is demonstrating strong student engagement.