Reading/Literature
Grades One and Two
- A phonological awareness and decoding approach is used for beginners.
- Vocabulary study includes a focus on high frequency words and selected vocabulary introduced through students reading books and authentic literature.
- Leveled books are used for guided and independent reading.
- Students learn to make predictions, note details, identify main ideas, sequence events and summarize readings.
Grades Three and Four
- Students read from a variety of classic and contemporary works. They also have opportunities to self-select trade books for independent, sustained reading.
- Vocabulary development, decoding techniques and comprehension strategies are further developed.
- Frequent listening opportunities are given to develop listening skills, increase vocabulary and to promote a love of literature.
Grades Five and Six
- The continuation of appropriate skills is based on a balanced, comprehensive program consisting of varied literary genres.
- Students are provided anthologies and trade books with complementing activities to further develop their skills.
- Independent reading is fostered as students are given choices to discover favorite authors and genres.
- Reflection booklets, reading response sheets, graphic organizers and other assessment tools focus on the New York State Learning Standards.
Grades Seven and Eight
- Comprehension skills become a strong focus with the use of a literature textbook, anthologies, and trade books.
- Evaluation of these literary pieces fosters listening, comprehension and writing skills, which are imperative as students strive to exceed New York State Standards in English Language Arts.
- Students are required to complete independent reading projects.