Literacy

At our school, we take a well-rounded and structured approach to teaching literacy to ensure every child builds a strong foundation for reading and writing. Each day, our literacy program is divided into two key parts.

The first hour focuses on foundational skills through what’s known as a Structured Literacy approach. During this time, students engage in activities that systematically build their phonics knowledge, handwriting, spelling, and reading fluency. This structured practice helps them develop essential skills that are the building blocks of literacy. (First hour really is about 'back to basics'.)

The second hour is centered around rich literature experiences. This part of the program involves reading high-quality texts that spark curiosity and engagement. Through these texts, we teach important skills like comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. Our aim is to help students develop a deeper understanding of what they read and build their ability to communicate their ideas effectively.

By balancing these two approaches, we ensure our students are both skilled in the technical aspects of reading and writing and inspired by the joy of literature and storytelling.