Reading
The revised Open Court Reading program is used in grades one and two. Open Court provides a balanced, systematic direct instruction in sound and word recognition, guided practice of written text, and application of skills with extensive reading of decodable text and authentic literature. From the beginning our Lower School students are exposed to a variety of writing styles and genre as well as strategies to comprehend real world text. Grades three through six use the MacMillan/McGraw Hill reading series as the core. Comprehension strategies, vocabulary building skills, and reading fluency are present for individual and group instruction. Research and study skills are strong components in the program. Grades three though six must complete monthly book reports. A specific genre is chosen for the children to explore and then complete a class activity. To further enhance the child’s reading skills all students must complete a summer reading requirement specific to his/her rising grade level. It is the goal of the summer reading program to provide a diverse selection of books to be explored and enjoyed. Various activities centered around these books are completed at the beginning of the school year.