The goal of the elementary literacy program is to create passionate, engaged, skillful readers and writers. Our literacy curriculum is grounded in strong evidence and research-based practices. The structure of the reading and writing workshop provides a balance of timely, explicit teacher-directed instruction, differentiated methods, and authentic reading and writing experiences. Students learn and grow as they practice and apply skills in decodable and authentic fiction and nonfiction text. Attention is given to each student’s level of reading development to build strong foundational skills and foster their growth as a strategic reader and writer.
Hallmarks of this approach include:
Regular and sustained periods of time to apply learning in authentic reading and writing, paired with differentiated instruction based upon ongoing assessment
Classrooms rich with literary vocabulary and dialogue, where students reflect upon and discuss their growth with others
Fostering student choice, responsibility, and the strategies needed to become independent, lifelong learners
A balance of phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary instruction with practice in authentic reading and writing contexts
Word study is an essential component of the program. In the grades k-3, teachers provide explicit, systematic instruction in phonological awareness and phonics utilizing the Benchmark Phonics Word Study Workshop. This includes the use of print, digital, and multisensory resources to teach and reinforce foundational skills. In grades 4-6, students learn to use spelling patterns, syllables, and word parts to read accurately. As students progress, they focus on meaning as they learn to analyze word structure and use context clues to determine word meaning. Through all stages of word study, students participate in a combination of direct instruction and hands-on activities where they learn to think about sounds, words, and understand how language works.