Literacy Instruction
Teachers will use instructional approaches, materials, and an integrated, comprehensive, systematic and scientifically based curriculum to support student learning in reading and writing. (Reading Horizons)
Teachers will also create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by providing space for differentiated instructional practices, integrating foundational knowledge, and using appropriate instructional practices and materials to support readers and writers. Additionally, teachers will use a range of ongoing formal and informal assessment tools and practices to plan, progress monitor, and evaluate student learning in reading and writing instruction. (Amira)
Foundations of Reading
Research has proven that reading is a process requiring mastery of five foundational reading skills, which together, allow us to be successful, confident readers.
Phonemic awareness - The ability to hear, decipher, and manipulate sounds in the English language. Phonemic awareness focuses on sounds only.
Phonics - Deals with the sound - symbol relationship. Students understand that each letter is a symbol that represents a sound. Phonics focuses on letters and sounds.
Fluency - Oral reading fluency is the ability to read with accuracy, speed, and proper expression.
Vocabulary - Refers to words known to communicate effectively.
Comprehension - Reading is built on the ability for students to understand what they read.