Reading
We embrace the science of reading. The science of reading is essentially what research is telling us about how children learn to read.
Oral language is an often overlooked, but essential part of reading. Think about it. When we read, we are talking to ourselves in our heads. Our oral language guides us in both reading and writing. We want students talking and using their language. Dramatic play and other play-based activities give students lots of opportunities to develop their oral language. We also do interactive read aloud and songs to build knowledge of a variety of ideas and content. Growing vocabulary helps students make more sense of not only what they read, but the world around them.
Phonics and Phonemic Awareness are the building blocks that we use to read. We strive to be methodical in teaching these skills so that students have a secure foundation. We do many play-based activities to help learn and practice these skills.
High Frequency Words are words that are used often in texts that students read and write. We do extensive work with each high frequency word to "map" them into our minds.
Decoding is reading the words. When we get stuck, we first look at the letters in the word for clues. We use the surrounding words and pictures as additional clues to help us figure out the unknown word. We use decodable texts to help support our beginning readers. These are texts where all of the words can be figured out using the phonics patterns and high frequency words learned. In order to support a love of reading, students also have choices from our classroom libraries where they can apply their new found skills. We strive to provide high quality texts for students that are representative of the beautifully diverse world in which we live.
Families can help their child learn to read by talking with them as well as reading stories, signs, recipes, and instructions with them.
