What we do:

• Compare and contrast and text-to-self and text-to-text connections
• Understand setting, sequencing and making predictions; read aloud with fluency in a manner that sounds like natural speech
• Increased phonemic awareness through spelling strategies and decoding of words
• Use descriptive words when writing
• Print legibly and space letters, words and sentences appropriately

 How we do it:

• Reading Workshop:
  • Students are guided to self-select reading materials that are at their independent reading level and are supported with a balance of whole-group, small-group and individualized instruction to progress to the next level. Students are exposed to a variety of genres, comprehension strategies, and decoding skills, and are immersed in a culture of reading and talking about books that fosters the habits of a lifelong reader.
• Writing Workshop:
  • Students self-select writing topics and engage in the writing process. They are supported with a balance of whole-group, small-group and one-to-one instruction that allows each individual student to become a more competent writer. Specific genres, skills, and strategies are taught in accordance with grade level benchmarks. Students learn to use writing as a meaningful and powerful tool to communicate and express their ideas and opinions. 
• Phonics, Spelling, & Word Study:
  • Teachers introduce high-frequency words, common spelling patterns, and word solving strategies during focused mini-lessons within the Reading and Writing Workshops. Students practice and apply this learning to independent work that they complete during literacy centers and throughout the day.
• Handwriting:
  • Letter formation is reviewed and practiced using the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum.