Elementary Language Arts
At St. Charles, we believe that Reading and Writing, the decoding and encoding of the same communication system, are interdependent. The ability to write clearly and creatively depends on the student's vocabulary, reading comprehension skills, and grasp of the structure of their own language. Phonemic awareness is emphasized in early grades, as well as literacy groups and reading groups based on ability, with the aim of enrichment and identifying and solving problems as early as possible.
Our reading series, McGraw Hill Wonders, was chosen because it focuses on all areas of literacy development. It includes activities for each grade level in reading comprehension, literacy skills, and writing. We supplement our reading series with Zaner-Bloser Spelling Connections. It takes a word study approach and connects student's spelling words to vocabulary, reading, and writing, along with an important focus on phonemic awareness. Teachers also use age-appropriate novels and short stories in their classrooms in the form of projects, book clubs, and read-alouds.
Reading is encouraged in many ways. Older students are paired up with students in early grades as “Reading Buddies.” Students are genuinely happy to be given “DEAR” time (Drop Everything and Read) throughout the week. The most eagerly anticipated event is our annual “Read-In'' day during Catholic Schools Week, when teachers and students spend the day reading, discussing favorite books, and sharing ideas and opinions about them. Many parents also take this opportunity to come in and read their favorite stories to their children's’ classes.
Our reading series, McGraw Hill Wonders, was chosen because it focuses on all areas of literacy development. It includes activities for each grade level in reading comprehension, literacy skills, and writing. We supplement our reading series with Zaner-Bloser Spelling Connections. It takes a word study approach and connects student's spelling words to vocabulary, reading, and writing, along with an important focus on phonemic awareness. Teachers also use age-appropriate novels and short stories in their classrooms in the form of projects, book clubs, and read-alouds.
Reading is encouraged in many ways. Older students are paired up with students in early grades as “Reading Buddies.” Students are genuinely happy to be given “DEAR” time (Drop Everything and Read) throughout the week. The most eagerly anticipated event is our annual “Read-In'' day during Catholic Schools Week, when teachers and students spend the day reading, discussing favorite books, and sharing ideas and opinions about them. Many parents also take this opportunity to come in and read their favorite stories to their children's’ classes.
