The Reading program emphasizes instruction in comprehension, vocabulary, and decoding. While these three skill areas are presented individually, they are inseparable elements of the reading process. To become effective readers, students will read for enjoyment, for information, and for critical analysis. They will learn strategies for acquiring, interpreting, and applying information. They will respond to their reading through discussion, writing, and creative projects.
Grade 3 Students will read with increasing fluency and independence. They will sustain independent reading for increasing periods of time. They are beginning to select chapter books and to recognize more difficult sound/symbol patterns. The students are refining their thinking skills before, during, and after reading as they respond to print. Students will read material related to the Social Studies and Science units they study.
Grade 4 Students will continue to read and comprehend fiction and nonfiction. As they read beyond their known experiences, they begin to use strategies for adapting to unfamiliar subjects, such as historical fiction or regional literature. They are continuing to read nonfiction in order to write simple research reports.
Grade 5 Students are in the process of expanding their literary choices. They are exposed to a variety of themes and genres. With encouragement, they are forming preferences for particular reading materials and are learning to select reading material to meet their curriculum and personal needs. At this stage, they are gaining a greater ability to plan and monitor their reading and are able to respond in writing to specific reading-related tasks. Students will read both fiction and nonfiction materials. Units of study on syllabication and prefixes and suffixes are taught.