K-5 English-Language Arts

• Science of Reading: This refers to the vast body of research that explains how the human brain learns to read. Our curriculum uses these proven methods—focusing on phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension—to ensure every student becomes a successful reader.

• Knowledge-Building: Rather than teaching reading skills in isolation, we use "Knowledge Packs." Students read a collection of texts on a single topic (like "Ecosystems" or "Ancient Civilizations") to build the deep background knowledge and vocabulary needed to understand complex ideas.

• Integrated Literacy: This approach ensures that reading, writing, speaking, and listening are taught together. When students read about a topic, they immediately discuss it with peers and write about it to "lock in" their learning.

• Phonemic Awareness: The ability to hear and manipulate the individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. This is a "ears-only" skill that is the essential first step before a child ever picks up a book.

• Systematic Phonics: A method of teaching where letter-sound relationships are taught in a specific, logical order. We don't leave reading to chance; we teach every rule directly so students can "decode" (sound out) any word they encounter.

• Decodable Texts: These are books or passages that contain only the letter sounds a student has already learned. These allow students to practice their new skills with 100% success, building confidence early on.

When reading with your child, ask "What new facts did we learn?" to support our Knowledge-Building goals.

If your child gets stuck on a word, encourage them to "decode" it from left to right rather than guessing based on the picture.