The Science of Reading

There’s been a lot of research about the best ways for kids to learn how to read. This includes things like sounds (phonics), reading smoothly (fluency), and understanding what they read (comprehension). This is called the Science of Reading (and writing). It shows that kids learn best when teachers give clear and organized lessons based on what we know works. While most of this research has been used for younger kids in kindergarten to fifth grade, it can also help older students, like those in middle school, become better readers and understand their other subjects too!

At Saint Joan of Arc, we fully ascribe to the research behind the Science of Reading (and Writing).  We systematically teach phonics and spelling through Foundations in the lower grades, practice fluency, and at all levels read and discuss grade-level books in high-quality conversations about the text that focus on language, structure, and deepened understanding.  Writing, a discipline that is necessary for communication, is not overlooked.

Teachers help students become better writers by teaching different strategies for each step of the writing process and supporting their students until they can use those strategies independently.  Students also learn that writing serves many purposes, like sharing information, making arguments, reflecting thoughts, telling stories, and improving reading skills