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Reading
Our reading curriculum focuses on building important reading skills,
introducing students to a variety of genres, and instilling in our
students an enjoyment of reading. It is important for each child to
read high-quality literature at an appropriate reading level. In
addition to the core curriculum, every grade level promotes
independent reading. Beginning in 3rd grade, novel studies will be
incorporated into the reading program.
Reading philosophy statement
Saint Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School promotes literacy through
the dynamic interrelationship among reading, writing, speaking and
listening. Through sequential growth readers build fluency and apply
strategies within a balanced reading approach (phonics, skills and
literature). The interaction of the readers’ experience and
knowledge foster comprehension and critical analysis. We strongly
emphasize the value of reading as a life-long learning tool and
strive to enhance our students’ appreciation and enjoyment of
literature.
Grades K-2:
The goal of the reading curriculum in grades K-2 is to blend a
strong phonetic approach with rich literature experiences --
providing a balanced approach to reading and language arts. Saint
Ambrose of Woodbury currently uses the Literacy Place (Scholastic,
copyright 2000) program with our early elementary students. This
program provides a rich selection of literature, varied writing
experiences and technology support to challenge learners at all
levels as they grow in fluency. This series includes a common text
as well as guided reading books so that students will be exposed to
literature at their reading level. Students also participate in a
Scholastic Reading Counts program, which allows students to choose
books at their level to read independently, and then take a computer
comprehension quiz. This gives teachers great feedback on student
comprehension skills.
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Grades 3-5:
In the intermediate grades Saint Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School
has selected the Nation’s Choice (Houghton Mifflin, copyright 2003)
series which extends the goals of the early elementary program while
providing a bridge to the junior high program. The emphasis in the
3-5 reading program begins to move from reading skills (decoding,
phonics) to reading for content. The Nation’s Choice program offers
students a variety of literary genres that promote comprehension,
critical thinking skills, exposure to other cultures and reading for
enjoyment. In addition to the anthology, teachers have access to
leveled readers which allow them to differentiate their reading
instruction. Novel studies in this grade level might be class-wide,
or be in small group literature circles based on student reading
level or interest.
Grades 6-8:
Junior high students take a literature course each of their three
years of junior high. The literature series that was selected is the
Elements of Literature (Holt, Rinehart, Winston copyright 2003). The
series has three separate anthologies – Introductory Course in 6th
grade, First Course in 7th grade and Second Course in 8th grade.
These anthologies were selected because they: offer a blend of
classic and contemporary literature; offer excellent extended
reading opportunities (novels, speeches, plays, articles); provide
direct instruction of reading strategies, vocabulary, literary
elements and forms, critical thinking, viewing, speaking and
listening; and include technology support for teachers, students and
parents.
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