Reading
Reading Program
The progressive approach to reading helps students understand the basics of phonics and strengthens their reading skills. The program not only focuses on reading but also on other aspects of learning, such as handwriting, spelling and comprehension.
The course has 3 levels - The Novice, The Decoder and The Fluent. The Emergent level is mainly for the younger age group who are new to the alphabet and letter sounds. Read further to get a better understanding of what each level comprises.
The Emergent (nursery)
Pre-reader, 20 lessons
The first step to reading is to learn the sounds that each letter makes.
As emergent readers, students will learn letter names and sounds. They will also learn the right way to form letters and as such pick up writing and pencil-holding skills/techniques.
Apart from these, they will also learn to blend sounds and recognize word families.
The Novice (level 1)
Novice reader, 20 lessons.
Upon mastering letter sounds, the next step in reading is to understand the relationship between letters and spoken sounds, "phonemic awareness".
As a Novice Reader, students will learn to blend and read (CVC / VCV) words. Listening is just as important as reading, hence one of the focal points will be to listen and recognize the beginning, middle and ending sounds that each word makes.
Certain words are just recognized by their appearance, they are called "sight words". Throughout the course, students will learn to read and spell sight words.
The Decoder (level 2)
Decoding reader, 20 lessons
Certain sounds are made up of more than one letter. Decoding is a skill that involves breaking apart a word into the sounds that make it up and blending them to read.
As a Decoding Reader, students will learn the various letter combinations and the sounds they make. They will practice decoding words and identifying phonemes.
Students will also be reading and interpreting stories as well as working on their comprehension skills at this level.
The Fluent (level 3)
Comprehending reader, 10 lessons
Fluent readers read smoothly with fewer errors and at a good pace. They use proper intonation when reading aloud. Fluency in reading is important for good reading comprehension.
As a Comprehending Reader, students will learn about syllables, prefixes and suffixes which will help them become Fluent Readers. They will be reading informative and fictional passages and also practice comprehension skills.
Students will also practice writing in complete sentences.
