To ensure that all students master the skills needed to read and write with ease, we use a variety of approaches. In kindergarten, the students combine sequential-based learning phonics with a whole-language approach. In the whole-language program, children immerse themselves in a print-rich environment free to explore language and the intracacies of reading and writing at their particular level. Invented spelling, story writing and reading come into play.
As students mature in their understanding of language, they acquire the basics of grammar and begin to enjoy "real" literature, poetry, and non-fiction. Using reading materials as models, students learn the writing process: how to communicate ideas or stories clearly and persuasively. They engage in expository, creative, journalistic, narrative and experimental writing. Reading and writing can be hard work. It requires discipline and tenacity, but at Anneliese's, children love the challenge and become eager readers and writers.
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