St. John students learn to read through defined sequential skill development and a variety of genres such as poetry, plays, biographies, and non-fiction. Through this sequential skill development, essentials for fluency and understanding are carefully built. Attractive and current textbooks, critically selected through the school’s curriculum adoption process, are updated on a six year cycle.
The teaching of reading in the primary grades is focused on decoding through phonics and other reading strategies. The goal is for students to become independent readers.
In the intermediate grades the main focus is comprehension and critical thinking skills. The goal is for students to utilize their reading strategies in all subject areas.
Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students solidify comprehension skills and gain vocabulary while preparing for the rigors of high school reading. They read classic and contemporary literature.
A reading specialist assists classroom teachers in identifying and teaching those students whose learning needs require individualized attention.
