Language Arts
Reading
At the heart of Rincon
Valley's reading program is the research-based language arts program,
Open Court: A Collection for Young Scholars. This program is based on
a systematic and explicit presentation of phonics in the primary grades
and systematic instruction in reading comprehension strategies in the
intermediate grades. The program kindergarten through sixth grades has
a full and rich literature base to stimulate interest in reading and
provide valuable science and social studies content. Additionally, the
literature is thematically organized and provides exceptional readings
for the development of character education. The non-fiction pieces are
selected to teach the research cycle, which begins in the second grade.
The goal of the program is to empower students to become independent
learners.
The kindergarten
reading program is supported by the Waterford Early Literacy program;
a computer-based pre-reading program designed to provide kindergartners
with a strong literacy background. It introduces students to phonemic
awareness skills, rhyming, the alphabet, and beginning printing skills.
Written Language
To compliment the district's
reading program, students are provided numerous opportunities to write.
Written-composition assignments emphasize paragraphing, outlining, expository
writing, creative writing, research, narrative writing, poetry and letter
writing. This involves teaching of the writing process, grammar and
spelling. Instruction in the writing process begins as early as first
grade. The draft, edit, revise, publish process is supported in the
computer labs where students are introduced to word processing and keyboarding
skills.
Open
Court: Reading
Language
for Learning
Waterford
Accelerated
Reader
