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Reading provides students with the foundation for success in all other subject areas. To help ensure the reading performance of students, grades 1, 2 and 3 break into smaller classes where they receive individualized attention.

First grade begins its day with an hour and 20 minutes of specialized reading instruction. Students are introduced to new stories each week as well as new vocabulary. Handwriting practice also figures prominently into increasing students’ reading skills.

In addition to vocabulary acquisition, second graders practice their phonics and storytelling skills and are encouraged to develop their creative writing. By third grade, the focus of reading class turns toward increasing comprehension, including identifying main ideas, finding details in a story, sorting de­tails and forming conclusions. Second and third graders increase their handwriting and writing skills by answering short essay questions in a notebook each day, which is completed either in class or at home.

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