A minimum of two hours a day is spent on this subject area. Teachers in grades K-5 use the Harcourt Trophies Reading Series which teaches phonemic awareness, phonics, reading, and writing skills in a way that builds skills needed to become a successful reader. We also have an extensive tradebook collection that enhances our integrated curriculum. Our upper unit teachers especially use these books to reinforce social studies concepts. We also stress the use of word walls, daily journal writing, Compass Reading and Language, and Accelerated Reader.
The Title I teacher and assistants make it possible to have smaller reading groups. In addition, the Title I teacher organizes a group of Book Buddies, education students from Lynchburg College, who tutor students in reading twice a week before school. Selected students also have the opportunity to read to therapy dogs to reinforce reading skills.
Because of excellent collaboration between classroom teachers and the performing arts team, we also offer a Readers' Theatre Program. Opportunities exist throughout the year for children to enter writing contests sponsored by local organizations, and many of our students enter and win recognition in the Young Author's Contest which occurs each spring.
