Language and Literacy

Our comprehensive approach to language and early literacy ensures that students build strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills in a nurturing, language-rich environment. Teachers work with every age group equipping students with skills necessary for them to express their ideas, emotions, and needs. Verbal and non-verbal communication is developed through interactions with similar aged peers and attuned and skilled educators. Teachers model sophisticated communication by engaging in conversations, asking and responding to open-ended questions, and developing both verbal and written vocabulary.

Teachers work with families to help students communicate their wants and needs in familiar words they understand. They use rhymes, interactive games, small group activities, and songs to develop language skills and vocabulary as well as help children recognize letters, words, syllables, and sounds. These activities are designed to promote the value of language and words in both written and verbal forms. Our formal curricula, Zoo-phonics and Learning Without Tears, develop reading and writing skills. These programs are designed to aid students in their overall language acquisition as they prepare for kindergarten.

Our classrooms ensure a print-rich environment through labeled toys, artwork, and posters to familiarize students with print.  Daily classroom activities include reading books and exploring writing materials. Students also have weekly trips to our Library/Media Center where they engage in activities to develop listening, comprehension, and book care responsibilities.