In Northside, we follow a balanced literacy framework that includes the explicit and systematic teaching of foundational literacy skills. The instructional components within our balanced literacy framework promote the gradual release of responsibility from teacher to student. Our students engage in literacy learning during read alouds of mentor texts, shared and performance reading/writing, mini lessons, small group instruction, and independent reading/writing.
Reading Language Arts at Nichols ES
At Nichols we approach ELAR using a balanced literacy approach. We support children with explicit phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, as well as develop their comprehension through skills-based lessons and vocabulary development. We use informal reading inventories (IRIs) using the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark System and the ISIP from IStation to monitor student progress throughout the school year. Through progress monitoring, we are able to inform and adjust our literacy instruction to meet each individual student's needs.
