Reading

At John Hay, there is a literacy focus that has been developed throughout the entire school. We have classroom instruction and programs that both support and enhance reading progress for every student. Our program is based on best practice, research, and on the belief that every John Hay student will become a successful reader and writer. We are proud of our program and of the reading achievement of our students.

What do we teach in reading?

The content of our reading program is based on Washington State’s Essential Academic Learning Requirements. The Essential Academic Learning Requirements articulate the state’s expectations and learning standards. There are four general areas of instruction:

  • Understanding and using different skills and strategies to read
  • Understanding the meaning of what is read
  • Reading different materials for a variety of purposes
  • Setting goals and evaluating progress to improve reading

At every grade level there is a series of skills and knowledge the students should acquire for each grade level and these are called Grade Level Expectations. For the specific listing of the Grade Level Expectations by grade see OSPI's website.

How do we teach reading?

At John Hay we teach a comprehensive reading program in every classroom. Students participate in daily reading experiences which include Guided Reading, Shared Reading, Independent Reading, and Literature Circles. Explicit instruction and practice is provided in phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension skills and strategies. Students are given a variety of ways to respond to reading such as writing, discussion, or drama. The classrooms offer a balanced environment of whole-group, small-group and individual instruction. There is a focus on thinking, learning and problem solving and student interaction is an integral part of the learning environment. Teachers provide a variety of materials which include fiction, non-fiction, and various forms and genres. Ongoing assessment is used to guide instruction and measure student growth. We have both clear expectations and high standards.

What materials do we use to teach reading?

Teachers use a variety of materials in their classrooms. In kindergarten through second grade, we have the Houghton Mifflin program and in third through fifth grade the Pegasus program is used. In addition, teachers provide students sets of literature books, leveled reading sets, library books, magazines such as “Time For Kids”, poetry anthologies, plays, tapes, journals, and drama experiences. These are the tools used for providing students with a comprehensive reading program to teach Grade Level Expectations and ensure success for every John Hay student.