Literacy Programs
Heatherwood has a strong emphasis on literacy across all grade levels and it is an area of focus and investment for the entire school. Beginning in kindergarten, the basic literacy skills are introduced to develop a solid foundation. To maintain and build on these skills, teachers at Heatherwood use the same language across all grades when teaching reading comprehension strategies. This reinforces the learning and use of literacy skills as students progress to higher grade levels. Literacy specialists and para-educators provide one-on-one and small group literacy instruction. Literacy specialists meet weekly with classroom teachers to discuss instructional plans, assessments, and individual student needs.
Writing and reading are naturally connected. Heatherwood teachers guide students to read like writers. Writing instruction begins in kindergarten and continues throughout each grade level. Writing instruction starts with brief lessons using authentic literature as a model for the teaching focus. Lessons include a variety of writing forms such as narratives, reports, procedures, persuasive, poetry, letters and more. Each day, students in all grades are given large periods of time to write.