Write to Read
The Write to Read program is a multi-sensory literacy program that teaches children the skills that they need in order to successfully and confidently learn to read and write.
The program teaches them to literally decode the English language using both their visual and auditory senses. It is based on the understanding that the 26 letters of the English alphabet actually make 70 different sounds or phonograms (phonics). The phonograms are taught to children using fun rhymes and codes so they can easily work out the letters required to spell any word. They are also taught the written symbol or code for each phonogram in order to be able to read and write.
Once children understand how the English language works, learning to read, write and spell is no longer bewildering, confusing, overwhelming or frustrating. It moves them from guessing to true understanding and comprehension.
Daily 5/ CAFÉ reading
The Daily 5™ is a framework for structuring literacy time so students develop lifelong habits of reading, writing, and working independently.
How does it work?
Students select from five authentic reading and writing choices, working independently toward personalized goals, while the teacher meets individual needs through whole-group and small-group instruction, as well as one-on-one conferring. These choices include
The benefits of The Daily 5 include the following:
(https://www.thedailycafe.com/daily-5)
Seven Steps to Writing Success
The Seven Steps to Writing Success is a writing program that inspires students to improve their writing skills and most importantly, learn to love writing. The seven steps lay the foundations in creating an engaging story in any form- written, spoken or even visual. The seven steps are:
Step 1: Plan for Success
Step 2: Sizzling Starts
Step 3: Tightening Tension
Step 4: Dynamic Dialogue
Step 5: Show, Don’t Tell
Step 6: Ban the Boring
Step 7: Exciting Endings
(https://www.sevenstepswriting.com/)
Here are some examples of Sizzling Starts in the Junior School (click to enlarge)
Here are some examples of Show don't tell in the Senior School (click to enlarge)
Developmental Play
Our Prep Students participate in Developmental Play sessions. Developmental Play is an avenue through which social skills can develop. As they grow older, children learn about societal rules by making up games with rules, as well as about winning and losing and “playing fair”. They also learn about controlling their impulses in order to do well at something and about space, negotiating and problem solving. Above all, Developmental Play is needed for fun and relaxation. Social skills are vital in enabling an individual to have and maintain positive interactions with others. Many of these skills are crucial in making and sustaining friendships.
Advanced Presentation Skills
The Senior School students complete an Advanced Presentation Skills Course. This is an eight week course that teaches students the skills needed to present prepared and off-the-cuff speeches in front of an audience. Each course concludes with a graduation where students can show off their skills to their families and are awarded trophies and certificates.
Debating
Middle and Senior School students participate in a Debating Course where they learn the art of debating, how to rebut, how to evaluate a debate and how to host a debate.
Debating helps students develop their speaking and listening skills as well as improving their ability to express themselves, which builds confidence. Debating also builds students' critical listening skills and their ability to respond to what other people are saying. Learning to debate can also help students develop their research skills.
