English Language Arts and Reading

At MES, we make use of Science of Reading utilizing explicit phonics instruction, whole group instruction, small group instruction, guided reading and conferring.

Instructional contexts include:

• Interactive Read Aloud – All grades
• Reading Workshop - Reading mini-lessons, Independent and Partner Reading using differentiated authentic texts to employ the strategies introduced through mini-lessons – All grades
• Writing mini-lessons, independent and partner writing practice using mentor texts and writing strategies that allow students to generate ideas and produce high-quality writing on self-selected topics that have real audiences – All grades
• Phonics Workshop - Phonics mini-lessons with a specific focus on targeted transferable practice to reading and writing – Grades K-2
• Shared Reading – Opportunities for students to practice fluent reading using successive readings of on-grade level text supported by the teacher – Grades K-2
• Word Work – Morphology studies – Grades 3-5

Focus on:

• Differentiation to meet the needs of all students
• High-Volume, High Interest Reading of Authentic Text - Upwards of 30+ minutes per day
• Building knowledge base through authentic nonfiction text
• Teaching Comprehension skills and strategies to support reading achievement and foster a life-long love of reading
• Value of modeling through interactive read aloud
• Incorporating instruction on foundational skills/phonics 
• Supporting students to see themselves as writers by teaching strategies for generating ideas, using mentor texts and writing for real audiences

Phonics Workshop Curriculum

Fundations – research-based curriculum

Fundations^® utilizes a structured literacy approach to make learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy. The program’s research-based approach and extensive materials allow K–3 teachers to confidently present a carefully structured reading, spelling, and handwriting curriculum using engaging, multisensory techniques. Fundations is aligned with the science of reading and guides teachers to provide effective instructional practices. 

Social Studies

• Primary Source documents to analyze multiple perspectives.
• Children’s literature to connect to concepts prevalent in the grade level standards
• Non-fiction text to integrate the use of reading strategies to extrapolate relevant information related to Social Studies content
• Brain Pop and NewsELA
• Studies Weekly and Online Resources

Studies Weekly doesn’t need a bunch of heavy textbooks to be an engaging core curriculum. Our student-friendly periodical format and robust online learning platform is:

• Aligned to state standards and frameworks
• Consumable and Hands-On
• Organized through themes
• Ready for your Language Arts block
• Culturally relevant, post-2020 equity lens

Writing

At MES, we use the Write Score resource as our source of writing instruction. Embedded in writing instruction are  three components: the mini-lesson, work time, and share time. Write Score is an efficient and effective way to deliver writing instruction to meet the needs of all learners.