Courses

Students learn to critically analyze and reflect on what they read and how it impacts their comprehension. They learn to distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters in popular children’s fiction and nonfiction books. This aids in development of skills in the Reading Standards for Literature that students learn by the end of each grade.

Students continue to build their skills through collaborative conversations on grade level topics and texts with constant help from the teacher. In addition, students work on improving comprehension by paraphrasing portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

To support their reading, writing, and use of language, students go through formative assessments and rigorous practice sessions to improve their grasp on grammar, with a specific focus on spelling and punctuation. They also strengthen their vocabulary as per the Language Standards. As part of their development of understanding, students in the 4th grade learn to distinguish the literal and non-literal meanings of words and phrases in context, and how to interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors.

As students continue to critically analyze and reflect on what they read and how it impacts their comprehension, they learn to compare and contrast the point of view from which different stories are narrated. This includes being able to tell the difference between first-person and third-person narrations in popular children’s fiction and nonfiction books. This aids in development of skills in the Reading Standards for Literature that students learn by the end of the fifth grade.

Speaking and listening skills are important for communication. Students continue to build their skills through collaborative conversations on grade level topics and texts with constant help from the teacher. In addition, students work on improving comprehension by determining the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

To support their reading, writing, and use of language, students strengthen their vocabulary and grammar through scaffolding. Learning to identify and understand word relationships, nuances in word meanings by knowing general academic words (used in all sorts of texts and subject areas) and content-specific words (important to understanding specific topics or field of study). Emphasis is given on understanding figurative language like simile, metaphor, hyperbole etc. As part of their development of understanding, students in this grade distinguish the literal and non-literal meanings of words and phrases in context.

Active engagement with text to analyze, identify, define, explain, integrate, evaluate, compare, contrast, and cite supportive evidence - developing and building upon these skills. Deeper analysis of literature and informational text continues to be the focus of the sixth grade, although reading fluency and accuracy remains a common goal for all students.

Students listen critically to speakers and media presentations, identify and interpret information from a variety of media and formats, deliver presentations, and ask questions to gain additional information. In their oral presentations. They use the structures found in the literature and informational text they read and in their own writing (e.g., a central idea or theme supported by facts, descriptive details, or observations). Students apply the same conventions of standard English when speaking that they use in their writing. Sixth grade focuses on students’ listening and comprehension skills and their formal oral presentation skills. Students identify and analyze logical fallacies in a speaker’s presentation or from a media source. When they present claims for findings, they sequence ideas logically, use appropriate facts and relevant details to support the main idea or theme, and speak clearly.

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. Practice essay writing, research paper and other forms of academic writing. Refine and revise grammar, spelling and punctuation for impeccable write-up. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.

Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grade 8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. Active engagement with text to analyze, identify, define, explain, integrate, evaluate, compare, contrast, and cite supportive evidence - developing and building upon these skills. Deeper analysis of literature and informational text continues to be the focus of the eighth grade, although reading fluency and accuracy remains a common goal for all students.

Students listen critically to speakers and media presentations, identify and interpret information from a variety of media and formats, deliver presentations, and ask questions to gain additional information. In their oral presentations. They use the structures found in the literature and informational text they read and in their own writing (e.g., a central idea or theme supported by facts, descriptive details, or observations). Students apply the same conventions of standard English when speaking that they use in their writing.

Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., stingy, scrimping, economical, unwasteful, thrifty). Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. Writing is drawn heavily from student experience and opinion, which alone will not prepare students for the demands of college, career, and life. We still expect narrative writing, and we also teach a command of sequence and detail that are essential for effective argumentative and informative writing. The standards’ focus on evidence-based writing along with the ability to inform and persuade is a significant part of our writing program and preparation.

Elements of Reading from Talentnook is an effective reading program for all students including diverse learners such as Students with Disabilities and English Learners who participate in general education classroom instruction. We begin with very young readers, and our philosophy is that good reading skills lead to good writing skills. Our reading program is based on letter-sound recognition and word attack strategies with phonemic awareness and syllable breakdown.
GOOD READERS → GOOD WRITERS → GOOD STUDENTS → GOOD GRADES

Each Reading Level is broken down, not by school grade, but by reading efficiency level determined by proven assessments. The first lessons are “training lessons” which involve Sound Play and Decoding activities, working on phonemic awareness games that focus on syllables, identifying first sounds in words, rhyming, blending, segmenting, and identifying last sounds in words. Each Sound Play lesson aligns with a Decoding Lesson. Decoding lessons are implemented and practiced before the next activity is introduced. In every lesson, reinforcement of sounds and words are practiced with increasing variety and difficulty. Students learn specific prompts and correction procedures for each activity.
(Novice) Level 1 - (Pre-Reader) Level 2- (Reader) Level 3 - (Detective) Level 4 - (Navigator) Level 5

   • “What Sound?” Lower-case consonants and vowels are printed at the top of the lesson sheet and practiced for recognition and mastery.
   • “What Word?” Common sight words are printed on the lesson sheet below the “What Sound?” activity for context and practice.
   • “Sound Boxes.” Decodable words are printed with each sound of the word in a box that blends the sounds together in a sing-song fashion, and then the student reads the word quickly to hear and speak the word.
   • Reading Sentences. The students READ a sentence made up of decodable and sight words practiced in the lesson.

Elements of Reading from Talentnook is an effective reading program for all students including diverse learners such as Students with Disabilities and English Learners who participate in general education classroom instruction. We begin with very young readers, and our philosophy is that good reading skills lead to good writing skills. Our reading program is based on letter-sound recognition and word attack strategies with phonemic awareness and syllable breakdown.
GOOD READERS → GOOD WRITERS → GOOD STUDENTS → GOOD GRADES

Each Reading Level is broken down, not by school grade, but by reading efficiency level determined by proven assessments. The first lessons are “training lessons” which involve Sound Play and Decoding activities, working on phonemic awareness games that focus on syllables, identifying first sounds in words, rhyming, blending, segmenting, and identifying last sounds in words. Each Sound Play lesson aligns with a Decoding Lesson. Decoding lessons are implemented and practiced before the next activity is introduced. In every lesson, reinforcement of sounds and words are practiced with increasing variety and difficulty. Students learn specific prompts and correction procedures for each activity.
(Novice) Level 1 - (Pre-Reader) Level 2- (Reader) Level 3 - (Detective) Level 4 - (Navigator) Level 5

   • “What Sound?” Lower-case consonants and vowels are printed at the top of the lesson sheet and practiced for recognition and mastery.
   • “What Word?” Common sight words are printed on the lesson sheet below the “What Sound?” activity for context and practice.
   • “Sound Boxes.” Decodable words are printed with each sound of the word in a box that blends the sounds together in a sing-song fashion, and then the student reads the word quickly to hear and speak the word.
   • Reading Sentences. The students READ a sentence made up of decodable and sight words practiced in the lesson.

Elements of Reading from Talentnook is an effective reading program for all students including diverse learners such as Students with Disabilities and English Learners who participate in general education classroom instruction. We begin with very young readers, and our philosophy is that good reading skills lead to good writing skills. Our reading program is based on letter-sound recognition and word attack strategies with phonemic awareness and syllable breakdown.
GOOD READERS → GOOD WRITERS → GOOD STUDENTS → GOOD GRADES

Each Reading Level is broken down, not by school grade, but by reading efficiency level determined by proven assessments. The first lessons are “training lessons” which involve Sound Play and Decoding activities, working on phonemic awareness games that focus on syllables, identifying first sounds in words, rhyming, blending, segmenting, and identifying last sounds in words. Each Sound Play lesson aligns with a Decoding Lesson. Decoding lessons are implemented and practiced before the next activity is introduced. In every lesson, reinforcement of sounds and words are practiced with increasing variety and difficulty. Students learn specific prompts and correction procedures for each activity.
(Novice) Level 1 - (Pre-Reader) Level 2- (Reader) Level 3 - (Detective) Level 4 - (Navigator) Level 5

   • “What Sound?” Lower-case consonants and vowels are printed at the top of the lesson sheet and practiced for recognition and mastery.
   • “What Word?” Common sight words are printed on the lesson sheet below the “What Sound?” activity for context and practice.
   • “Sound Boxes.” Decodable words are printed with each sound of the word in a box that blends the sounds together in a sing-song fashion, and then the student reads the word quickly to hear and speak the word.
   • Reading Sentences. The students READ a sentence made up of decodable and sight words practiced in the lesson.

Inspire your child to write! This course will explore the art of storytelling. Students will read several genres of short stories and develop an appreciation for the mechanics involved in creating a compelling story: plot, dialogue, figurative language, character development, sequence of events, and imagery to name a few.

The course culminates when students draw on all materials that were analyzed in class, and they get their chance to create their very own story. Our goal is to perfect unique writing skills, create imagination through words and reading, and have fun with creativity. Please join us for a very exciting and worthwhile experience.

    1. Develop creative writing skills
    2. Read, sample, and write in four genres of short stories: Fable, Fairytale, Realistic Fiction, Mystery
    3. Complete their own short story

Best stories can be submitted for evaluation by authors and published in an anthology.

Inspire your child to write! This course will explore the art of storytelling. Students will read several genres of short stories and develop an appreciation for the mechanics involved in creating a compelling story: plot, dialogue, figurative language, character development, sequence of events, and imagery to name a few.

The course culminates when students draw on all materials that were analyzed in class, and they get their chance to create their very own story. Our goal is to perfect unique writing skills, create imagination through words and reading, and have fun with creativity. Please join us for a very exciting and worthwhile experience.

1. Develop creative writing skills
2. Read, sample, and write in four genres of short stories: Fable, Realistic Fiction, Mystery, Magical Realism
3. Complete their own short story

Best stories can be submitted for evaluation by authors and published in an anthology.

The SAT BLITZ ATTACK is a 12 hour test prep program where classes are condensed to strategically scheduled reading and English/language practice tests. These are designed for the weeks leading up to the most popular SAT test dates in the fall. Test corrections, individual attention and individual strategy reinforcement is core of each session as students practice their questions.

In each of these three (3) week courses, SAT tests are administered in class and assigned as homework. Both sessions offer different tests and more strategies as the students prepare and progress in the difficulty level for the upcoming exam.

• Different test taking strategies in Reading that work for accuracy are given and implemented
• Practice test questions are attempted in class and given as homework so each student can pace themselves

• Different test taking strategies in English/Language that work for accuracy are given and implemented
• Practice test questions are attempted in class and given as homework so each student can pace themselves.

• Reading and English language practice tests
• Tests are practiced in class and at home to perfect test taking

The SAT BLITZ ATTACK is a 12 hour test prep program where classes are condensed to strategically scheduled reading and English/language practice tests. These are designed for the weeks leading up to the most popular SAT test dates in the fall. Test corrections, individual attention and individual strategy reinforcement is core of each session as students practice their questions.

In each of these three (3) week courses, SAT tests are administered in class and assigned as homework. Both sessions offer different tests and more strategies as the students prepare and progress in the difficulty level for the upcoming exam.

• Different test taking strategies in Reading that work for accuracy are given and implemented
• Practice test questions are attempted in class and given as homework so each student can pace themselves

• Different test taking strategies in English/Language that work for accuracy are given and implemented
• Practice test questions are attempted in class and given as homework so each student can pace themselves.

• Reading and English language practice tests
• Tests are practiced in class and at home to perfect test taking