Reading fluency, PALS and letter games

We administer reading fluency assessments and support tests in September, January and May. We use these results to guide reading instruction at our school. Based on the results, we pair students for reading practice and focus on the PALS reading instruction method.  

In first grade, we teach letters and sounds using K-PALS, a program designed for the youngest learners. This method is systematic and evidence-based. New this winter, children take home a letter game each week — one the school had specially made for them. When a teacher introduces new letters and sounds, students bring them home, and we ask parents to practice the sounds with them — for example, by finding words that begin or end with a given sound. Once children have brought home several letters, they can start blending sounds, writing words and trying other fun activities.