Garrison Union Free School District

3-5 Literacy

Young student sitting in the hallway happily drawing on paper. The Garrison Union Free School District is committed to using a balanced approach, which includes explicit instruction and opportunities for students to develop skills and strategies in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students engage in a comprehensive literacy program which includes the following components of effective instruction.

Our reading curriculum in grades 3-5 includes a balance of literature and nonfiction (informational text). Students read daily to improve their fluency, comprehension, and stamina. The level of text complexity increases throughout the K-5 years, and assessments are used to match students with appropriate texts. Additionally, students are taught how to self-select texts for identified purposes and enjoyment. Explicit instruction focuses on foundational skills (phonemic awareness, phonics, concepts of print), fluency, and comprehension.

Reading workshop consists of a mini-lesson with teacher demonstration and explicit modeling, independent reading, conferring, small group instruction and a time for sharing.

The writing curriculum includes three main types of writing: narrative, informational, and opinion. Students write daily to improve their stamina, volume, and craft. Writing occurs across the curriculum and for a variety of purposes. Students engage in both the writing process and on-demand experiences.

Writing workshop consists of a mini-lesson with teacher demonstration and explicit modeling, independent writing, conferring, small group instruction and a time for sharing. Writing also focuses on spelling and mechanics of writing utilizing both print and keyboarding.

Speaking and listening are also important components of the literacy program. Students are taught how to effectively communicate with each other, engage in opportunities to think critically, and talk with each other about content, strategies, and original ideas.

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3-5 Literacy