Reading Curriculum

There are many adults with poor reading skills. Often times, the inability to read is largely due to a learning disability. Yet, some people are unable to read because they did not fully grasp this fundamental skill in elementary school. Today, many school systems teach a reading curriculum that includes the use phonics. In other words, children are taught how to sound-out words. This way, they’ll be able to read any word – familiar and unfamiliar. Years ago, the reading curriculum was slightly different. Rather than teach children phonics, many educators taught sight reading skills. In this instance, children read by means of memorization. While this method was effective at the time, it didn’t fully prepare children. If they stumbled upon an unfamiliar or lengthy word, they didn’t have the phonic skills to sound-out the letters and read the word.

Today, the reading curriculum in elementary schools includes phonics teaching. This is likely the best way to prepare children for the future. With so many words in the English language, it can be difficult for a young child. This is why the reading process is broken into pieces. As early as kindergarten, young children are familiar with letters, a few sounds, and probably know how to write their name. Throughout first grade, they’ll learn additional vocabulary words and begin writing sentences. Teachers typically introduce reading courses in the second grade and third, wherein children learn how to read and comprehend the written word. Children are generally required to read a story from a literature book. Afterwards, they’ll answer a few review questions. Review questions are designed to teach the children how to write complete sentences and thoughts.

Since many people do not appreciate reading, the reading curriculum offered by several school systems include a few minutes of quite reading each day. Thus, students are required to bring a book from home or the library. For 15 – 20 minutes, children must quietly read their books. This exercise is beneficial for several reasons. First, children learn to appreciate reading. Second, they learn how to better comprehend the written word. Lastly, regular reading can introduce young children to new vocabulary words.