In Grade 1, children are introduced to reading through the Breakthrough to Literacy method. This approach integrates the production and reception of written anguage, and is experiential in that printed material is used from the outset, linked to the child's spoken language. Using the Breakthrough material, pupils are able to compose written language before they have the manual dexterity to write it. We link this approach to the Ginn Upstarts Reading Scheme and our recently acquired Maskew Miller Longman's Reading Programme. Children also participate in Group Reading in small groups of up to approximately 6 children, which can be of mixed ability or grouped according to ability.
Children make use of class readers, which are graded according to difficulty.
There are a number of boxes in each stage and each book is colour coded and numbered. The children are given a chart which they use to record the books read. Parents are encouraged to listen to their children read and sign the chart each day a book is completed. Teachers sign when a book is returned to the box. Each child has a Record Book in which to record answers and individual progress.