Published in Pacelli Perspective

November 13, 2018

Reading is the skill which is at the heart of all of our children’s school experiences.  It helps explain the world around us and allows for a deep understanding of the emotions and challenges which shape how we view our life endeavors.

Best Private School NJ

Reading started early in life is the necessary ingredient for a rich childhood.  At the beginning, reading to the child sets the stage for a thrist for knowledge and discovery.  Here at Oak Hill Academy, an independent school located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, we place reading instruction at the top of our early childhood program.  We use various venues to place the reading experience at the center of our entire program.  Our approaches vary across the literacy spectrum.   In our lower grades, children are read to daily in the classroom and phonics start as soon as the child has a good grasp of letter sounds and vocabulary.  Amulti-sensory approach is used to tap into the natural thinking processes of a young child.  The brain is stimulated to make connection.  The curriculum includes a varied number of resources which brings the joy of reading to the child’s world.  “Land of the Letter People” carries with it hand puppets which allow animation and creativity to enter the classroom.  The Core Knowledge series provides real world adventures to enter the classroom.  These are highly stimulating while adding to the child’s background knowledge which is required for further reading growth.  The Oak Hill children visit the school library weekly allowing them to take ownership of making selections for their own reading habits.  Tying this all together is the highly acclaimed reading series by McMillan Publishing “Wonders” which brings in the writing component which helps build fluency and understanding.

Oak Hill believes that great readers must engage five basic tactics for connecting big ideas.  As follows, these critical tactics form the core of instruction:

  1. Start with the imagination!  Children can take the spoken word and envision stories in their mind’s eye.  These mental pictures helps them see the action which the words are trying to relate.
  2. Childhood is the time for the young to hear and see new words.  As they use the context of the word in a sentence, they start to make connections of meaning.
  3. Stories are always about a big idea that includes a setting, what is taking place and what is the author trying to tell us.  Big ideas are long lasting and help create the main storyline.
  4. Visiting the title of the story helps reinforce where the characters are and how they are connected.  The title also permits the memory to recall the details of the plot.
  5. The reading process for young children can be more supportive and developmental if we take notice of interesting language which is included in the author’s craft.  By using word choice and imagery, the reader develops context and depth.
Best Private School Monmouth County

On top of all this we at Oak Hill Academy believe strong reading is enhanced by a school-wide culture of reading which emphasizes independent reading and group discussion.  Individual reading permits the child to form his or her own opinions and the group experience is the place where he or she can solidify listening and questioning skills.

Yes, reading is the basis for not only academic success, but also a platform for a life-time of enriched learning.

Share
Article By Oak Hill Academy
Oak Hill Academy is a Monmouth County NJ private school that is co-educational, independent, nonsectarian, and nonprofit for grades per-kindergarten through eight.

Our Latest News

Have We Lost Kid Reasoning?

Have We Lost Kid Reasoning? In the age of rapid technological advancements and instant information, one can’t help but wonder: Have we lost kid reasoning? Have we overlooked the innate curiosity and imaginative potential of children in favor of standardized tests and rote learning? As we reflect on the changing landscape of education and child […]

Read More
Introducing Merge EDU: A New Frontier in STEM Education at Oak Hill Academy

Introducing Merge EDU: A New Frontier in STEM Education at Oak Hill Academy We are thrilled to announce the arrival of an exciting new resource for our PreK-4 students at Oak Hill Academy—Merge EDU, an innovative STEM educational product taught by Mrs. Emily Lenz. This cutting-edge tool is transforming how our young learners engage with […]

Read More
Discovering Excellence: How Oak Hill Academy’s Unique Curriculum Leads the Way in New Jersey’s Private Education

When choosing a private school for their children, parents often face the challenge of finding an institution that not only offers academic excellence but also fosters holistic development. In the competitive landscape of private education in New Jersey, Oak Hill Academy (OHA) stands out for its distinctive approach to curriculum design and implementation. Here’s why […]

Read More
Unveiling Excellence: Why Oak Hill Academy Stands as Monmouth County’s Premier Educational Institution

Nestled in the heart of Monmouth County, New Jersey, Oak Hill Academy shines as a beacon of academic excellence and holistic education. With its rich history, unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds, and a plethora of opportunities for growth, Oak Hill Academy stands as a testament to what an educational institution should aspire to be.

Read More
Get The Latest News From Oak Hill! Join our newsletter now
News & Events

News & Events

Featured News

More News

Best Large Delegation – Oak Hill Academy Model UN Team 2024 Read More
Oak Hill Academy receives Three Awards from the American Scholastic Press Read More
Oak Hill Upper School Winter Arts Assembly 2024 Read More
Oak Hill Academy dedicates newly renovated gymnasium Read More
View More

Upcoming Events

Monday, February 17
  • Presidents' Day - No School

    Friday, February 14 - Monday, February 17  

    See more details

Tuesday, February 18
Wednesday, February 19
Thursday, February 20
  • A

    Thursday, February 20

    See more details

  • Cookie Thursday at Lunch

    Thursday, February 20  7:55 am - 2:30 pm

     FRESHLY BAKED COOKIES….

    Cookies are $2 a bag

    Please sendyour child in with the EXACT AMOUNT

    PLEASE send in Dollar Bills or Quarters ONLY

    We will be selling M&M, ChocolateChip, Oatmeal Raisin and Sugar Cookies

    **Cookies are made in a facility thatmanufactures products containing one or all of the following ingredients:  Wheat, Eggs, Soybeans, Milk and Tree Nuts/Peanuts

    See more details

View All Events