At Garden City Public Schools, we embrace a comprehensive approach to literacy that is rooted in the New York State Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards and the New York State Education Department's Science of Reading Literacy Briefs. Our commitment to excellence in literacy instruction is achieved through a thoughtful blend of research-based practices, where students develop a strong foundation in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and metacognition skills.

Our reading instruction provides explicit guidance in essential areas such as oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Through workshop models, small group instruction, and individualized support, students develop a deep understanding of the reciprocal nature of reading and writing.

Students receive direct, explicit phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, applying phonics principles using decodable texts. They build fluency, expand vocabulary, and engage in meaningful reading experiences that foster comprehension and critical thinking. Students enhance background knowledge, make connections, monitor for meaning, and actively communicate and share perspectives while reading a variety of literature and informational texts for both learning and pleasure.

Our writing instruction strengthens the writing process, guiding students through immersion, generating ideas, selecting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. We emphasize writing structure, development, and conventions, providing explicit instruction in language structure and grammar.

Students write frequently in a variety of formats, including narrative, informational, and opinion pieces. By analyzing mentor texts, they experiment with language and elevate their writing. They learn to express ideas clearly and confidently, using both print and digital resources in guided and independent writing experiences.

To meet the individual needs of students, we employ diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments that inform our teaching practices. These assessments help us:

• Tailor instruction to engage learners

• Provide targeted support

• Identify areas for growth

• Nurture individual progress

Our instruction promotes active learning and encourages collaboration among teachers and students. Through hands-on practice, students apply knowledge, refine skills, and take an active role in their learning journey. By fostering a supportive, collaborative environment, we nurture a sense of community in our classrooms.

At Garden City Public Schools, we believe literacy unlocks a world of possibilities for our students. Through our comprehensive, research-based approach, grounded in the Next Generation English Language Arts Standards and the Science of Reading Literacy Briefs, we empower students to become successful readers, writers, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners.