Spalding

Spalding is the basis for an integrated language arts program at the CTA schools. Spalding is a method or style of teaching that allows the teacher to observe the students, plan appropriate instruction and adjust instruction to meet student needs. Spalding uses direct, sequential, and multi-sensory instruction.  Active participation of the students is an important part of the program.

There are 3 curriculum components to Spalding:  Spelling, Reading and Written Composition.  The Spalding philosophy is child-centered with high expectations for quality work.  There is a purpose and a meaning for every lesson and the children are encouraged to develop higher-level thinking skills as they learn to spell, read and write.

Spelling involves phonemic awareness, Phonograms with handwriting, development of high-frequency vocabulary and learning the rules and concepts of English.

Written Composition develops an understanding of sentence structures starting at the simplest and moving to the complex.  Children learn to apply and use spelling and language rules. Using the writing process, children write stories, reports, essays and more.

Reading is an essential element in which the children learn literary appreciation, discuss the elements of literature, read quality literature, learn about the text structures and author’s purpose and, most importantly, learn to comprehend the different types of text they read.

Open Court is the adopted reading text of the CTA schools. Open Court is an excellent companion to the Spalding Program.  It is sequential, rooted in building strong reading skills, and utilizes high quality literature and non-fiction for instruction.  Teachers also take advantage of CTA-Weinberg’s extensive collection of children’s trade books to meet individual needs in reading.

Accelerated Reader and Independent Reading

AR is in place at CTA-Weinberg. Personal goals are developed with the children with consideration to their reading rate and level.

At all of the CTA schools, independent reading at home and in school is a requirement.  Students track their number of pages read throughout the term and are graded on their progress toward meeting the requirement.  Independent reading becomes a part of their overall Reading grade.  Students in grades 1 and 2 have a book requirement.