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Reading is taught using a systematic phonics approach. This
provides simple and clear strategies to help the young reader
advance with confidence.
The school uses its own reading scheme as
well as carefully selected commercial readers. We have
adopted a spelling programme which complements the reading process
and which also allows children to progress at their own rate.
It uses a carefully graded sequence of words and teaches
rules to help children tackle new words confidently.
The use of Shakespeare and the works of other great writers
exposes children to some of the best examples of English language
available. Each class learns inspiring passages by heart.
The children are given opportunities to recite alone or in
groups to an audience, thus building confidence in speech.
Each year the class reads and studies in depth one of the great
epics or tales. Homer's Odyssey, The Ramayana and Mahabharata, The
Knights of the Round Table and other classic works provide
adventure, drama, as well as moral and spiritual insights.
Handwriting is practised regularly. The script is initially
based on the use of straight lines and circles and when this is
mastered the child is introduced to a cursive script. Calligraphy
is also taught in the upper grades.
The study of grammar is fundamental to an understanding of
language. It provides laws which govern speech and writing and
helps to develop reason and order in the mind. At ERASMUS SCHOOL we
teach grammar from grade two onwards and encourage written
expression which is concise, ordered and beautiful.
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