Open Court Curriculum from SRA/McGraw-Hill, is a research-based curriculum grounded in systematic, explicit instruction of phonemic awareness, phonics, word knowledge, comprehension, inquiry, and writing. As children read classic and contemporary literature, they discover the importance of clarity of thought and word. They enjoy an abundant reading experience that moves them toward independent, self-directed learning.

Through various genres, children progressively deepen their understanding of the thematic learning units presented in each grade level.

Part One – Preparing to Read
Sounds and letters; phonemic awareness; phonics and fluency; and word knowledge
Part Two – Reading and Responding
Comprehension skills and strategies; and inquiry
Part Three – Language Arts
Spelling; vocabulary; writing process strategies; writer's craft; English language conventions; grammar, usage and mechanics; listening, speaking and viewing; penmanship; and basic computer skills.

Saxon Math is unique because the entire program is based on introducing a topic to a student and then allowing them to build upon that concept as they learn new ones. Topics are never dropped but are instead increased in complexity and practiced every day, providing the time required for concepts to become totally familiar.

This incremental approach to math differs from most traditional programs, which are "chapter-based." In these traditional texts, students are expected to learn an entire mathematical concept in one day. The homework consists of twenty or thirty problems, all of which deal with that concept. The topic is then only reviewed prior to a test, if at all. Saxon textbooks, however, divide concepts into smaller, more easily grasped pieces called increments. A new increment is presented each day and students work only a few problems involving the new material. Thus, every assignment (and every test) is a cumulative review of all material covered up to that point.

Salem Lutheran School 2007-2008