In accordance with the Diocesan Language Arts Curriculum Guide, Saint John the Beloved School (K-six)
utilizes a reading series that integrates literature, grammar, mechanics, spelling, phonics, writing, and vocabulary. 
This series provides explicit, systematic instruction for reading success and establishes a solid language
foundation by offering a thorough development of phonemic awareness, letter recognition, phonics and blending
skills, high-frequency vocabulary recognition, comprehension strategies, critical thinking, creative writing, oral
language, and listening skills.  It encompasses a wide variety of engaging reading selections and developmentally
appropriate activities for kindergartners as well as middle school students.  Language Arts teachers supplement
their program with Reading ASSIST strategies, the Step Up to Writing process, and Scholastic Reading Counts. 
They also implement a four point rubrics scale to assess all essays and written assignments.  The scale ranges
from four (proficient) to one (novice) and evaluates the students’ work in such areas as focus, development,
organization, sentence structure, word choice, and conventions.  The seventh and eighth grade textbook of Literature
and Integrated Studies continues to broaden student exposure to quality literature and diverse styles, including
poetry, prose, short stories, drama, and novels.  Middle School also utilizes Voyages in English for grammar, and
student vocabulary books to instill effective word knowledge and language expression.  Throughout the grades
the Language Arts Program strives to establish a solid literacy experience while providing a myriad of opportunities
to develop a love of reading, and thus, to mold successful, lifelong readers and skillful communicators.