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English & Social Studies

Building Literacy Through Meaningful Content

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At Leadways School, we recognize that literacy development and historical understanding are naturally complementary. Our innovative integrated English and Social Studies program creates purposeful connections between these disciplines, allowing students to develop strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills while exploring the rich tapestry of human experience across time and cultures.

Program Philosophy

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Our integrated approach is built on the understanding that literacy skills are most effectively developed when applied to meaningful content, and that historical understanding requires strong literacy skills to interpret, analyze, and communicate about the past. By intentionally weaving these subjects together, we create authentic learning experiences that engage students in both acquiring essential skills and building knowledge about their world and its history.

TK-3

In the primary grades, our program focuses on developing strong foundational literacy skills through a structured Science of Reading approach, while using social studies content as an engaging context for applying these skills.

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Phonics and Foundational Skills

  • Systematic, explicit phonics instruction based on the Science of Reading

  • Sequential development of phonological awareness and decoding skills

  • Regular practice with decodable texts that reinforce specific patterns

  • Multisensory approaches to support diverse learning needs

  • Consistent assessment and targeted intervention when needed

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Content-Rich Learning Environment

  • Thematic units built around age-appropriate social studies concepts

  • Read-alouds featuring diverse texts about communities, cultures, and history

  • Vocabulary development embedded in meaningful content

  • Oral language activities that build background knowledge

  • Authentic writing tasks connected to social studies topics

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4-8

As students transition to the upper elementary and middle school years, our program shifts to "reading to learn," where increasingly sophisticated literacy skills are applied to analyzing historical events, diverse perspectives, and complex social issues.​

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Advanced Literacy Development

  • Close reading of primary and secondary historical sources

  • Critical analysis of texts with diverse perspectives and purposes

  • Research skills for gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing information

  • Advanced writing in multiple genres: argumentative, informative, and narrative

  • Discussion techniques that foster deep comprehension and respectful dialogue

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Historical Thinking and Cultural Understanding

  • Chronological reasoning and understanding of historical context

  • Analysis of cause and effect in historical events

  • Evaluation of historical evidence and consideration of multiple perspectives

  • Exploration of geography's impact on human development

  • Investigation of cultural practices, beliefs, and social structures

  • Connections between historical events and contemporary issues

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