Reading is one of the key educational components at DCS Montessori.  Mastery of reading and literature impacts not only every category of standard classroom instruction, but fosters personal growth and expands mental horizons in each student.  The impact of such key skills and awareness for each student drives the Reading and Literacy Program to thoroughly and intelligently assess every learner for individual proficiency, capabilities, weaknesses, and strengths.  

A well rounded, print-rich library and media resource center, classroom based libraries, and Montessori materials serve as the platform and supply base to serve all levels of readers.  Mastery skills such as phonics, sight words, and decoding are blended with fluency, comprehension, and elements of literature to develop individual learning paths that are challenging, yet personally rewarding to the student. Group reading is also used to further enhance both the individual’s abilities while fostering team communications, awareness, and skills. Continued, personalized assessments are regularly administered to demonstrate growth and continue to refine the instructional structures provided to the student and help realize personal satisfaction in reading and literature. The Reading Program goal is to help all students develop personal strength and confidence in their abilities and skills through reading and literature, while doing so in an environment that is personal, appropriately challenging, and effective.