Literacy at Acera
At Acera, literacy isn’t confined to a single subject block — it’s the foundation of how we think, create, and communicate. We love to read, we love to talk, and we believe that language powers everything from discovery to design. Whether it’s keeping a scientific field journal in K/1, presenting a prototype in “Design-Build Studio: Moveable Playground Structures,” or debating ethics through primary source texts in “Despicable Me: Ethics and the Individual in U.S. History,” students are constantly immersed in authentic reading, writing, and dialogue. From constructing a trebuchet to crafting a fantasy novel — or simply getting lost in a beloved book under a tree — literacy is alive in every corner of our school.
Literacy at Acera: Reading, Writing, Listening, & Speaking
In Literacy, also known as English Language Arts, students develop a rich set of abilities that empower them to confidently express their ideas and perspectives–and understand those of others’–through speaking, writing, reading, and listening. They learn how to read and listen with focus and purpose, thinking deeply to truly understand and engage with the ideas and perspectives expressed by others. These capacities equip students to make sense of the world, ask meaningful questions, and engage with their communities and beyond. At the core, students are building the communication skills needed to express themselves clearly and connect thoughtfully with others throughout their lives.
Students begin their literacy journey with explicit instruction in the building blocks of language—phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, spelling-sound correspondence, handwriting (print and cursive), word and sentence patterns and structures. These foundational skills support all future learning, ensuring every student has the tools to thrive. The goal is reading and writing fluency, empowering students to engage with texts and express themselves as confident, capable learners.
Students engage with a rich variety of genres—including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoir, and informational texts—that span cultures, time periods, and perspectives. This breadth of reading nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy, while supporting Core Capacities such as perspective taking, analytical reasoning, and ethical decision-making. Through high-quality, authentic texts, students grow not only as readers, but as thoughtful, informed citizens.
From imaginative storytelling to persuasive writing, students practice writing in many forms and for real audiences. Through regular opportunities to write, revise, and share, students discover and shape their voice, learning to express their ideas with clarity and purpose.
Literacy learning is interactive. Students engage in rich discussions, debates, and reflections to deepen their understanding of texts and develop critical thinking skills. They ask questions, listen to others, and build meaning through conversation and collaboration.
Reading and writing offer students powerful tools for self-discovery. Our program integrates social and emotional learning, encouraging students to reflect on their identities, consider diverse viewpoints, and express themselves with clarity and empathy.
We believe literacy development is a shared journey. We work closely with families to support students as they grow into joyful, capable communicators—at school and at home
Language is at the heart of learning, providing the foundation for instruction, exploration and growth across all areas of the curriculum. It shapes how students acquire knowledge, express their understanding, and engage meaningfully with the world. Because of its central role, opportunities to read, write, speak, and listen are woven throughout the school day–not only during Literacy instruction, but across all subjects and learning experiences at Acera.