Course Overview
Our Lower School Reading program is designed to introduce students to the foundational elements of literature, including the use of similes, metaphors, and analogies. We focus on cultivating robust reading comprehension skills, fostering lifelong reading habits, and encouraging students to engage critically with increasingly complex texts.
AEI Lower School Reading Program
Our Lower School Reading program is designed to introduce students to the foundational elements of literature, including the use of similes, metaphors, and analogies. We focus on cultivating robust reading comprehension skills, fostering lifelong reading habits, and encouraging students to engage critically with increasingly complex texts.
As part of this course, students will develop the following skills:
- Vocabulary: Learn over 100 new academic vocabulary words covered in the textbook.
- Understand literary techniques: Students will learn important literary devices such as homophones, onomatopoeia, similes, metaphors, and analogies.
- Analyze: Encourage students to ask "Why" and "How" and explore the storyline.
- Reading Comprehension: Students will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of classic literary fiction.
- Writing Development: A large number of class hours are devoted to analyzing various parts of the novel, cultivating students' ability to effectively analyze novels.
AEI Reading classes introduce students to the magical world of English literature. Through reading literature, our students develop important life skills, such as empathy, cultural awareness, and problem-solving.
Academic Course Sequencing
Grade Level | Suggested Courses | |
3-4 | G3–G4 | Reading & Writing Basics (Fall Course) Foundational Literacy & Narrative Exploration: Designed for emerging readers, this course utilizes accessible, high-interest literature to build confidence and fluency. | |
4-5 | G4–G5 | Reading & Writing 1/2 (Full-Year Course) Introduction to Literary Analysis: Students engage with longer introductory works at a measured pace, transitioning from basic plot summary to thematic understanding. | |
5-6 | G5–G6 | Reading & Writing 3/4 (Full-Year Course) Introduction to Classical Works and Expanded Narrative: Students begin their journey into longer-form literature and complex prose. | |
Course Structure
As every work of literature offers unique challenges, our lesson plans are tailored to the specific text. Typically, classes are held in two-hour blocks, organized into eight-hour modules.
| Time (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|
| 25 | Homework Review & Discussion |
| 30 | Collaborative Reading & Analysis |
| 5 | Rest |
| 30 | Guided Discussion on Supplementary Materials |
| 25 | Targeted Literary Analysis Exercises |
Why Study Reading & Writing at AEI?
•
Global Perspectives:
Classic literature offers students a window into diverse worldviews and historical contexts.
•
Cognitive Benefits:
Reading is scientifically proven to enhance focus, expand vocabulary, and increase emotional intelligence (EQ).
•
Language Mastery:
Engaging with literature is a sophisticated and enjoyable way to achieve native-level fluency in English.
