Open Court Reading
Literature |
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| In-Depth Literary Theme
Perspectives |
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The goal of Open Court Reading is to
efficiently and effectively teach children to decode and comprehend so
that they can read a variety of literature types. All of the
skills development throughout the program serve this purpose. From
the very beginning, the program has emphasized the quality of the
literature students read and the organization of that literature around
big ideas to promote understanding and discussion.
Each unit throughout the program explores a
comprehensive theme. The literature in each unit of Open Court
Reading is organized around one of two types of themes:
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Universal themes, such as Keep Trying,
Friendship, and Survival, encourage in-depth and critical thinking. |
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Research themes, such as Weather,
Astronomy, and Ancient Civilizations, develop inquiry and research in
science and social studies content areas.
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| Inquiry and Investigation |
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Throughout lessons in Open Court Reading,
students do more than just read literature. They also ask questions,
discuss, research, write about, and think about the concepts and ideas
centered around the themes they read.
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There are many themes and units in
Open Court.
The chart below illustrates the first 2 units for each grade level. |
| LEVEL |
UNIT 1 |
UNIT 2 |
| Kindergarten |
School |
Shadows |
| First Grade |
Let's Read! |
Animals |
| Second Grade |
Sharing Stories |
Kindness |
| Third Grade |
Friendship |
City Wildlife |
| Fourth Grade |
Risks and
Consequences |
Dollars and Sense |
| Fifth Grade |
Cooperation and
Competition |
Astronomy |
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Open Court |
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Instructional Emphasis |
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Unit and Lesson Plans: |
| Preparing to Read |
| Reading and Responding |
| Language Arts |
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Instructional
Emphasis
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PREPARING
TO READ |
READING
AND RESPONDING |
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| Authentic
Literature |
| Comprehension
Skills
& Strategies |
| Inquiry and
Investigation |
| Practical Reading
Applications |
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LANGUAGE
ARTS |
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