The comprehensive reading program includes basic prerequisites such as print awareness, phonemic awareness through auditory blending and segmenting, and the alphabetic principle. Basic foundations in decoding are emphasized, including sound-symbol correspondence, textual blending and segmenting strategies, and reading fluency. Comprehension is facilitated by this solid foundation.

The comprehensive writing program includes mastery of “rubrics” – features and steps that define many different genres, including descriptive, narrative, explanatory and persuasive writing styles. Students master key component skills in handwriting, keyboarding, word processing, transcription, dictation, grammar, and mechanics; as well as organizational strategies such as selecting a topic, brainstorming details, and logically sequencing them in sentences, paragraphs, and essays. Morningside Press practice material is currently available to complement several published programs that provide component instruction. Rubrics will be available soon.

The comprehensive mathematics program includes mastery of counting and the numerical system; math facts and calculation skills; math concepts; and math vocabulary. To develop the language of speaking and writing about math, we use the retelling methods we employ when teaching reading. We also teach math thinking, reasoning, and problem solving skills. In each area of study, we first focus on teaching component skills and concepts, and then bring them together in a real-world context.