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English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR)
Using the balanced literacy approach, students learn to read, write, listen and speak with increasing complexity and for a variety of purposes.
Garland ISD’s Elementary Literacy program is built on the Science of Reading, ensuring every child develops strong foundational skills in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Kindergarten through Fifth Grade teachers provide explicit, systematic instruction using evidence-based practices that reflect decades of reading research.
Our classrooms integrate foundational literacy with rich reading and writing experiences that build critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning. Students engage in daily opportunities to read, write, speak, and listen across genres, applying skills in meaningful contexts. Lessons are structured through the Gradual Release model—I Do, We Do, You Do—to promote independence and confidence as readers and writers.
Through aligned English and Spanish literacy programs, collaborative planning, and targeted intervention and enrichment, Garland ISD ensures every student has access to high-quality, research-informed instruction. Our goal is clear: to equip all learners with the literacy skills they need to thrive academically and beyond.
Early childhood literacy action plans and goals
Resources
For parents/students
Reading Rockets
Provides tips for parents to enjoy reading with their children.
Reading is Fundamental
Provides checkups by age to see how your children are doing in literacy development. Also provides activities and strategies to support children.
US Dept. of Education
Provides resources for parents encourage reading.
Adolescent Literacy
Offers information and resources to the parents of struggling adolescent readers and writers.
For students
Read Write Think
Provides educators and students access to the highest quality practices and resources in reading and language arts instruction.
Teens Read
Provides reviews, trailers and the most up to date information on all things teens read.
TeenInk
Ink, a national teen magazine, book series, and website devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos and forums.
Young Writers Society
The Young Writers Society is an online social network for young people ages 13+ to share their creative works.
Young Writers Online
An online workshop and forum where young authors can develop their creative writing skills.
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Contact us
For more information, contact: