From Our Kindergarten Teachers: How We Help Students Become Readers
One of the questions we’re asked most often as kindergarten teachers is, “What’s a highlight of your program?” Our answer is always the same: we’re really good at teaching kids how to read.
Year after year, we see the same encouraging outcome: about 85% of our kindergarten students graduate reading at or above grade level. We’re incredibly proud of our students and of the intentional approach that makes this possible.
Early literacy is not just one subject—it’s the foundation for all learning. That’s why early reading success is one of the most important indicators of long-term academic confidence and growth.
Making Reading Engaging and Effective
A big part of our success comes from using a structured, research-based reading program that is also highly engaging for young learners. It integrates all the key components of early literacy—phonemic awareness, explicit phonics instruction, writing, and reading practice—and builds carefully from one skill to the next.
What really makes it come alive for kindergarteners is the storytelling. Students are introduced to fun characters and their individual personalities and interests throughout the first part of the year, and those characters guide them through the learning process. In the second half of the year, the characters work together to solve problems, which our students absolutely love. It creates excitement, buy-in, and motivation. Kids are genuinely eager to learn how to read.
Another important piece is that students read decodable texts. That means the books only include letters and sounds we have already taught them. Instead of guessing or feeling overwhelmed, students experience success right away. They know the sounds, they can read the words, and that confidence is powerful, especially for developing readers. As the year goes on, we introduce more complex texts and not only decodable books. This way, firm foundational skills are developed, and students who are ready to advance to complex texts can do so.
“When students realize they can read, it opens doors to curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning that carries far beyond kindergarten.”
Teaching Every Child, Not an Average
From the very start of the year, we focus on meeting each child where they are. Through our walk-to-read model, students are grouped based on their current reading skills so they receive targeted instruction.
- Students who need more support receive extra practice and review of foundational skills.
- Students who come in already reading are challenged early and pushed to grow beyond grade-level expectations.
- No one is left behind, and no one is held back.
Our goal is always the same: keep students moving forward. Those who are at benchmark continue to grow, and those who need extra help receive intentional support so they can reach grade level. We call this targeted intervention.
What Helps Students Prepare for Kindergarten
Families often ask what they can do at home to help prepare their child for kindergarten. Our biggest recommendation is simple: read to your child every day. Even five to ten minutes makes a difference. Hearing fluent reading, seeing words on a page, hearing how letters sound when used in words, and developing a love for books sets an incredible foundation. Hearing and seeing the words is magical!
Knowing the alphabet and at least some letter sounds is also very helpful. We notice that students who enter kindergarten with this familiarity often take off more quickly.
We also consistently see that students coming from the Portland Christian Preschool program arrive with a strong head start. Many already know their letters, can write their names, and are comfortable with early academic routines. While kindergarten is about much more than academics, that foundation supports confidence and early success in reading.
Why It Matters
For us, teaching reading isn’t just about benchmarks or percentages. It’s about helping children discover that words are meaningful, powerful, and joyful. When students realize they can read, it opens doors to curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning that carries far beyond kindergarten.
We’re honored to be part of those first reading moments and excited to continue watching our students grow into confident readers, one sound, one word, and one story at a time.
–Your PCS Kindergarten Team: Mrs. DuClos, Mrs. Felton, and Mrs. Foster