Our Learning Program
Ready. Set. Reach!
Catch a Star’s transformational education program, Ready. Set. Reach!, meets students at their level, allows them to develop the foundational skills they need, and gives them the confidence to thrive in the school years ahead. Step-by-step, we build the foundational skills of reading, writing and math to give students the keys to academic success. Through proven methods, small group and one-on-one instruction, and hands-on learning experiences, your child will reach new heights!
Our educators utilize the Wilson Reading System (WRS), rooted in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, to support both struggling and on-grade-level readers. The OG approach is an evidence-based method that breaks down reading and spelling into smaller tasks that build on each other over time, making it effective for students at all levels, including older students. This multisensory program engages visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile senses to strengthen and deepen the connection between sounds and words, leading to more accurate spelling and improved reading of multisyllabic words. WRS focuses on phonics, teaching students the relationship between letters and sounds, and helping them decode unfamiliar words confidently. It is particularly effective for students with language-based learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, who need intensive structured literacy instruction. In addition to phonics, our program emphasizes grammar and comprehension. Teaching reading comprehension strategies helps students become active, independent readers who can understand what they read by building understanding, developing metacognitive skills, promoting independent learning, making connections to other skills, and improving memory.
Just as step-by-step instruction helps all students learn to read, the same is true for writing. Writing may be the hardest thing our students learn in school because it requires them to apply what they have learned as readers and add additional skills to generate their own work. To enable our students to write well, we teach the necessary components of effective writing, which include the mechanics of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and sentence structure. We guide students through the writing process, starting with prewriting and planning, drafting, revising, editing, and finally, publishing. By breaking down the writing process into these manageable steps, students learn to organize their thoughts, express themselves clearly, and refine their work. With these skills, students are prepared to complete writing assignments across all subjects, fostering both their academic success and their confidence as writers.
We utilize the Singapore Math program to teach mathematics, supporting both struggling and on-grade-level students. Singapore Math is an evidence-based method that breaks down mathematical concepts into smaller, manageable tasks that build on each other over time, making it effective for students at all levels. In addition to the CPA approach, Singapore Math emphasizes mastery of topics, ensuring students have a deep understanding before moving on to new material. Techniques like model drawing (bar modeling) aid in solving word problems, while number bonds help students understand relationships between numbers and develop mental math skills. Our program focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving, equipping students to tackle various types of math problems with confidence. By revisiting and building upon topics over time through a spiral progression, students consolidate their learning and deepen their understanding as they advance.
The best way to learn about the world around us is to experience it. Our students learn about nature, science, history, arts and culture through fun and engaging project-based and community-based activities. Immersive learning experiences include visits to places such as the Denver Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Museum of Nature and Science, Center for Performing Arts, and History Colorado. We'll also explore outdoor adventure activities, gardening, and community volunteering. Virtual and in-person guest teachers and guest speakers bring fun and engaging activities and presentations to our students. Programs such as Skype a Scientist help us connect our classrooms with professionals in various fields, offering unique opportunities for students to learn from and interact with experts. Our educators incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) instruction to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
