At St. Charles, we believe that Reading and Writing, the decoding and encoding of the same communication system, are interdependent. The ability to write clearly and creatively depends on the students’ vocabulary, reading comprehension skills, and grasp of the structure of their own language. Phonemic awareness is emphasized in early grades, as well as literacy groups and reading groups based on ability, with the aims of enrichment and identifying and solving problems as early as possible.

Our reading series, Harcourt Storytown Reading, was chosen not only because it presents a wide variety of quality reading material, but because it fosters strong vocabulary development, comprehension skills, and a love of literature. In addition, our teachers frequently work with full-length novels and many create their own comprehension and appreciation activities for their students.

Reading for pleasure is encouraged in many ways. Kindergarten students visit places of local interest such as Apple Acres and Bryan Park. First graders make a trip to explore the Public Library, and to obtain library cards. Older students are paired up with students in early grades as "Reading Buddies". Students are genuinely happy to be given a "DEAR" time (Drop Everything and Read) especially after recess and gym. Most eagerly anticipated is our annual "Read-In" day during Catholic Schools Week, when teachers and students spend the day reading, discussing favorite books, and sharing ideas and opinions about them. Many parents also take this opportunity to come in and read favorite stories to their children’s classes.

Students at St. Charles experience a wide range of creative writing activities from writing stories and poems in early grades to the nine-week project of producing a personal "heirloom" newspaper in grade five. Students in grade four learn the art of interviewing to discover the type of books their grade one buddies enjoy and then have the task of choosing suitable books to read to them. The Creative Writing Proficiency Committee will set goals not only directed to language arts, but also to writing proficiency in reading, social studies, and science.