Language Arts

The language arts program is designed to give students a working knowledge and appreciation of language in its written and spoken forms. It is based on a balanced approach, which blends phonics and whole language to better meet the needs of all students. 

Our language arts program interrelates auditory, thinking, letter recognition skills, language, vocabulary acquisition, readiness activities, phonics, handwriting, comprehension skills, creative writing, spelling, silent and oral reading, and informal public speaking. The appreciation of literature and the pleasures of reading and listening are nurtured through books read aloud and discussed in class.

Language is at the heart of all human interaction. Students need to use written and oral English appropriate for various purposes and audiences. In order to become effective viewers, listeners, speakers, readers, and writers, they will construct and examine a variety of genres, which will then enable them to access, organize, and evaluate information gained through literary knowledge. In this way, students will be able to connect themselves to society and culture.

Our reading curriculum has all students reading appropriate materials including a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections. The students are expected to exhibit courtesy by listening to others and to display active listening by responding to what has been presented through questions and answers. Emphasis is placed on developing new vocabulary as well as being able to establish word meaning based upon context clues.

Writing is an integral part of any language arts program. In addition to establishing a purpose for writing, students must employ the steps of the writing process: Plan, Organize, Write, Edit, and Revise.