Reading & Language Arts
The Language Arts curriculum is literature-based and integrates reading, writing, spelling, listening, speaking, viewing, and handwriting skills
Reading:
The core reading curriculum is supported primarily by the 1997 MacMillan Spotlight on Literacy Program
- Reading a variety of genre including fiction, nonfiction, folklore, multicultural selections, trade books and literature anthologies
- Studying literary elements including characterization, plot, setting, mood, theme and point of view
- Studying authors' techniques including figurative language
- Using reading strategies such as prediction, visualization and setting a purpose for reading
- Increasing vocabulary by using analogies and context clues
- Deepening comprehension and thinking by reinforcing skills such as main idea, sequence, fact and opinion, summarization, analysis and criticism
- Writing responses in a journal
- Reading at home on a regular basis using the R.U.S.H. Program (Reading United: School and Home)
- Sharing books with teachers and classmates
Spelling:
The core reading curriculum is supported by Spotlight Spelling.
- Continue developing structural analysis skills such as possessive, syllabication, prefixes and suffixes
- Learning to spell high frequency words to be used correctly in all written work
Writing:
The core reading curriculum is supported by Write Source materials.
- Using the Writing Process - prewriting, writing the first draft, revising, proofreading and publishing
- Writing in many forms - reports, stories, persuasive letters, poetry and compare and contrast
- Using revising and editing skills by choosing words effectively, adding and rearranging information, elaborating and proofreading
- Using correct grammar, parts of speech, sentence structure, capitalization and punctuation
- Using study skills, organizational skills and information retrieval skills in order to write more effectively
- Keeping writing journals and folders
Listening:
- Listening for a variety of purposes such as for following directions or for details
- Listening to read-aloud materials
Speaking:
- Presenting thoughts and ideas effectively for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways; includes class discussions and formal presentations
Viewing:
- Viewing a variety of visual media to gain information and ideas
Handwriting:
- Using neat cursive handwriting in daily work