Language Arts

The Language Arts program provides instruction in reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, spelling, phonics, vocabulary, handwriting, and the structure of language. Instruction occurs in a whole class setting, small groups, and on an individual basis, as appropriate. A variety of methods and materials are used to teach basic skills, extend thinking, and promote and refine the language development of our students.

A wide range of techniques and methods, emphasizing literature, are used to teach language arts. Commercially produced materials are utilized in conjunction with teacher and student made materials to teach skills appropriate for the age and development of each child. Students learn and refine their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in use and practice with teacher and peer support and assistance. A literature-based approach exposes students to recognized works of children's literature, promoting critical reading, thinking, and discussion skills as a love of reading is fostered.

Reading
In the intermediate elementary school years (grades 4-6), students will demonstrate a growing proficiency in a number of reading applications. Specific reading instruction continues at these levels while students employ independent reading skills to all areas of learning. They will view reading as a critical personal resource for gaining knowledge and understanding.
By the end of Grade 4, students are expected to:

° Read a variety of age appropriate reading selections with fluency and comprehension.

° Enhance familiarity and appreciation for various forms of literature (i.e. fiction, nonfiction, biography, poetry, fantasy, mystery, etc.).

° Identify and understand story elements (i.e. setting, characters, plot, conflict, resolution, theme).

° Practice and extend a variety of strategies for decoding words.

° Understand and enhance vocabulary development through word analysis.

Writing
In writing students will demonstrate skills that allow them to apply writing to all areas of learning. Writing instruction reinforces basic structure and conventions while expanding into personal styles, purposes, and applications. Students will now be writing for a variety of purposes and show evidence of independent editing and revision. Their writing should show an increased clarity of thought and ability to develop and support central ideas.

By the end of Grade 4, students are expected to:

° Write effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences to inform, persuade, and entertain - including summary writing, note-taking, narrative, creative, expository and informational writing.

° Incorporate paragraphing into writing.

° Use the writing process to plan, write, revise, edit and finalize a piece of writing.

Demonstrate and increasing accuracy to:

°Spell the most commonly used words.

°Apply rules of grammar (parts of speech).

° Demonstrate mastery of capitalization and punctuation (i.e. periods, exclamations, question marks, commas, apostrophes).

° Recognize and correct run-on and fragmented sentences.

Handwriting
By the end of Grade 4, students are expected to:

° Use legible cursive writing in all written work.

Speaking and Listening
By the end of Grade 4, students are expected to:

° Listen actively and attentively.

° Understand and follow directions.

° Express ideas clearly, comfortably, and concisely in a variety of situations.

° Make relevant contributions to discussions.

° Understand and evaluate spoken and audiovisual messages.