Language Arts

The Language Arts program emphasizes the integration of instruction in the areas of speaking, listening, thinking, writing and reading, across the curriculum. To encourage language development, the grade five classroom environment offers the student time, choice, and opportunities for active involvement with language. Time is devoted daily to hearing an adult read literature aloud and to participate in reading activities, including independent reading. Opportunities are made available daily for various writing activities. Student choice of what to read or what to write about is encouraged within parameters defined by the teacher. Novel units and trade books are used to support studies in the content areas, especially science and social studies. Some objectives identified for emphasis include:

• responding critically to the ideas in what is read, written, or heard
• using the organization and the form of language to construct meaning
• developing strategies that focus on meaning as an aid in building vocabulary
• applying the understanding that revising can help clarify or expand meaning
• using some of the conventional patterns of language
• understanding the importance of audience for communicating through language
• planning before reading and writing

Instruction in mechanical writing skill will be taught primarily within the context of the writing process. Handwriting practice will emphasize the importance of good penmanship to written communication.

A school wide spelling bee is held each January.

Students work with partners on science experiments to integrate the science curriculum into the language arts program.	Students spend time each day reading independently.
Students designed their own movie posters using pictures from magazines to describe the characters in their literature circle books.
Students learn to visualize text as they read to foster better comprehension.	Students use the computer to edit and revise drafts to prepare them for publication.

 

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Curator: Debbie Crook
Last Updated: 12/9/04