PROGRAMS - ELEMENTARY - LANGUAGE
Language
Language is the ability to express ideas, thoughts, and information to others by written, spoken, or signed words. It is the single most important development in human existence. All subjects of the curriculum are shared, debated, and understood through language. It is the thread that ties the entire curriculum together. The ability to communicate successfully and take an active role in the ever-changing world culture demands an understanding of language.
In the lower elementary classroom, the language program consists of reading, grammar, written language, the history of language, spoken language, and the study of literature. Through his or her work in the classroom, each child develops solid skills in reading, speaking, writing and critical thinking. Students are given the tools needed to further their reading skills, and are given the opportunity to express their own ideas, stories and knowledge in written and spoken form. They learn the rules governing their language, so that they can clearly communicate with a reader.
Main Topics of Language Arts
- Reading skills
- Word study: phonics, sight words
- Basic readers
- Subject related reading materials
- Reading for pleasure
- Use of class library and the public library
- Writing skills
- Journals of their work and their time each day
- Compile research, synthesize information, and write papers for projects
- Personal expression, through the use of poetry, journals and essays
- Spelling
- Individual word study
- Weekly group lessons
- Individual follow-up study
- Structure of Language: Grammar
- Word analysis: function of words
- Sentence syntax and structure
- Paragraph and essay structure
- Spoken language
- History of language
- Oral presentations of their work to their class
- Clear communication of information
- Listening when others are presenting
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