Language Arts

Our Language Arts program incorporates reading, writing, spelling, thinking, listening, and oral language as integral parts of teaching our children to read.  Language Arts prepares them for understanding ideas and expressing themselves, both orally and in written form, effectively about human issues.

Our Balanced Reading program consists of four components; reading aloud, guided reading, shared reading, and independent reading.  Reading aloud promotes story enjoyment and literature appreciation.   Guided reading assists the students in developing meaning, structure, and phonics.  Shared reading immerses children in rich, literacy-level language without worrying about grade level or reading performance.  It’s a non-threatening approach to reading that strengthens skills and enjoyment.  During independent reading a student self-selects reading materials and finds this to be a major source of vocabulary growth.  All students are expected to read at home every night.

Spelling/Word Study instruction is used throughout the week to help students learn to spell words essential to basic literacy.  A Quick Book Handbook is used to assist students in spelling high-frequency, irregularly spelled words, and to learn spelling patterns.