The Language Arts program balances reading, spelling and English. In the first grade, reading comprehension skills are taught for fiction and non-fiction texts. Vocabulary includes shades of meanings, and synonyms, antonyms, and multiple meaning words as well as word recognition.. The study skills in first grade aid in the mastery of decoding vowel and consonant sounds as well as digraphs and dipthongs. The English part of Language Arts provide for the students clear models of sentence writing. They are taught how to apply the rules of grammar. Spelling is closely linked to the phonics lessons.
The second grade curriculum builds on skills presented in first grade. Focus is on reading longer selections and finding answers to questions and writing complete sentences in response. Writing includes several book reports, descriptive and narrative paragraphs. In English, concentration is on parts of speech including nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, as well as the identification of four types of sentences. Spelling and Phonics focus on spelling patterns and expansion to new words. In penmanship, students begin to write cursive.
Third grade students read various materials and texts with comprehension and critical analysis. Vocabulary is expanded by using appropriate strategies such as world analysis and context clues. All students write in a clear and concise language that varies in content and form.
In the fourth grade, the Language Arts program focuses on pieces of literature. Through reading these stories, students learn and use various reading strategies, such as making inference. While reading, students also practice grammar skills, such as determining kinds of sentences. From these skills, students then have the opportunity to express themselves through various forms of writing. Lastly, students have a list of spelling words each week based on a pattern.
The integrated Language Arts program in the fifth and sixth grades is a literature based program. It provides exposure to various forms of literature while focusing on new vocabulary, comprehension, reading skills, and library skills. The Language Arts program leads the students to new discoveries about their language, themselves and about the world around them. The curriculum follows a thematic approach through literature, grammar skills, and the five stages of writing. The program enhances skill development in thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Hall displays have highlighted the students? poems and essays and many have been entered in various contests.
The Language Arts program in seventh and eighth grade reinforces skills needed for concise writing. Skills are strengthened through a review of mechanics and usage for creative and expository writing. Research and the research paper are emphasized with the inclusion of note taking, outlining, rough draft, footnotes, and bibliography. Reading comprehension of both practical information and literary works is considered. All genres of literature are examined with an emphasis on the short story in seventh grade and the novel in eighth grade. Formal and informal book reports are assigned and students areencouraged to enhance their skills in thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
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