English Language Arts

Our goal is to help children become confident, flexible, and thoughtful human beings who listen, speak, read, and write well. We start with a language-rich environment. In preschool and kindergarten we focus on oral language development. Songs, chants, poetry, dramatic play, and stories combine with art, movement and music to engage the whole child. In first and second grade, reading and writing join listening and speaking. From labels to lyrics, science procedures to math diaries, fairy tales to business letters, children read and write for real purposes.

In grades 1-4, small groups and individuals receive regular reading lessons to ensure that decoding and comprehension skills are progressing. Students listen to, read, and discuss literature to develop critical thinking, and read independently. Handwriting and spelling are practiced regularly, and the writing workshop gives students the chance to compose, give and receive feedback, and revise and publish a wide variety of pieces.

By second grade, all students engage in research, writing, and oral presentation. In the upper grades, students practice note-taking and outlining as ways to organize, understand, and learn from their reading, as well as ways to plan and organize their writing. Keyboarding skills, word processing, and multi-media presentations are also addressed in the upper grades. Plays, interviews, panel discussions, and poetry are some of the creative ways students may assimilate and present what’s being learned.