|
Language Arts
Saint Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School has identified two
distinct areas of learning within the area of literacy: reading and
language arts. The language arts component of the Saint Ambrose of
Woodbury literacy curriculum is one that is driven to a great extent
by the skills required for literacy. These skills -- which are
required to effectively communicate in writing -- include phonics,
spelling, handwriting and grammar.
Language Arts philosophy statement
The language arts curriculum promotes the ongoing, life-long
development of communication skills as demonstrated through the arts
of writing, listening and speaking. The curriculum holds that
effective writing is the creative expression of ideas using a
composite of proper grammar, sound language structure, conventional
spelling and legible handwriting. Instilling the ability to utilize
varied forms of writing (expository, reports, journals, narrative,
argumentative, poetry, etc.) is vital.
Participation and practice are essential components in oral
communication. Increasing vocabulary and confidence while speaking,
as well as listening actively using social courtesies, contribute to
the overall development of an effective communicator.
Grades K-2
In the early elementary grades, phonics will be incorporated
directly into the reading program Literacy Place, published by
Scholastic, copyright 2000. The Literacy Place program blends a
strong phonics foundation with a rich literature experience,
providing a balanced approach to reading and language arts. Grammar,
punctuation and spelling lessons are embedded in the reading series.
This program establishes a strong basis in which children will learn
to read, write, speak and listen. Early focus on writing as a
process gives students the chance to learn how to express, organize
and finally edit their ideas.
Additionally, students will be taught the proper technique for
handwriting using the Handwriting program published by Zaner-Bloser.
Saint Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School will use a manuscript
technique. Manuscript uses four simple strokes to learn the entire
alphabet- using the same approach most parents were taught and are
already teaching their children. The advantage to manuscript writing
in the lower elementary grades -- in which children are emerging
readers -- is that it is the same alphabet they see in print and is
considered to be a more legible method of writing.
|
Grades 3-5
In the 3rd-5th grades we continue to teach writing as a process,
allowing students to develop their own ideas while honing their
writing skills. The Nation’s Choice (2003), a Houghton Mifflin
reading series embeds phonics, writing skills, study strategies,
spelling and grammar content within the reading curriculum.
Spelling, grammar, and mechanics are reinforced via mini-lessons
during writing process instruction.
The transition to cursive writing follows the development of fine
motor acquisition as well as the fluency of reading and writing.
This transition to cursive writing will occur at the 3rd-grade level
and will be reinforced in the subsequent grades.
Grades 6-8
Students in grades 6-8 will attend English class every day as one of
their six core subjects. Students will be working from the Writer's
Craft, published by McDougal Littell, copyright 1998. This program
emphasizes writing as a process, speaking and listening including
language mechanics (grammar), as well as written and oral expression
Students in the junior high program will be learning and practicing
all forms of writing (creative, expository, poetry, argumentative,
etc.). These students will also be working on both research and
public speaking skills.
At the junior high level, there is a shift from a spelling program
to a vocabulary program. The vocabulary program is designed to
include proper spelling as a component, but also emphasizes a word's
context as a part of speech and its application in proper usage.
|
