Language Arts

During our Language Arts instruction we will focus on a variety of areas: Phonics, Spelling, Reading, Comprehension, Writing, and Handwriting. 

• Guided reading- This is a huge part of our day. They are flexible groups based on students specific instructional needs. The students participate actively in their reading and comprehension with the teacher guiding. Leveled books are pulled from our guided reading library and will be sent home each night. Please read these at night and send them with your child every day. By re-reading books they build their fluency which is a big part of reading. After reading please have them practice re-telling the story to you. Comprehension is another big component of reading. There is no point in reading if we don't understand what we're reading. Just because they can read the words does not mean they are ready for a harder level. 

• Read Aloud's- Daily I will model fluent reading by reading aloud to the class. We often integrate our science or social studies topics into our readings. This also helps kids with comprehension skills, introduces new vocabulary, model reading strategies and their own fluency. We LOVE having parents in as Mystery Readers so they can see you guys modeling fluency and a love for reading too!

• Shared reading- Together we will read big books, poetry, and our morning message. This works on fluency, literacy skills and comprehension.

• Daily 5- Is done while the teacher is pulling reading groups. Here students develop independence and understand the urgency of working on their skills and furthering their skills in reading/writing. 

  • Read to self

  • Read to someone

  • Listen to reading

  • Word Work

  • Work on Writing

• Phonics and Spelling- These are integrated through instruction. We have a wonderful multi-sensor program called the Phonics Dance and explicit phonics instruction taught with Saxon.

• Handwriting- We will use the Handwriting Without Tears program. Our wonderful Kinder team has already introduced this program to them. It is a kid friendly and developmentally appropriate way to teach handwriting. 

• Writing- Each day students will have opportunities to write in a variety of subjects. Each day we have a 20 minute writers workshop where the kids have focused writing instruction and time to explore their own writing. They will also have time during the Daily 5 to write in- Work on Writing. We also tie writing into math, science and social studies! I model a variety of writing types and elements that students can then bridge into their own writing. Children love having the opportunity to write in a variety of forms: Free write, journaling, writing to a prompt, letters, lists, non-fiction, creative, story writing and many more!