Reading & Language Arts

READING with Mrs. Hampton

In Reading, we will be developing an appreciation for a variety of literature (poetry, novels, non-fiction selections, etc.). Our school teaches reading through the Pathways Program, which helps students dive into the messages and meaning of literature. We will be reading passages, short stories, and novels. Students will also be strengthening their reading skills, focusing on concepts such as fluency, comprehension, visualizing, predicting, questioning, and making connections. I want your child to be able to find furthered joy and develop a true passion for the things they choose to read.

LANGUAGE ARTS, WRITING AND WORD STUDY with Ms. Persil

In Language Arts, we will be involved in a writer's workshop, also using the Pathways Program. Students will write frequently in their journals with a specific focus on varying aspects of writing. My goal is to get your child to connect with the writing process and take ownership and pride in their work. Throughout the workshop, students will plan, draft, revise, edit and publish narratives and explanations. I will also intertwine specific grammatical instruction each week (sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, etc).

Students will focus on Word Study, which is the fourth grade spelling program that I will be designing for your child. Word study is a great program because it focuses on the instructional need of each individual child. It is also a developmental approach to spelling instruction; therefore, instruction is targeted to meet the students’ individual needs. Another positive aspect about Word Study is that it allows for students to be placed in flexible grouping. As the students’ need changes, the spelling program will change. It is designed to meet their individual spelling needs according to assessment results.

Each week your child will be given various words to spell and sort. Your child will have already been instructed in class on the way or ways to sort their words. You can help your child sort the words based on the features. You can even help your child time themselves as he/she sorts the words as the week goes on. Sorting words is an important aspect of Word Study. It requires that a student recognize, recall, judge, and apply skills.

Spelling Homework & Assessment - Each week your child will have spelling assignments. New word sorts are given every Monday. Weekly spelling assignments are due that Friday. If students would like to turn in their finished work early, they may. The spelling assessment of each week's words will be given on Fridays. If you have any questions about Word Study, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am looking forward to watching your child’s spelling skills and writing skills grow as we implement this program this year.