English Language Arts
Kindergarten
Overview
In Kindergarten Balanced literacy works towards independence and self-direction to develop passionate, lovers of reading and writing. The balanced literacy components are as follows: read aloud, guided reading, shared reading, interactive writing, shared writing, Reading Workshop, Writing Workshop and Word study.
unit 1
Reading: Building a Reading Life
Learners view themselves as part of a community of readers. Readers follows the Reading Workshop routines and procedures.
Writing: Launching the Writing Workshop
Young writers, who may or may not be writing conventionally, will begin to live in the world knowing that their ideas matter and they are writers. Writers use pictures to tell a story, while incorporating the 21st Century Skills of creativity, problem solving, and innovation.
unit 2
Reading: Emergent Storybooks and Shared Texts
Students will practice the routines of gathering books to read. The lessons focus on teaching students to reread and retell emergent stories the best they can. Shared texts consist of whole class read alouds and teacher read alouds which integrate additional subject matters.
Writing: Looking Closely
The kindergarten writers will construct writing pieces by observing, labeling, and explaining as scientists using push and pull information. Writers will also learn to explain the world around applying social studies content to describe fall, leaves, and the school neighborhood.
unit 3
Reading: Just Right Books
Readers practice getting their minds ready to ready, practice reading strategies independently and with a partner. The learners think about what the book is about as they read, and begin reading with fluency and expression.
Writing: Writing for Readers- Narratives
Students will be exposed to the processes for constructing various types of narrative writing. The learners will produce at least three page narratives in sequential order with coaching and support from peers and teachers. This unit will also help writers monitor their own sense and meaning within a given piece.
unit 4
Reading: Nonfiction and Shared Reading
Readers will learn about the world around them through nonfiction texts. The learners will gather new information and identify the differences between fiction and nonfiction texts.
Writing: Persuasive Writing of All Kinds
Kindergarteners will learn how to construct pieces which contain a voice for a specific audience, and realize how through writing they can make their classroom, school, and world a better place. Writers will learn how to state their opinion and follow it up with additional information to support their feelings to create a positive change.