Language Arts
At Fort Couch, we believe the ability to communicate is one of the most important tools students need to live effectively in our society. Language is the means by which we communicate both to express and to receive thoughts. To receive a message, you must perceive the words and comprehend the idea. In our curriculum, emphasis is put on vocabulary expansion through the use of context clues, dictionaries and word analysis. Appreciation and comprehension of written language evolves from the study of various types and styles of written work. Students analyze short stories and informational articles for main ideas, deeper meaning, and author’s craft. The author's use of specific details or the manner in which she/he has organized the work, help a student to predict the outcome of a story. The primary objectives are to instruct students in the skills and processes of language which will make them efficient readers, listeners, speakers, and writers, and to make students aware of language as a vehicle through which interests, attitudes and understanding can be developed.
The English Language Arts curriculum is language rich and integrates language arts in the total educational program of our students. The language program includes instruction in reading skills, process writing, literature, language structure, and oral communications.
Reading instruction provides students with extensive work in fiction and nonfiction pieces. Four to eight complete works of fiction are read at each level. Works of fiction are read for vocabulary development, reading comprehension and to develop higher-order, critical thinking skills. Students also use a published vocabulary series. Further, to better meet students’ needs, teachers will utilize multiple novels when providing reading instruction. The program is multi-text and exposes the student to a variety of real literature. Teachers may choose from a list of resources, literature texts and activities established by the department to teach the objectives for each level.
English Language Arts is divided into four parts: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Teachers use activities involving each element of language to teach the lesson's objective. Students may dramatize a scene in the story as a way of feeling the intensity of conflict the author creates, or play the role of a character in a novel to better understand the author's use of character traits. What better way to learn the art of persuasion than to write your own newspaper editorials and advertisements? Structure and effectiveness are clarified when a student rewrites a familiar story from a different point of view. Radio and television shows may be used to distinguish fact from fiction.
Students learn different techniques required to preview a work, read for leisure or for detailed study. Students read, write and listen to different types of poetry. Narrative, lyrical and descriptive poetry are also compared. To further their ability to express thought, students are 9taught sentence patterns, some grammar usage, and how to organize longer works. Grammar is taught as a means to produce effective writing. Emphasis is placed on function rather than terminology.
A process approach to writing is used to develop students' writing skills. This approach includes composing, rewriting, conferencing, revising, editing, and publishing. Students work to develop their analytical writing skills and to deepen their understanding of prose and poetry that reflect narrative, expository and argumentative modes. All English Language Arts classes at each grade have one instructional level. Teachers will place an emphasis on differentiating their instruction, as multiple texts will be utilized for reading instruction. Students will be assigned text based on their ability level and learning style.