OVERVIEW:
At all ages and grades,
pre-K through eighth, students bring to school a wealth of communication
experiences and
an
understanding of how language works. The philosophy of the Language Arts
Curriculum is to build upon these
experiences
and understandings. Throughout the pre-K to grade eight experience, literacy
learning is viewed as a
developmental
process where learners are immersed in oral and written language. HoraceW.PorterSchool
engages in a
child-centered,
process-oriented, and integrated communication arts program. The students
build their communications
skills
in all content area classes and school-wide learning experiences.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of Columbias
Language Arts Curriculum is to help children become effective users of
language for
communication,
learning and enjoyment. The program recognizes the interactive relationship
that exists among all of the
communication
arts. Children learn to use language most effectively by thinking, speaking,
listening, viewing, writing and
Reading.
A strong Language Arts program accommodates individual differences and
integrates language arts
Into
all areas of the school curriculum.
The purpose of the READING
PROGRAM is to develop strategic readers who:
Understand
the
reading process
Construct
meaning from print
Apply
strategies to learn from text
Develop
an interest in reading as a life-long enjoyment
The purpose of the
WRITING PROGRAM is to develop writers who:
Clarify
and organize ideas for themselves
Communicate
ideas to others
Write,
revise, and re-write
Refine
their writing to address such factors as purpose, audience, form and standard
conventions
Develop
and interest in writing as a life-long enjoyment
The purpose of the
SPEAKING/LISTENING PROGRAM is to develop communicators who:
Speak
effectively in formal and informal settings
Comprehend
and remember significant oral messages
Listen
effectively to process and use information effectively to enhance learning
LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT:
The
educator creates a safe and supportive environment, promotes students
self-confidence and achievement, and
provides
for differing needs and learning styles. S/He fosters a spirit of inquiry,
as well as an appreciation for critical thinking and creative expression
through a rich variety of experiences including multicultural perspectives
and activities. The classroom reflects real-world applications of literacy
and language and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning.
Students are active participants who use language for a variety of real
purposes and audiences. Students and teachers work together to evaluate
progress.
SUMMARY:
The
purpose of the language arts program is for students to access, analyze,
and communicate effectively and creatively. This curriculum helps to provide
the skills, tools, motivation, thinking, and independence for life-long
learning.Upon completion of this program, students will read, write, speak,
listen, view, and think effectively. Language arts and higher order thinking
skills are interwoven throughout all content areas and are taught in a
meaningful context. Our intent is that students will become independent,
lifelong learners and productive members of their communities.
Reading
Goals:
To
develop self-directed, strategic readers who actively construct meaning,
apply strategies, make
connections
and respond critically.
To
develop student independence in using appropriate letter and word development
strategies to support
reading
comprehension.
To
increase student vocabulary to support reading comprehension in a systematic
way.
To
extend personal, aesthetic, cultural and scientific/technological awareness
through the study of literature.
Writing
Goals:
To
develop writers who communicate effectively in writing for a variety of
purposes and audiences.
Speaking
Goals:
To
develop speakers who articulate ideas clearly and concisely.
Listening
Goals:
To
develop competent listeners who process and use information effectively
to enhance their learning.
