English Language Arts

Summary of Program

Reading and Writing Workshops are at the heart of our work. The workshop method of instruction uses a mixture of whole-class, small group, and one-on-one instruction allowing students and teachers to link ideas, confer, explore different genres, question, write, and so much more. Students are provided with the time and opportunities to practice effective strategies used by successful readers and writers. Writers from exclusive-paper.com are open for the most different tasks in case students need their help.

Classrooms are designed to support both collaboration and independent work. Multiple means of presentation, expression, and engagement are incorporated to address the diverse learning styles and abilities of students.

English Language Arts classes are

  • student-centered
  • holistic
  • expressive
  • reflective
  • collaborative

Standards

Standards addressed: See Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks: www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks

Language

  • Discussion
  • Questioning, Listening, and Contribution
  • Vocabulary and Concept Development

Reading and Literature

  • Understanding Texts
  • Making Connections
  • Genre
  • Style and Language

Composition

  • The Writing Process
  • Consideration of Audience and Purpose
  • Revising
  • Standard English Convention
  • Research

Projects/Products

Reading and Literature responses are part of the assessment in reading workshop.

Written responses to

  • Fiction
  • Poetry
  • Picture books
  • Traditional narrative (e.g., legends, myths, fairytale, folktales)
  • Expository writing (informational)
  • Historical fiction
  • Science fiction
  • Dramatic literature
  • Editorials and speeches

Some additional ways students respond to literature:

  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Dramatic interpretations
  • Artistic models
  • Videotaped responses

Writing assignments are part of unit of study in a writing workshop.

  • Memoir/Personal Narrative
  • Compare/Contrast or Cause/Effect
  • Persuasive Writing
  • Expository – Reflective Paper/Process Paper
  • Expository - Literary Analysis of Fiction (Formalist Perspective)
  • Expository – Research/Position Paper

Staff names and emails

Sue Pearce,
Alice Speights,

Helpful Links

American Library Association
www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklistsbook.htm

Writing Process Websites
www.kent.k12.wa.us/curriculum/writing/elem_writing/Bib/WritingProcess.htm

Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks

Merriam-Webster Online
www.m-w.com



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