Language Arts

A Balanced Literacy Approach

Reading - Word Study / Vocabulary - Spelling - Grammar Listening - Speaking - Writing

A more formalized approach to our balanced literacy program in language arts begins in our kindergarten classes and continues throughout the elementary school. Key, inseparable parts of language development include reading, listening, speaking and writing; core to teaching the program are guided reading, readers’ workshop, shared reading and reading aloud. Our goals for reading are student independence and ongoing learning; instilling an appreciation of literature and a love of reading; and fostering an interest in oral and written communication while gaining confidence in one’s abilities.

First Grade | Second Grade | Third Grade | Fourth Grade | Fifth Grade

 

Grade One

First-graders approach reading and writing with comfort and ease as they experiment on their own. Students write their own creative stories, poems and plays and participate in parent-directed writing lessons.

Although a separate text is used, the spelling curriculum is integrated with the reading program. Students learn and use vocabulary, decoding (phonics and word study) skills and study skills for spelling and reading from the same text.

Your advisor will select between the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:

Language Arts A1-This Biblically based, character-building program is designed for children who have demonstrated their reading readiness. This lively and entertaining phonetically based program features cartoon characters and includes songs, poems, displays and character-building activities. Students begin reading words by the end of the fifth lesson and develop confidence in reading early in the program. Because they never encounter a word containing letters not yet mastered, students become enthusiastic and confident readers. At the conclusion of the focused study of phonics, students move into the reader with development skills program, where they begin to make more complex consonant blends and digraphs. The structure of the program makes this a smooth transition and by the end of the school year, students who have successfully completed the program are able to read chapter books as well as the Bible with success.

Language Arts H1-This is a phonetically based reading program with a strong emphasis on comprehension and language arts skills. In this course, students begin to encounter consonant blends, vowel digraphs, diphthongs and other more challenging reading skills. Alphabetical order, synonyms, antonyms and homonyms are introduced and students begin to develop writing skills through various writing projects. Students not yet reading should begin with the kindergarten level course before beginning this more intensive reading program.

Included in the program are penmanship and spelling and vocabulary.

Grade Two

Grammar continues to be an integral part of the reading and language arts experience.

Punctuation and capitalization skills continue to be emphasized, and parts of speech are introduced. The children are taught to add more detail to their written work. Writing instruction includes letter writing, creative stories, poems, summarizing, personal narratives, descriptive, explanatory, expository and comparative writing. The use of the topic sentence to form the basis of paragraph writing and cursive handwriting are introduced.

Writing activities in the language arts program include book reports, a simple research report, stories and short writing assignments. We also encourage parents to integrate writing into their field trips by preceding with topic reading (as a preview and to build background knowledge) and following them with a writing response. Expectations by the end of second grade include reading with greater fluency, comprehension, reading for information and understanding the author’s purpose. Students will also have a greater appreciation for “classic” literature and poetry.

Although a separate text is used, the spelling curriculum is integrated with the reading program. Students learn and use vocabulary, decoding (phonics and word study) skills and study skills for spelling and reading from the same text. Designed to build a solid background in both phonics and comprehension, decoding skills and phonetic skills taught in first grade are reinforced in second grade.

Your advisor will select between the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:

Language Arts A2-A Biblically based mastery program that incorporates character-building principles into the skill-building lessons of reading, grammar, writing and mechanics, literature, spelling and vocabulary. Twelve colorful workbooks present material in an independent study, mastery-based format, and teacher guides present both enrichment and remedial exercises to enhance the program. A separate course in spelling and vocabulary increases students’ vocabulary bases and reinforces their confidence and capabilities in spelling. Level two expands the students’ grasp of phonetic sounds and combinations and presents appropriate spelling rules and their exceptions by both statement and drill. This course begins with simple words and progresses through complex words, teaching the relationships between words and spelling patterns.

Language Arts AO2-Biblically based, critical-thinking, 10-unit course that includes a detailed teacher’s guide. A comprehensive, basic curriculum that focuses on skill building as well as critical thinking and analysis. This program targets necessary skills, including spelling and vocabulary through the structured and organized framework of 10 student workbooks and one teacher’s guide.

Language Arts H2-A colorful program that requires extensive teacher interaction and includes two student books and a teacher’s guide that provides careful guidance for each lesson. Ideal for the student who needs a variety of activities each day. Complete kit includes two student workbooks, two teacher’s guides, student readers, and penmanship, spelling and vocabulary texts.

Grade Three

Instruction in language arts skills that were introduced in grade two are reviewed and expanded. Emphasis is placed on mastery of basic word attack skills, literal and inferential reading skills and the development of oral and written comprehension skills.

Writing is integrated throughout the curriculum with instruction both in directed and creative writing. Writing includes poems, journal entries, research reports, original stories, letters, invitations and thank you notes.

Proofreading is developed, and grammar instruction includes reinforcement in the identification of nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs. Handwriting instruction reinforces skills taught in second grade. Skills are developed throughout the year, and a complete transition to cursive takes places prior to the end of the third grade.

Students will also be introduced to reading for information, book styles, book reports and thank you letters as well as a study of spelling and vocabulary.

Students may choose between traditional spelling and the advanced vocabulary program to reinforce the understanding of phonetic patterns, vocabulary development and spelling. The traditional spelling program places its emphasis on recognition and use of correct spelling from a phonetic approach; the advanced vocabulary is designed to build higher-level vocabulary as well as critical-thinking skills.

Your advisor will select one of the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:

Language Arts DS3-By separating the key components for language arts, students are instructed and challenged each day in reading comprehension and analysis, vocabulary, writing skills, grammar and usage, and spelling and phonics. Studies in vocabulary, grammar and phonics continue to provide the basis for strong writing skills.

Language Arts A3-A Biblically based program that incorporates character-building principles into a careful study of grammar, mechanics, writing and literature. Twelve colorful workbooks present material in an independent study, mastery-based format and teacher’s guides present both enrichment and remedial exercises to enhance the program, including a writing assignment for each unit and websites for additional practice and guidance.

Language Arts AO3-A complete Biblically based curriculum that focuses on the development and integration of communication skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The 10-workbook student materials in this program function as the learning base, supporting instruction in language arts essentials for all students. Includes enrichment activities and opportunities for independent study to allow for individualization based on student needs and interests.

Language Arts E3-A mastery-based program that presents the study of grammar, mechanics, reading and vocabulary in a step-by-step format. Ten workbooks present material in nondistracting black-and-white format and are ideal for the struggling or distractible student who needs material presented in smaller, more focused chunks.

Students may also receive our advanced vocabulary program, which reinforces the understanding of phonetic patterns while increasing knowledge in word study (parts of speech) and the use of effective language.

Grade Four

Grammar is taught in conjunction with the literature, emphasizing effective writing. Punctuation, parts of speech, spelling and study skills are reinforced in writing assignments, which involve creative writing, expositive, explanatory, persuasive, narrative, letter writing and research writing.

Using novels as a tool, students also increase their knowledge of understanding the author’s purpose, character, plot and vocabulary development, drawing inferences, cause-and-effect relationships, sequential order, comprehension and fluency.

Your advisor will select one of the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:

Language Arts DS4-By separating the key components for language arts, students are instructed and challenged each day in reading comprehension and analysis, vocabulary, writing skills, grammar and usage, and spelling and phonics. Studies in vocabulary, grammar and phonics continue to provide the basis for strong writing skills.

Language Arts A4-A Biblically based program that incorporates character-building principles into a careful study of grammar, mechanics, writing and literature. Twelve colorful workbooks present material in an independent study, mastery-based format and teacher guides present both enrichment and remedial exercises to enhance the program, including a writing assignment for each unit and websites for additional practice and guidance.

Language Arts AO4-A complete Biblically based curriculum that focuses on the development and integration of communication skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The 10-workbook student materials in this program function as the learning base, supporting instruction in communication essentials for all students. Includes enrichment activities and opportunities for independent study to allow for individualization based on student needs and interests.

Language Arts E4-A mastery-based program that presents the study of grammar, mechanics, reading and vocabulary in a step-by-step format. Ten workbooks present material in nondistracting black-and-white format and are ideal for the struggling or distractible student who needs material presented in smaller, more focused chunks.

Students may also receive our advanced vocabulary program, which reinforces the understanding of phonetic patterns while increasing knowledge in word study (parts of speech) and the use of effective language.

Grade Five

The primary objective of the fifth-grade language arts curriculum is to develop a love of the use of the written and spoken word, both in reading and writing. Confidence in speaking, the ability to listen and offer intelligent observations and the aptitude to discuss unfamiliar ideas intelligently are linked with the goal of higher-level thinking.

Through the reading of novels, instruction in reading is designed to reinforce skills taught in earlier grades while introducing increasingly sophisticated techniques for achieving optimum reading comprehension. While reading different genres, students must locate specific information, make inferences, draw conclusions and strive to apply ideas to other contexts. Both discussion and written responses demonstrate the thinking processes used.

Grammar in fifth grade builds upon the student’s fourth-grade experiences while strengthening the student’s overall ability to write, think and communicate effectively. Vocabulary development and spelling are reinforced throughout the school year. An emphasis is placed on an increase in word study, reading vocabulary and the use of effective language, written and oral. Spelling emphasis is on recognition and use of correct spelling in the context of written work. Knowledge, understanding and mastery of the parts of speech, punctuation and the appropriate use of various types of sentences are the expectations by the end of fifth grade.

Writing includes a study of sentences, paragraph writing, various forms of exposition and, by the end of the year, a formal research paper. Grammar is emphasized and integrated throughout the curriculum. Dictionary and thesaurus work in book and computer forms, contextual study and word analysis skills are all included in this process.

Your advisor will select one of the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:

Language Arts DS5-By separating the key components for language arts, students are instructed and challenged each day in reading comprehension and analysis, vocabulary, writing skills, grammar and usage, and spelling and phonics. Studies in vocabulary, grammar and phonics continue to provide the basis for strong writing skills.

Language Arts A5-A Biblically based program that incorporates character-building principles into a careful study of grammar, mechanics, writing and literature. Twelve colorful workbooks present material in an independent study, mastery-based format and teacher guides present both enrichment and remedial exercises to enhance the program, including a writing assignment for each unit and websites for additional practice and guidance.

Language Arts AO5-A complete Biblically based curriculum that focuses on the development and integration of communication skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The 10-workbook student materials in this program function as the learning base, supporting instruction in communication essentials for all students. Includes enrichment activities and opportunities for independent study to allow for individualization based on student needs and interests.

Language Arts E5-A mastery-based program that presents the study of grammar, mechanics, reading and vocabulary in a step-by-step format. Ten workbooks present material in nondistracting black-and-white format and are ideal for the struggling or distractible student who needs material presented in smaller, more focused chunks.