Language Arts
Language arts includes writing, speaking, and listening. Reading has a page of its own.
Each year in their writing, students should demonstrate increasing sophistication in all aspects of language use, from vocabulary and syntax to the development and organization of ideas, and they should address increasingly demanding content and sources.
Writing focuses on appropriate formats for various genres: note-taking, outlines, letters, poetry, paragraphs, and reports. We use the 5 Step Process, teach the Six Traits of Writing, and spend time each trimester with Writers' Workshop. Students spend time in self evaluation, peer conferencing, and goal-setting for improving writing skills.
Following in the Jesuit and Sisters of the Holy Names' tradition, fourth graders practice the arts of speaking and listening through a variety of experiences: reading and reciting poetry, presentations, group projects, readers' theater, and plays. They work on speaking loudly, clearly, slowly, and with expression. Listening with a discerning ear to encourage, and improve, is also practiced.
Examples:
Animal Reports
Hero Reports
Note taking
I-Pad Technology is used to support the writing process