Language Arts
Language arts includes writing, speaking, and listening. Reading has a page of its own.
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.