Language Arts
Our Language Arts curriculum is based on award winning units from William & Mary College of Gifted Education, an inquiry-based approach, students explore and master language mechanics and literary analysis through novel study, poetry, creative writing, essays, journal writing and classic literature.
Lower Elementary, K-2nd
In the lower elementary grades, readings are carefully selected for appropriate challenge, engagement and imagination. Readings include both stories and poetry for students to strengthen their vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Lessons are designed to promote interpretative analysis, original thought and reflection through journal writing, creative writing, word study and thoughtful class discussion.
In addition, a progressive process of inquiry is taught as students move from a basic understanding of their readings to a more in-depth process of analysis and synthesis. Beginning with an emphasis on self-expression, as students move through grades 1 and 2, greater emphasis is placed on writing structure, language mechanics, and figurative language- including simile, metaphor, and personification.
Upper Elementary, 3rd-5th
In the upper elementary grades, students begin in-depth novel studies of appropriately challenging books. Through novel study units, students continue to strengthen their inquiry skills, writing skills and vocabulary with lessons that require investigative research and integrative reasoning. Continued development in creative writing, language study and oral communication is emphasized as students develop advanced reading comprehension and textual analysis skills.
Students also begin to learn important approaches and ideas of literary criticism. Students practice researching and citing passages from literature to substantiate and defend their points of view. Further integrative learning is gained through journal writing, literature webs, essays and visual projects. To culminate the units, students lead presentations and class discussions in a dialoging format to share ideas, explore various perspectives and exchange well thought-out points of view.
Middle School, 6th-8th
Click here to read about our middle school program.