Language

Reading, Writing and Oral Expression

Like all timetables, this is a rough estimation of when a child’s brain will be ready for the complex task of reading. That is why children enter the Elementary class at all stages of reading development. Some children enter their Elementary years already reading fluently. Other children are just beginning the process of blending sounds into recognizable words. These two extremes and everything in between is normal development for a six year old. In the Elementary class, we will continue the dual approach begun at the Primary level of both decoding and encoding for children who are working on developing their basic reading skills.

As important as the ability to read is, it is only one aspect of becoming a reader. Equally important is learning to enjoy reading. If a child enjoys books, he or she is much more likely to develop into a competent and fluent reader. This is why we set aside time several times a week just to sit down and enjoy a good book through silent reading time.

Once a child is able to read non-phonetic material with ease they are introduced to the reading comprehension work within the class. This may include matching vocabulary words to their meaning, classification work, and short passages with a few key questions. The older students are also encouraged to read voraciously. Since the books they are reading are often much longer, we ask that they complete shorter reading comprehension activities as well. Leveled programs allow us to place each child in an appropriate level book for independent work.

Just as expository writing is important for students, they also need to develop a comfort with creative writing. Writers’ Workshop is a time set aside for the children to write, revise, edit, and publish their creative and expository writing efforts. The children are able to choose what they would like to write about and often enjoy brainstorming ideas for future stories. At various times in the writing process, a student is able to share and receive feedback on his or her writing with the rest of the class or in small groups. Students share feedback about that particular story.

Students have varied opportunities throughout the curriculum to practice their oral skills. Students will read aloud to small groups either, participate in discussion groups, lead class meetings, prepare and present presentations on various cultural follow up works, perform in dramatic performances, greet visitors giving tours of the classroom, and more.

History of Language

Spoken Language: Explorations
Written Language: Stories

Oral Language
Examples of lessons: