Language Arts

 

Writing

 

Our district requires students to complete a writing performance task each trimester. The three genres for these tasks are the same for each grade level.

 

The three genres are: 

-Informative (read a variety of non-fiction texts to write multi-paragraph essays citing sources)

-Narrative (write both personal narratives as well as creative stories using figurative language, details, and proper conventions)

-Opinion writing. (write multi-paragraph essays stating an opinion and using evidence to prove that their opinion is right)

 

Reading

The Language Arts series, Journeys, by Houghton Mifflin, is aligned with the California Language Arts standards and the Common Core Standards. Reading comprehension, vocabulary development, writing strategies, writing conventions, and literary responses will be incorporated with each story or novel we read.

 

Novels we will read as a class include some of the following:  Warton and the King of the Skies, Because of Winn Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Charlotte's Web, and City of Ember.

 

Accelerated Reader

 

Each student has an AR reading goal each trimester.  This goal is determined by an individual's reading level and the required amount of reading to be done each school day.

 

Vocabulary

 

Academic Vocabulary will be taught weekly and incorporated daily in all subjects.  In addition, students will write weekly short stories using vocabulary from our current Language Arts stories as part of their homework.

 

Listening and Speaking

 

All students are graded on listening and speaking in class.  We will have times throughout the year that students will stand in front of the class to explain a project.  Students are graded on their voice and eye contact.  I also critique their listening to directions in class and participating in class discussions.