An effective language arts program integrates all aspects of literacy and helps students understand the connectedness of language and content. At Our Lady of Fatima we strive to teach all students to read, write, and communicate effectively, as well as value literacy.
Language Arts includes reading, speaking, listening, vocabulary, writing, grammar, spelling, and penmanship. We strive to integrate these skills into the reading and writing process and also across the curriculum. In addition to textbooks, teachers develop their own materials in order to follow the curriculum guidelines. Grades five and up receive 90 minutes of instruction per day in language arts, with additional time in the primary grades. Hence, our students excel in this area on standardized tests. Reading is taught using the whole-group method from grades kindergarten to four. Students develop comprehension and vocabulary skills, using either a literature-based reading series or, in the upper grades, a literature anthology. Also, teachers use classroom sets of quality paperbacks in different genres that are read and discussed by the whole class. Whenever possible, the upper grades are grouped by ability in order to maximize achievement at all levels. Following the traditional Catholic school practice of retaining the tried and true while adopting effective innovations, we try to achieve balance in our teaching methods. In reading, this practice results in the use of supplementary materials beyond the basal reader; for example, phonics is taught explicitly in the primary grades; vocabulary and reading comprehension receive additional attention in the middle and upper grades. To challenge our students and prepare them for high school, Shakespeare is introduced in the junior-high grades. Teachers use a variety of teaching techniques to enhance students’ mastery and enjoyment of reading including literature groups, drama adaptations, role playing, individual and group presentations, etc. Students move progressively through the continuum of critical thinking skills at the appropriate developmental level, from concrete skills such as observation and application to higher-level thinking skills such as evaluation, analysis, and synthesis. To ensure that students maintain their reading skills, summer reading is assigned in grades 4 through 8 and summer reading activities are required in the primary grades. The development of student writing skills and creative expression is the focus of our language arts program. This is an ongoing school-wide goal. Writing projects are often integrated with other subjects such as reading, science, social studies, and art. Also, students progressively use their skills in technology, using Word, Desktop Publisher, PowerPoint and Internet Explorer. Research skills are developed using the Internet, but also books and magazines. In addition, grammar and spelling are taught separately to ensure student mastery.
Language Arts
An effective language arts program integrates all aspects of literacy and helps students understand the connectedness of language and content. At Our Lady of Fatima we strive to teach all students to read, write, and communicate effectively, as well as value literacy.
Language Arts includes reading, speaking, listening, vocabulary, writing, grammar, spelling, and penmanship. We strive to integrate these skills into the reading and writing process and also across the curriculum. In addition to textbooks, teachers develop their own materials in order to follow the curriculum guidelines. Grades five and up receive 90 minutes of instruction per day in language arts, with additional time in the primary grades. Hence, our students excel in this area on standardized tests. Reading is taught using the whole-group method from grades kindergarten to four. Students develop comprehension and vocabulary skills, using either a literature-based reading series or, in the upper grades, a literature anthology. Also, teachers use classroom sets of quality paperbacks in different genres that are read and discussed by the whole class. Whenever possible, the upper grades are grouped by ability in order to maximize achievement at all levels. Following the traditional Catholic school practice of retaining the tried and true while adopting effective innovations, we try to achieve balance in our teaching methods. In reading, this practice results in the use of supplementary materials beyond the basal reader; for example, phonics is taught explicitly in the primary grades; vocabulary and reading comprehension receive additional attention in the middle and upper grades. To challenge our students and prepare them for high school, Shakespeare is introduced in the junior-high grades. Teachers use a variety of teaching techniques to enhance students’ mastery and enjoyment of reading including literature groups, drama adaptations, role playing, individual and group presentations, etc. Students move progressively through the continuum of critical thinking skills at the appropriate developmental level, from concrete skills such as observation and application to higher-level thinking skills such as evaluation, analysis, and synthesis. To ensure that students maintain their reading skills, summer reading is assigned in grades 4 through 8 and summer reading activities are required in the primary grades. The development of student writing skills and creative expression is the focus of our language arts program. This is an ongoing school-wide goal. Writing projects are often integrated with other subjects such as reading, science, social studies, and art. Also, students progressively use their skills in technology, using Word, Desktop Publisher, PowerPoint and Internet Explorer. Research skills are developed using the Internet, but also books and magazines. In addition, grammar and spelling are taught separately to ensure student mastery.