language arts

The Lower School language arts program supports students in becoming fluent and passionate readers, clear and eloquent writers, and graceful and precise speakers. Students apply these skills across the curriculum, in general and Judaic studies. Children’s literature, nonfiction, and phonics instruction inform our curriculum as students gain familiarity with the structure and rhythm of the English language. Students enter Lower School in 1st Grade with a range of skills and leave the division as fluent readers and writers. Throughout the years, each child receives instruction at their own level. They learn to choose “just right” books, to improve their decoding and comprehension skills, and to make connections between the text, themselves, and the world around them. The structured literacy program, Fundations, is used for direct instruction of reading skills and strategies in Grades 1-3. In both small reading groups and whole class structures, students examine fiction and nonfiction texts related to content areas, and have discussions that enrich the curriculum. Learning specialists work closely with classroom teachers to support students in the classroom or in small pull-out groups. 

As students' skills develop, they are able to read more complex text and hone their writing techniques. Exposure to literature, combined with practice writing for varied purposes, helps children develop their writing and reading skills and appreciation for text. Students in 1st Grade learn to write basic sentences and self edit for proper punctuation, capitalization, and spelling of learned sight words and spelling patterns. By the middle of Lower School, students are able to develop quick outlines and write a paragraph connected to various areas of the curriculum. Over the course of Lower School, students' writing develops in both sophistication and ability; they learn advanced grammar and writing mechanics and how to incorporate textual evidence to support their ideas. By the end of 5th Grade, students construct multiple paragraphs, self edit, and are able to use outlines and graphic organizers that best suit their individual writing styles. Students’ ability to comprehend and analyze text, as well as understand and apply a range of vocabulary to their oral and written work, reflects steady growth and development of these skills each year. Creative writing, such as units in poetry, playwriting, journaling, etc., are incorporated throughout the Language Arts block. Ongoing formal and informal assessments help guide instruction to best support the individual needs of each student.