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English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR)
Using the balanced literacy approach, students learn to read, write, listen and speak with increasing complexity and for a variety of purposes.
Balanced literacy approach
We believe that reading and writing are critical skills central to learning - in school, in the workplace, and in everyday life. While there are many ways to teach reading and writing, we use a comprehensive balanced literacy approach.
Balanced literacy components
There are four components to the balanced literacy approach.
Reading
Students understand the sound structure of words (phonological awareness) and gain skills in phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Writing
Students gain a process of communication that includes techniques and conventions from different contents and genres.
Listening
Students are actively engaged and able to take in and use information as a way to build knowledge and understand the ideas of others.
Speaking
Students are able to communicate ideas and opinions in formal and informal settings for different audiences and purposes.
Early childhood literacy action plans and goals
Resources
For parents/students
Reading Rockets
Provides tips for parents to enjoy reading with their children.
Reading is Fundamental
Provides checkups by age to see how your children are doing in literacy development. Also provides activities and strategies to support children.
US Dept. of Education
Provides resources for parents encourage reading.
Adolescent Literacy
Offers information and resources to the parents of struggling adolescent readers and writers.
For students
Read Write Think
Provides educators and students access to the highest quality practices and resources in reading and language arts instruction.
Teens Read
Provides reviews, trailers and the most up to date information on all things teens read.
TeenInk
Ink, a national teen magazine, book series, and website devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos and forums.
Young Writers Society
The Young Writers Society is an online social network for young people ages 13+ to share their creative works.
Young Writers Online
An online workshop and forum where young authors can develop their creative writing skills.
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Contact us
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