English/Language Arts

A program that builds lifelong writers

This Year, your ELA class will include two major components.  They are Word Study and Writer's Workshop

Word Study - A year long vocabulary and spelling program which is built on the study of Greek and Latin roots.

Each week we will follow a similar plan.  On Mondays a new Greek or Latin root will be introduced along with 10 corresponding vocabulary/spelling words.  On Friday students will take a quiz on those words.

*Each night during the week, students will be asked to complete homework assignments which will help with the understanding and review of the words.  If a student is absent when a new list is given out, the list for the week can be printed from my web page.  Just find the link called Word Study.

Writer's Workshop

The basic philosophy behind writer's workshop is to allow students to spend time writing for real purposes about things that interest them.  Students will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of genres.  They will  work on the craft of writing through the study of  different authors, independent practice, and peer and teacher conferencing.  Our writing program will be based on three major components.

*Writer's Notebook- a place to practice new skills and generate new ideas

 *Process Writing- a progression through stages culminating in published      pieces

 *Conventions- a review of basic grammar and language skills