ELA

A variety of resources, such as Storyworks, Scholastic News, Wordly Wise, and Pearson's Common Core aligned Reading Street program, will be utilized during our literacy block.  Throughout our literacy block students will be exposed to an increase in text complexity, a balance between fiction and informational texts, close reading skills, content-area knowledge, a focus on informative/explanatory, argumentative/opinion, and narrative writing, 21st century skills, and accessible rigor.  Some of the targeted skills that will be taught include:

• vocabulary
• word analysis
• comprehension strategies and skills
• traits of writing
• conventions and grammar skills

In addition to the above information, we will implement a balanced literacy approach where students participate in teacher directed mini lessons and read alouds that carry over into guided and independent practice. Students will also participate in literacy centers, as well as flexible, guided reading groups.  We will encourage each student to make connections and challenge him or herself to think critically at a higher level.