Language Arts

Instill a strong phonics base by way of the Orton Gillingham method of reading instruction in grades K-2
Encourage good fluency, expression, and comprehension by instructing students at their level
Devote time to teaching reading elements and skills
Provide incentives to encourage reading
Foster a love of reading through a variety of genres
Provide multiple opportunities for students to read independently, at school, and with family
Ruminate on literature for its inherent lessons, purpose, integrity, and value

Expand vocabulary through exposure to quality literature
Encourage careful and varied word choices to improve communication in writing and speaking
Learn Greek & Latin roots to build independence in word review

Protect and instill a love of writing
Facilitate creativity and freedom
Understand that writing does not always have to be hand to paper (scribes/narration)
Stimulate imagination through quality literature
Provide opportunities to savor language and literary techniques of successful writers
Develop communication and meaningful conversations as the foundation of writing
Foster basic grammar/mechanics in all writing - without all writing going through the revising/editing process
Provide many modes of writing (journals, stories, freewriting, reports, critiques, etc.)
Create students who write to communicate effectively and meaningfully
Give students practice with writing structure

To provide a foundation of the spelling rules during the early elementary years and then give students opportunities to practice and master the spelling of words they will be frequently using

To incrementally learn the building blocks of proper written communication in a systematic yet simple format for the purpose of expressing ourselves in a confident and proper manner

Create a welcoming environment for students to have a voice through class discussions and activities
Introduce aspects of proper elocution and offer feedback throughout the year in class
Provide many opportunities for prepared speaking engagements through classroom presentations
Practice on stage with microphones and prepared presentations at Christmas Program and Poetry Recital
Equip students with skills needed to properly communicate with confidence in public speaking