Integrated Language Arts


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Language is a primary tool in education. Through language acquisition and refinement, effective means of communication: listening, speaking, reading, and writing can be established. The acquisition of language is a process that is developmental and an integral part of a student’s educational progress.

My approach to instructing through a literature-based integrated reading and language arts program is driven by my philosophy that the components of language arts should not be fragmented. The parts are interdependent, and integration is the key to an effective language arts/reading program.

In our classroom we use a literature-based program to create a language-rich environment that fosters responsive and courteous listening, clear and precise speaking, meaningful and varied reading, and accurate and appropriate writing. I view reading and writing as a process where concentration should be focused on strategies employed during the writing and reading processes:

Writing

Reading

1.        Prewriting

2.       Drafting

3.       Peer sharing

4.       Revising

5.       Editing

6.       Publishing

1.        Prereading

2.       During reading

3.       Postreading

The approach and philosophy I use towards literature-based integrated reading/language arts instruction aligns with the basic goals and specific objectives as outlined in the Grade 5 Proficiency Standards for elementary language arts (submitted MCCSC 4 -2-97) as well as the Indiana Academic Standards for English. The units of study we explore in our classroom are thematic in nature and use numerous literary selections from book medal lists and non-medal book lists. We strive to create a literature-rich environment where children can continue to develop their reading, writing, and oral language skills as well as develop a life-long love of reading and writing.