English Language Arts
"Study in English Language Arts (ELA) enables students to use language confidently and competently in a variety of situations for communicating, personal satisfaction and learning." - Alberta Education Website
Key Concepts
English language arts are critical for our children to succeed in society - they help them communicate their ideas, opinions, and concepts in both a social and academic setting, both preparing for a future work and career setting. As individuals learn the different methods to interpret, analyze, and share ideas, they will be literate at an appropriately high level, ready to add value to those around them. Curriculum ConnectionsThe five general outcomes for ELA include:
Strategies, Lessons, Teaching IdeasRemember the six different language arts: listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, representing.
Lesson ideas: literature circles, THIEVES reading analysis, create a classroom newspaper. Strategies: question the author, open mind portraits, hot seat, goldilocks, venn diagrams, word walls, sketch-to-stretch, and the list goes on!! Refer to the "50 Literacy Strategies" textbook. Balanced Literacy: Use all the strategies to enhance learning.from http://www.nps.k12.nj.us/23982092721303570/
site/default.asp One of the key ideas and points for me is to keep it fun. As soon as LA classes start to be a bore, or dull, the love of learning will quickly escape.
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Resources for TeachingOther literacy pages I've prepared: |
My Thoughts
We need to teach students more than the mechanical aspects of reading, writing and speaking. I believe they will be better prepared for the future if they understand some of the etymology and origins of words and the English language, in order to expand and be more creative. This will also help should students want to learn other languages.