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The
study of language arts at SMS follows a traditional
approach. This discipline incorporates the areas of reading,
writing, speaking and listening. Subjects such as
literature, grammar, phonics, spelling, and vocabulary are
taught as individual entities. Consequently, the importance
of each component is recognized and respected for its vital
contribution to the Language Arts Program. Larger blocks of
time have been incorporated into the class schedules to
allow for this method of teaching and, likewise, to allow
for inclusion into a cross-curricular pattern. With such an
approach, students are encouraged to read literature and
react to it in their speaking and writing. Classrooms are
arranged to have heterogeneous groups with flexible smaller
groupings to encourage cooperative learning. The focus
includes a skills or sub-skills approach as well as one that
promotes reading, writing, and public speaking.
Christian values are reflected in many ways within the
total curriculum. Through reading and discussing literature,
students learn to build character and self-esteem in a
positive manner. Students are also given ample opportunity
to connect literature experiences with Christian teachings.
Writing activities, oral presentations and journal entries
help students to express their thoughts and feelings.
We are exceedingly proud of our Lit Magazine of treasured
students works. Visit the main
classroom boards for examples of some of the
student writings.
The use of portfolio assessment allows for the continuum
of thinking skills to develop from year to year. Various
levels of thinking skills are incorporated into the
processes of reading, evaluating, discussing, analyzing, and
synthesizing in each grade level. The application of
multiple intelligence recognition provides teachers with the
means to assess students on an individual basis to determine
their style of learning. Once identified, the information
can be passed from grade to grade, teacher-to-teacher. |
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