English Language Arts

What Does ELA Instruction Look Like in Kindergarten Through Second Grade?

When students are in our primary grades (K-2), they will participate in both a skills instructional block and a knowledge instructional block. During skills activities, students will engage in word study (phonics and phonemic awareness) instruction to help them develop the crucial skills to hear the sounds in our language and be able to read the words in text. Students will also receive instruction in the area of grammar and writing development.

During knowledge lessons, students will be supported in developing the skills to think deeply about what they are reading. Students will demonstrate their growth in reading comprehension through various activities that include class discussions and writing experiences. The knowledge portion of the curriculum helps to build students’ vocabulary skills to support reading comprehension.

How can I support my primary student at home?

Elementary teachers will send home family letters for each unit of the CKLA curriculum. The letter will provide families with ideas for topics to discuss with your child and resources to engage your student in experiences to develop their reading and writing skills
Read with your child everyday. Have your child read from their decodable reading pages sent home and read to your child to develop their listening comprehension and vocabulary skills.
Talk with your child about their day and what they are learning. When students have strong oral language skills, it helps to develop their reading and writing skills.

What Does ELA Instruction Look Like in Third Through Fifth Grade?

When students enter the upper elementary grades, we shift from “learning to read” to a focus on “reading to learn”. Students are engaged in reading instruction that helps to develop the skills to talk about what they are reading, foster strong vocabulary skills, and help them to develop the skills needed to think deeply about what they are reading through writing activities.

How can I support my upper elementary student at home?

Your child’s teacher will send home family letters at the start of a new reading unit. Parents will be provided with resources to talk with your child about what they are reading and writing about at school.
Have your child read everyday! To build strong reading skills students need to read often. Have your child talk about what they are reading.
Encourage your child to read a variety of books, both fiction and nonfiction
Children in upper elementary grades are still building their comprehension skills to be a successful reader. Reading books to your children is a great way to boost their vocabulary. Having your child listen to audiobooks is another great tool to use at home.