Reading to children What exactly is Language Arts and why is it so important?

KWL Know Want to know What have we learned?

EQ Why is teaching Language arts to children of all ages so important?

What is Language Arts? The Language Arts program seeks to develop Reading Writing Listening Speaking Problem -solving Culture in literature

At the elementary level the focus lies on… Helping students focus on written and oral communication skills Comprehensive and problem solving strategies Creativity Appreciation for language and literature

At the secondary level… Integrating LA in literature is the prime motivator for… – Helping students focus on written and oral communication skills – Comprehensive and problem solving strategies – Creativity – Appreciation for language and literature

EQ Why is teaching Language arts to children of all ages so important?

Language Skills Reading Writing Listening Speaking Problem -solving Culture in literature

The most commonly read works at the high school level Romeo and Juliet Julius Caesar The Scarlet Letter Macbeth Huckleberry Finn The Great Gatsby

Issues and Trends

The Whole Language Approach replaced phonics in the 1970’s and 1980’s Children should use language in ways that relate to their own lives and cultures. – Invented spelling to enjoy writing – The use of journal and letter writing – Silent and oral reading of real world literature – Student cooperation video

The Reading Debate Should reading instruction emphasize the integration of LA skills and knowledge in a literature approach? OR should the focus be on phonics ?

versus

Language Skills Reading Writing Listening Speaking Problem -solving Culture in literature

Decline in reading scores! California says, “Go back to phonics.” What does the research say? Phonemic awareness is the understanding that sounds make-up language. It’s important to teach systematic phonics within a context of meaningful literature.

How does a teacher teach ELL students? English Language Learners English Language Learners video

Today Literature today balances traditional classics with…NCLB – Works by and about minority groups – Instructing students in critical thinking – Encouraging writing across the curriculum – Video and World Wide Web (www) presentations

The greatest gift we can give to a child is the love of reading video

Reading to children is an art

Here is a basic set-up. Pick a book that is appropriate for the age group of children you are reading to. Preferably a book you have read more than once. Sit children on a carpet in a semi circle position or give them individual carpets to sit on. This allows them to respect their individual space easier.

Position yourself on the floor or in a low chair position so that the children can see you and the book you are about to read. Hold the book in your dominant hand with the pictures facing the group of children.

Point to the title of the book before you begin reading the book to the children. Ask the children what they think the book is about. Ask them to predict what will happen next. Your questions are important!

KWL Know Want to know What have we learned? Activity