Language Arts Processes

This unit includes using reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing processes to make connections among concepts addressed across the curriculum.

Language Expressions

This unit includes comprehending and applying the rules which govern language expressions and usage. Students studying this unit develop an intuitive sense of language structure, and the ability to make judgments regarding how language expressions relate to the cohesiveness of sentences and passages.

Language Mechanics

This unit includes comprehending and applying the rules which govern punctuation and capitalization. Students studying this unit incorporate knowledge of language mechanics into original writing, and successfully edit passages for language mechanics errors.

Writing

This unit includes utilizing each stage of the writing process to create original pieces. Students explore a variety of organizational formats and purposes for writing (communicating ideas, opinions, and feelings, clarifying thoughts, and solving problems).

Listening

This unit includes identifying and distinguishing between sounds and patterns in sounds, and constructing meaning from information delivered verbally.

Speaking

This unit includes practicing techniques and strategies (voice modulation, body language, ordering of ideas, visual aids, etc.) to convey meaning and to present information and opinions to groups. Students learn to choose appropriate topics, and methods of presenting topics, for specific audiences.

Study and Research Skills

This unit includes developing organization and research skills needed to find appropriate resources, to judge resources as relevant or not relevant to a given topic, to categorize and synthesize information, to take notes in class, and to study for exams.