The first grade language arts program includes an integrated program of reading, writing, spelling, phonics, grammar, speaking and listening. The Open Court Reading Program is used for reading, language and spelling. Daily Oral Language is supplemented for a greater understanding of grammar and mechanics. Students develop writing skills with activities such as journal writing, reports and creative writing. Students share these writings with their peers and with their parents at the end of the year with the First Grade Authors’ Tea. First Grade students learn manuscript writing using the Zaneer-Bloser Handwriting Program. The goal of the first grade language arts program is to create a balanced curriculum that will help the first grade students become competent and confident readers and writers.

The second grade language arts program is an integration of reading, phonics, language, writing, speaking, and spelling. The goal of the Language Arts program is to further enhance reading skills to include the ability to make inferences, draw conclusions, and make predictions about whatever is read. Understanding phonetic structure of words and using context clues to build vocabulary are stressed. Second graders are encouraged to read for pleasure and information. Greater fluency and expression are skills that are taught in both reading and speaking. Writing opportunities include creative writing, journal writing, expository writing and process writing. The language arts curriculum is integrated with all other disciplines. Reading skills taught through language arts are stressed throughout all other disciplines of the curriculum. An outside reading program is included in the language arts curriculum.

The Third grade language arts program includes an integrated program of reading, writing, spelling, phonics, grammar, speaking, and listening. The Open Court Reading Program is used for reading, language, and spelling. Language Arts Today and Daily Oral Language are supplemented for a greater understanding of grammar and mechanics. Several novels are read and discussed that reinforce units of study in social studies and science. Students develop writing skills with activities such as journal writing, reports, and creative writing. Students share these writings with their peers to develop speaking and listening skills. Third grade students learn cursive writing using the Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Program. The goal of the third grade language arts program is to create a well-balanced curriculum that will help make students competent and confident readers and writers.

Fourth grade is a year of transition from lower school to middle school. It is a year for building on skills previously taught and exploring new ones. The fourth grade language arts curriculum is a well-integrated program. Each component of the program connects with each other; therefore, one goal is to “show” students the interrelatedness of all aspects of the fourth grade curriculum.

The reading part of the curriculum is based on the Open Court Reading series. This series combines literature, grammar, and spelling. Vocabulary and spelling words are derived from the stories and are continuously used and reinforced throughout the text. Several novels are read and discussed to integrate reading into other curriculum areas. Fourth grade students are required to read independently each night. A daily log is kept to journal their at home readings.

Open Court also includes as one of its components a spiraling grammar program. Different language skills are introduced and reinforced throughout the series. Fourth grade uses several other texts to supplement the grammar program. Language Arts Today focuses on the parts of speech and proper language mechanics. Daily Oral Language is used daily to also reinforce proper language mechanics and usage.

Writing is a major component of fourth grade. Emphasis is placed on the students to apply skills learned in grammar to their writing. Students should be able to write complete and concise sentences and should be able to take these sentences and construct good detailed paragraphs. Students write every day and experiment with various types of writing pieces. They use a word processor for publishing works in all curriculum areas. Mini-lessons are used to teach techniques, style, genre, structure and mechanics in the writing process. Fourth grade is a year of preparation for the students to become independent learners and to continue and build upon the skills that they have experienced and explored.