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Communication Arts
Westchester’s goal for reading is to educate all children to read for both pleasure and purpose. We want our students to be literate individuals who read fluently for a variety of reasons from both fiction and nonfiction texts. We also want our readers to be thoughtful, critical thinkers who use reading not just for knowledge, but to form opinions about the world in which we live.
Our reading curriculum is a balanced literacy approach that uses a research-based, developmentally driven program that allows students to progress at their own level. Our major teaching emphasis consists of use of texts (comprehension), contextual understanding (critical literacy), conventions (mechanics), and processes and strategies (strategies). We use assessment to guide our instruction. A variety of instructional methods are used to reach our goal: First Steps Developmental Continuum, direct instruction via individual (conferences), small group (guided reading and literacy opportunities), and whole group (shared reading, word work, read aloud and workshop mini-lessons).
For children who need additional support beyond the classroom setting, we have a Literacy Focus program for grades K-5. A “Reading Is Great” grant program is also provided to first through third grade voluntary transfer students who are below grade level in reading. All of these programs are taught by literacy specialists. We use a Flexible Student Services Model that allows students to be taught by special educators, classroom teachers at other grade levels, teacher assistants, and community volunteers. We have an extended school year program for students who need additional reading support.
Westchester’s goal for writing is to encourage our children to think like writers, as they write for a variety of audiences and purposes. We want our writers to be thoughtful, critical thinkers who use writing to express their feelings and communicate effectively. Westchester educators teach both the craft and mechanics of writing. Students are explicitly taught structure, rules, and procedures. Using mentor texts in a workshop setting, students explore many different forms of writing. Students are encouraged to keep a writer's notebook to collect ideas, or seeds, and then nurture their ideas as they begin writing for publication. The library media curriculum supports our writing program by focusing on “The Big Six” research strategies as well as exposing students to the many diverse genres of literature.
Westchester teachers and staff continually assess the effectiveness of our communication arts curriculum as well as review current research to ensure we are utilizing a best practice approach. We hope our efforts will make Westchester Elementary a “Top Ten School” in the state of Missouri.
Our reading curriculum is a balanced literacy approach that uses a research-based, developmentally driven program that allows students to progress at their own level. Our major teaching emphasis consists of use of texts (comprehension), contextual understanding (critical literacy), conventions (mechanics), and processes and strategies (strategies). We use assessment to guide our instruction. A variety of instructional methods are used to reach our goal: First Steps Developmental Continuum, direct instruction via individual (conferences), small group (guided reading and literacy opportunities), and whole group (shared reading, word work, read aloud and workshop mini-lessons).
For children who need additional support beyond the classroom setting, we have a Literacy Focus program for grades K-5. A “Reading Is Great” grant program is also provided to first through third grade voluntary transfer students who are below grade level in reading. All of these programs are taught by literacy specialists. We use a Flexible Student Services Model that allows students to be taught by special educators, classroom teachers at other grade levels, teacher assistants, and community volunteers. We have an extended school year program for students who need additional reading support.
Westchester’s goal for writing is to encourage our children to think like writers, as they write for a variety of audiences and purposes. We want our writers to be thoughtful, critical thinkers who use writing to express their feelings and communicate effectively. Westchester educators teach both the craft and mechanics of writing. Students are explicitly taught structure, rules, and procedures. Using mentor texts in a workshop setting, students explore many different forms of writing. Students are encouraged to keep a writer's notebook to collect ideas, or seeds, and then nurture their ideas as they begin writing for publication. The library media curriculum supports our writing program by focusing on “The Big Six” research strategies as well as exposing students to the many diverse genres of literature.
Westchester teachers and staff continually assess the effectiveness of our communication arts curriculum as well as review current research to ensure we are utilizing a best practice approach. We hope our efforts will make Westchester Elementary a “Top Ten School” in the state of Missouri.
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