The Importance of a Language Arts Program
Teaching Reading and Writing in the Elementary Classroom
Dec 17, 2008
A strong language arts program is vital to every classroom. Because reading and writing are transacting processes, meaning they change each other, it is important to give students ample opportunities to both read and write. This can be done by setting apart time for students to utilize the classroom library and providing reasons for students to continue to write.
The Use of a Classroom Library
Placing great importance in an extensive classroom library where the books are available to both the teacher and the students will benefit your instruction greatly. Make sure to arrange your room in such a way as to promote a positive atmosphere, and make sure to set apart time in the schedule for individual reading. Providing this free time for students to read from a choice of different genre's will help motivate even the reluctant students to read.
Consider creating a library book list and having a sign out procedure for students to borrow a book from the classroom library. Providing your students are responsible enough to return the book undamaged, this will encourage them to read at home as well, demonstrating to their parents the importance of reading. Also, use the classroom library in your own teaching, to demonstrate the importance of literature, and to introduce different genre's to the students.
Time for Writing in Class
Assign your students varied writing assignments including journaling, brainstorming, drafting, editing and authors’ chair. The research shows that including these writing activities in a classroom will improve student’s writing ability. Improving writing skills will often end up improving students reading skills as well. The act of writing is one way to teach a tactile learner how to read.
Encourage student creativity in writing, and make daily free writing a priority in your classroom. This can be as simple as a daily journal entry. Make efforts to keep your students' journals private to encourage them to write about anything they desire. This will encourage the writing process, and help to motivate students to write. One idea is to have them leave their journal on your desk only if they would like for you to read the journal, otherwise keeping the journal in their desk is a sign of privacy.
Creating a well rounded language arts program in the classroom will help your students become more involved in the learning process. Take advantage of book sales and other deals to expand your classroom library with a variety of books from different genres. Also, demonstrate the importance of clarity of thought in writing by providing opportunities for daily writing practice.
Learn more tips for teaching reading.
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