Foundational Language Arts Classes
Students Learn
- How to label everyday parts of speech
- How to write correct sentences
- How to use paragraphing
- How to use the steps of the writing process (write, revise, publish)
- How to write thesis and topic sentences
- How to write a basic, paragraphed informational or persuasive essay which includes an introduction with a thesis statement, at least one body paragraph with support for the thesis, and a conclusion
- The definition of plagiarism, how to avoid it and how to give credit to sources.
- How to proofread and correct common mechanical and spelling errors, seeking help if necessary
- How to recognize the four fundamental patterns of writing: descriptive, narrative, informative and persuasive
- Basic strategies to help overcome writer’s block and write more fluently
- How to follow a teacher's guidelines for formatting papers
- How to express themselves and their ideas through creative and real-world assignments (i.e., stories or vignettes,thank you letters, cover letters, letters to the editor, etc.)
- How to write simple literary analysis (basic thesis, 1-2 body paragraphs with text evidence, conclusion, 1-2 pages in length)
- How to understand fundamental elements of literature – creation of plot, characterization, settings, mood, and tone
- How to identify theme, plot and setting
- To understand the difference between novels, short stories, poetry and plays
- Basic literary terminology, such as protagonist, antagonist, point of view, and plot terminology