The English language arts curriculum is divided into four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. At P.S. 506, we follow a balanced literacy approach. The components of a balanced literacy program are read-alouds, guided reading, shared reading, independent reading, modeled/shared writing, interactive writing, and independent writing.
Reading instruction is organized around a workshop structure. We focus on developing comprehension skills by establishing a purpose for reading, making connections, envisioning what is read, and self-correction. Students also develop fluency through shared readings, repeated reading opportunities, partner reading and other oral reading activities. The Readers’ Workshop model includes the following components:the mini-lesson, independent reading/conferring, guided reading/strategy lessons,and sharing.
Writing instruction is also organized around a Writers’ Workshop structure based on Lucy Calkin’s Units of Study for Primary Writing. Students receive mini-lessons addressing writing strategies to address elements of specific writing genres, as well as writing conventions and mechanics. This is followed by time to write ndependently and confer with teachers and peers. Areas of focus include: generating ideas, organization, revision, editing and publishing. Students are also given the opportunity to share their writing with an audience. Students write personal and fictional narratives, reports of information, functional writing and responses to literature.
Speaking and listening instruction is integrated into the school day across the different core academic subjects also including, drama, dance, journalism, and technology. Various learning opportunities include class and small group discussions, oral presentations, inquiry projects, read-alouds, book clubs, readers’ and writers’ workshops, and conferring with students.
To provide students with a high quality education, teachers are working closely with their literacy coach and academic intervention providers, as well as staff developers from the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. Teachers are also part of school inquiry teams addressing different areas of reading instruction.