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The Boise District's Elementary Language Arts program
focuses on providing skills training in phonics,
word identification, comprehension, study skills,
and writing skills in a course of study which exposes
students to quality literature from a variety of
authors. Core textbooks are listed below and are
used as the foundation for the reading and writing
processes. Kindergarten
The District's kindergarten program is developmental
in nature, and, as such, is designed to promote the
importance of play and socialization as well as that
of academics. Circle time and centers are common features
in kindergarten classrooms, and units are oriented
around themes such as "me" and "seeds".
Instruction is provided in basic sound-symbol correspondence,
as well as in listening comprehension, writing, reading,
and basic penmanship.
Reading
- Grades 1-6 Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Treasures (2007)
The Treasures Reading and Language Arts program includes
lessons in the elements of research-based reading instruction;
phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and
text comprehension. The concepts taught in Treasures
are aligned to the Idaho State Achievement Standards
for Language Arts. Many of the thematically-based units
are connected to social studies and science concepts.
Technology components consist of listening libraries,
reading fluency builders, and online lessons.
While the basal reader is used as the central core
of the instructional program in reading, the District
promotes the use of novels in the classroom as a way
of exposing children to quality literature and teaching
skills in a relevant context. It would not be unusual
to see 4th grade students reading from a novel such
as Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's Newbery winner Shiloh,
while studying required skills such as simile and metaphor
in connection with the reading of the novel.
Language
- Grades 1-6 Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Treasures (2007)
- Grades 1-6 McDougal-Littell Daily Oral Language
(1991)
Language skills are taught through the writing process
in the Boise District, as part of the editing and revising
stages. Treasures provides daily writing activities
including a mix of topics that call for persuasive,
narrative, or expository responses. Grammar instruction
includes daily activities that are connected to the
text. Daily Oral Language lessons provide
a skills base.
Handwriting
- Grades K-6 Scott, Foresman/Addison Wesley D'Nealian (1993)
Spelling
- Grades 1-6 Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Treasures (2007)
Spelling is leveled according to the abilities of
the student and each spelling lesson includes a writing
component.
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Arts page
Language Arts curriculum
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