Competence in oral language is integral
to progress in written language. Each day at HRS begins with
an assembly that includes an oral language activity. Prompt
arrival is imperative to assure students do not miss this
important part of their language curriculum. Classroom lessons
and experiences further oral language skills.
Spelling and Language Arts
The multi-sensory Slingerland Approach
begins with the smallest unit of sight, sound and feel –
a single letter. As children develop automatic inter-sensory
association of letters and sounds and internalize the processes
involved, the units become larger – moving from letters to
words, words with suffixes, phrases, sentences, paragraphs,
and finally, essays and reports. It requires daily practice
with the procedures involved in blending and unlocking words,
and in working with the structure of language for both reading
and spelling.
Children who work with the Slingerland
Approach to Language Arts do not memorize lists of spelling
words. Instead, they learn the process for blending words
and use them in phrases, sentences and paragraphs. This helps
them apply phonics and the structure of language to any written
work.
Reading
Phonics and decoding practice are
integral to the reading program and decoding practice is part
of the daily format. A strength of the system is its strategies
for developing reading comprehension. After testing for appropriate
placement, children receive daily instruction in small groups.
A high-interest, literature-based series
with excellent language is preferred for instruction. Teachers
are free to use other materials as well. The newspaper, content
area textbooks and other materials are used effectively with
the Slingerland Approach.
Automatic performance of the procedures
and knowledge of phonics appropriate to grade level is the
goal for all students.
Phonological Awareness
Phonological Awareness training is
a part of each morning's lesson as a preparation for spelling
and decoding.
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