Photo taken from classroom.jc-schools.net
A Language Arts is the art of using language proficiently to communicate an idea. It is a very important area in the education curriculum in which a range of skills are taught to students for them to become proficient in using the language.
The posts on our Facebook page over our Language Arts this weekend have been chosen to demonstrate alternative ways to teach the different aspects of language to young learners using a variety of creative tools.
The Importance of Language Arts
Language Arts is a vital educational component that will help ensure a student’s successful future. It is a foundation for communication and lifelong learning.
It is surprising to find how many people do not know the terms used to describe the different elements of literacy. Nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, antonyms, synonyms, contractions, compound words, different types of phrases and sentences are but some of the concepts we need to know to make sense of when writing well. Elements of characterization, plot development, similes, metaphors and inferential meanings in texts ensure a fuller understanding of the literature we ask students to engage in.
Photo from first-grade-garden.blogspot.com
Without the explicit teaching of these tools, we are not using good practice teaching methods to ensure our kids are equipped for 21st century learning.
That is why building language arts skills are fundamental for students. Bringing language arts ideas together for our k-6 level learners can improve and practice their skills in reading, comprehension, spelling, vocabulary and text writing.
Language Arts Tools
Language Arts is more than teaching the basics of literacy, it involves bringing all the grammatical elements of a language together to create meaning.
Discovering ways that invites students to be creative is an interactive and engaging way to ensure some of the more difficult aspect of literacy is understood.
To be competent in literacy, it is important to understand what Language Arts is all about. Some people would interpret it as integrating Literacy with Art, but I like to think it is about teaching literacy creatively.
Photo taken from helloliteracy.blogspot.com
In the same way an artist uses a blank canvas to create beautiful artworks, literacy can also use a variety of elements to help students understand the structure of writing and to engage more fully in the meanings and nuances of the texts they read.
Rather than simple pen and paper activities, tasks that allow students scope to play with words, create their own stories via various stimuli and make their own teaching and learning tools are engaging and enjoyable. They appeal to different learning styles which is good practice teaching.
The importance and popularity of language arts can be demonstrated through the gamut of board games, interactive computer games and apps that are available on the market. While it is important to be discerning in the purchase of quality learning aids, in our visually demanding society, it is important to open these experiences up to young people so they more fully engage in the development of their literacy skills.