Language Arts Orange-Literature and Comprehension

The English Language Arts 2 program comprises two courses. ELA 2 and Phonics 2. The program provides a comprehensive approach to literacy that connects reading, writing, grammar, word study (including vocabulary and spelling), and handwriting into one integrated program. The ELA course comprises 12 thematic units. Each unit contains workshops in which reading, writing, and word study are anchored by a focus text. Through read-aloud videos, independent reading, and close reading activities, students explore both classic and contemporary works in different genres and formats—fiction, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and magazines. Through studying model writing from the reading selections, students use the writing process to complete a variety of short and long compositions. Students learn about grammar, usage, and mechanics and apply those skills as they write, revise, and proofread their work. Students grow their vocabulary by learning the meanings of words from the reading selections, as well as their ability to determine word meanings through strategy-based instruction on concepts such as word relationships, context clues, and word parts. Phonics instruction is built on a systematic, instructional scope and sequence grounded in the science of reading research. This includes explicit instruction in the essential foundational skills of phonological awareness, phonics, word analysis, high frequency words, fluency, enabling students to decode words efficiently and confidently. Spelling instruction focuses on common spelling patterns and understanding how to apply them to words beyond those on the spelling lists, such as high frequency irregular words (heart words). Targeted handwriting activities provide gentle instruction to improve student’s print handwriting and introduce cursive letter formation.