Humanities & Language Arts

The English Language Arts program is multi-faceted and provides a balanced approach within a structured curriculum across the grades. Word study explores how our language works and builds skills in phonics, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. Reading and writing skills, which are so critical to all learning, are often taught using a workshop model. Leading practitioners in the field such as Lucy Calkins, Ralph Fletcher, Fountas & Pinnell, and Lester Laminack greatly influence our practice.

Our students read both fiction and non-fiction selections in small guided reading groups, explore a wide variety of genres through both class literature books and their independent reading choices, and engage in substantive discussion of both content and craft in response to read aloud selections. Our extensive classroom and all-school libraries support our commitment to helping children find books suited to their interests and skill levels. While teachers maintain extensive classroom libraries that students use daily for language arts studies, curriculum research, and enjoyment, the school’s Lander Library is a hub that serves the entire community. An extensive collection reflecting a wide variety of topics fills the shelves including Judaic and Hebrew studies and along with parent education.

With constant exposure to high quality literature in a variety of genres, our students develop a love of story, learn how to use reading to explore topics of interest, and develop an appreciation of the craft of writing. Writing at LGA, whether it is narrative, expository or persuasive, emphasizes clear communication, recognizing and valuing different voices, and finding pleasure in the written word. Reading and writing often are tied to topics in history, geography, science, math, or Judaic Studies. Our ultimate goal is to teach students to read like writers and to write like readers.

Public speaking skills are nurtured at LGA. Whether in the classroom, or on the stage during performances our students have ample opportunity to hone their public speaking skills beginning as early as kindergarten.