Reading

Reading skills are an integral part of the language arts curriculum. The program at Conway School promotes early independence and a broad and lively interest in reading both for information and enjoyment. Reading and writing are integrated into the content areas. Present reading efforts are based on the mastery at each grade level of objectives found under five general skill categories: decoding, vocabulary development, comprehension skills, research and study skills, and literary skills. Skill building is approached sequentially and reinforced at each grade level. A literature-based, integrated program published by Houghton Mifflin is utilized throughout the grades. It exposes students to significant literary works along with real world resources (magazine and newspaper articles, recipes, brochures); provides for the integration of reading, writing, listening, and speaking; uses collaborative learning and higher thinking skills, and builds on students' interests and experiences. In addition, teachers use a variety of supplementary materials to teach the five general skill areas. Library programs are coordinated with the reading curriculum to provide enrichment.

Written Language

Written expression is of prime importance at Conway School. It is emphasized because it offers students an opportunity to control language. Self-expression and artistic expression in written language complement reading, listening, speaking, and thinking. Writer's Workshop, a process writing approach, is the foundation for writing instruction. Students learn to write and to refine what is written through conference and revision. Grammar and usage, taught through the integrated reading program and specific English workbooks, are used as tools to sharpen written expression. The conventions of capitalization and mechanics are taught to strengthen the power of the written document. In addition, writing lessons are an essential component in the written language program. Students read a story, and then are instructed to think about, discuss, and write about it. Skills such as usage and vocabulary are taught with the literature, as well.

Spelling

Conway’s goal for spelling is to broaden the students’ bank of correctly spelled words enabling them to express their ideas more clearly in writing. Each grade level accomplishes this goal by following the spelling patterns included in the Houghton Mifflin reading program. Students learn to recognize spelling patterns and develop strategies. Spelling is integrated into all subject areas throughout the curriculum.

Oral Language

The effectiveness of oral language is the key to successful communication. Consequently, oral language is a valued component of the language arts program and is interwoven throughout all areas and subject matter. From kindergarten, where students are encouraged through Show and Tell and creative dramatics, to fifth-grade where students become interviewers, children are given many opportunities to express themselves. Students learn how to organize and present thoughts through a variety of activities, such as group discussions, story telling, peer coaching, and oral reporting.

Handwriting

Students are introduced to the Zaner-Bloser Simplistic style of printing in kindergarten and the Zaner-Bloser Simplistic style of cursive writing in the last semester of second grade. From kindergarten through fifth grade the children are also able to use a variety of simple to more advanced word processing programs on the computers.