English, Spanish, and Mandarin Language Arts
At All Souls, reading, writing, spelling, listening and oral expression are taught using multi-sensory instruction. A balanced literacy approach emphasizes recognizing sight words (or characters in Mandarin), using decoding strategies, building fluency and expression, improving comprehension and expanding vocabulary. The All Souls writing program provides opportunities for students to explore and create a variety of writing genres including persuasive, informative, narrative, and expressive pieces.
Rich fiction and non-fiction literature provide authentic reasons for writing & learning. Each week, target language and English teachers choose a Focus Book for whole group instruction based around a shared theme. Students recite poetry daily, write, edit, illustrate and publish their own booklets, complete journaling activities, as well as review phonics and grammar rules. With a focus on reading comprehension, teachers work with small groups of students in order to meet each student at his or her level and challenge the student to reach the next level.
Students develop independent reading skills through the use of their classroom library, personalized book boxes, and technological resources. All Souls uses the online guided reading program, Learning A-Z and Raz-Kids to provide personalized reading practice through interactive eBooks, downloadable books, and reading quizzes in both English and Spanish.
All students are assessed upon entering the program according to the acclaimed Fountas and Pinell reading & writing benchmark assessment system. At the primary level, teachers know the specific letters and sounds a student knows, their specific reading and comprehension level, and therefore, can target instruction. The students are assessed daily through formative assessments and each trimester are assessed using standardized summative assessments to ensure each student is meeting grade level expectations.
Rich fiction and non-fiction literature provide authentic reasons for writing & learning. Each week, target language and English teachers choose a Focus Book for whole group instruction based around a shared theme. Students recite poetry daily, write, edit, illustrate and publish their own booklets, complete journaling activities, as well as review phonics and grammar rules. With a focus on reading comprehension, teachers work with small groups of students in order to meet each student at his or her level and challenge the student to reach the next level.
Students develop independent reading skills through the use of their classroom library, personalized book boxes, and technological resources. All Souls uses the online guided reading program, Learning A-Z and Raz-Kids to provide personalized reading practice through interactive eBooks, downloadable books, and reading quizzes in both English and Spanish.
All students are assessed upon entering the program according to the acclaimed Fountas and Pinell reading & writing benchmark assessment system. At the primary level, teachers know the specific letters and sounds a student knows, their specific reading and comprehension level, and therefore, can target instruction. The students are assessed daily through formative assessments and each trimester are assessed using standardized summative assessments to ensure each student is meeting grade level expectations.
Focus on Speaking and Writing
The ability to speak publicly, defend ideas and write coherently and persuasively are all hallmarks of an All Souls student. Studies have shown that writing is one of the best ways to improve overall academic progress by helping students retain, synthesize, and therefore, more thoroughly process information, as well as articulate complicated ideas. Writing improves students’ self expression, helps them find their unique voice and thus builds confidence.
At All Souls, teachers engage students in class brainstorms and community writing. Students begin writing daily journals and personal narratives in Kindergarten, thus building a base for future creative writers and critical thinkers. Our first graders already understand the writing process, as they plan, organize, and research their topic as well as engage in peer review. All Souls understands the power of the written word and as a dual language program, we particularly value writing as a way to engage one’s own history and culture.
Public presentations and performance are key to building confident future leaders. All Souls students work on eye contact, expression, volume, posture, and poise as they prepare for poetry recitations or reading at Mass. In class, students develop sequencing and organizational skills, and grow in confidence through a series of oral assessments and presentations. Two major presentations—the Christmas program and the Spring Arts recital—and a series of smaller presentations for community
events provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents through performance arts.
At All Souls, teachers engage students in class brainstorms and community writing. Students begin writing daily journals and personal narratives in Kindergarten, thus building a base for future creative writers and critical thinkers. Our first graders already understand the writing process, as they plan, organize, and research their topic as well as engage in peer review. All Souls understands the power of the written word and as a dual language program, we particularly value writing as a way to engage one’s own history and culture.
Public presentations and performance are key to building confident future leaders. All Souls students work on eye contact, expression, volume, posture, and poise as they prepare for poetry recitations or reading at Mass. In class, students develop sequencing and organizational skills, and grow in confidence through a series of oral assessments and presentations. Two major presentations—the Christmas program and the Spring Arts recital—and a series of smaller presentations for community
events provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents through performance arts.
