As readers and listeners, they will use the social communications of others to enrich their understanding of people and their views. For English Language Arts, in both the grade level overviews, and the more detailed curriculum guides for teachers, each of the learning standards is incorporated and expanded to specific teaching and learning objectives. In kindergarten, for example, children are immersed in a wide variety of literature, from rhymes and poems to songs and stories. They begin to read using picture clues, phonetic clues, and structural and contextual clues. Lower and upper case letters are learned, as well as the sounds that relate to each symbol.
Children discuss feelings and experiences relating to a selection.
They begin to express their ideas in sentences and develop an awareness of the conventions of English. Children are encouraged to use language for social interaction and personal development. They learn skills to help them preview literature and to share their ideas. In grade five, students listen and read actively and respond to literature in a variety of formats, from book talks to dramatic play. They become familiar with the characteristics of authors' and illustrators' works, acquire knowledge of literary genres ranging from nonfiction to historical fiction, and demonstrate a knowledge of literary elements such as plot, characterization, mood, conflict, and resolution.