At the middle school level, an exploratory program recognizes the diverse developmental levels of the students and provides a means for successful world language experiences within the context of an integrated curriculum. By affording all students the opportunity to explore and enjoy both the French and the Spanish languages and cultures at this level, we believe that they will develop a global awareness, increase their cultural sensitivity, gain a better understanding of their own culture, more easily bridge the gap between concrete and formal operational thought processes, and be encouraged to pursue world language study at the high school levels. The language arts program at Woodbury Middle School is based on the whole language philosophy which fosters learning through the natural processes by which all people acquire language.
Students learn language arts in an integrated curriculum which is literature based.
Students come to value the five language arts processes as tools for clarifying, expressing, and learning new ideas in all curricular areas. The following goals and objectives encompass all aspects of the language arts curriculum. Comprehend and respond to written, verbal, and non-verbal experiences at the literal, interpretive, reflective and critical levels. Recognize the importance of reading as a lifelong pleasurable activity, as well as a continuing means of acquiring knowledge. Learn to evaluate the messages and effects of mass media.