Language Arts
Supervisor's Message
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” –Jacqueline Kennedy
The Howell Township Language Arts Department follows a balanced literacy approach. This instructional approach is comprised of varied learning experiences, designed with each student’s voice and choice in mind. Our K-8 units of study in reading and writing provide common and consistent teaching practices and experiences for all students, as well as time for teachers to personalize instruction to address individual student needs and interests. Teachers meet with students regularly, both one-on-one and in small groups, to monitor the application of skills and strategies in independent reading and writing and support students with setting personal reading and writing goals.
The New Jersey Student Learning Standards expect that students are able to apply their knowledge of skills and strategies to various types of text in a multitude of experiences. In our classrooms, students are provided with the time and the tools to think for themselves, solve problems, and reflect upon their own learning. There exists a balance of whole and small group instruction, partner talk, and independent work, as well as time to share learning. Students are active decision-makers with regard to their own learning, through choosing their own books to read, selecting their own topics for writing and reflecting on their own goals in regards to becoming stronger readers and writers. Collaboration and discussion, skills necessary for 21st century learners, are key components in the literacy classroom. Not only do these skills promote critical thinking, they also help to create a positive, encouraging, and respectful classroom and school community. Classrooms are alive with student-centered learning, rich authentic literature, challenging and complex text, and collaborative engaged learners!
Literacy and instructional coaches support teachers in every school with instructional practices. Coaches provide professional learning for teachers through workshops, grade level meetings, modeling and co-teaching, among other methods. Our coaches also participate in their own professional learning in order to remain current in their practice, building upon their existing expertise.
In Howell Township, we believe in a strong partnership among students, teachers, principals, supervisors, parents, guardians and community members. It is essential that we work together to support and nurture children on their path to becoming lifelong learners.
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” –Jacqueline Kennedy
The Howell Township Language Arts Department follows a balanced literacy approach. This instructional approach is comprised of varied learning experiences, designed with each student’s voice and choice in mind. Our K-8 units of study in reading and writing provide common and consistent teaching practices and experiences for all students, as well as time for teachers to personalize instruction to address individual student needs and interests. Teachers meet with students regularly, both one-on-one and in small groups, to monitor the application of skills and strategies in independent reading and writing and support students with setting personal reading and writing goals.
The New Jersey Student Learning Standards expect that students are able to apply their knowledge of skills and strategies to various types of text in a multitude of experiences. In our classrooms, students are provided with the time and the tools to think for themselves, solve problems, and reflect upon their own learning. There exists a balance of whole and small group instruction, partner talk, and independent work, as well as time to share learning. Students are active decision-makers with regard to their own learning, through choosing their own books to read, selecting their own topics for writing and reflecting on their own goals in regards to becoming stronger readers and writers. Collaboration and discussion, skills necessary for 21st century learners, are key components in the literacy classroom. Not only do these skills promote critical thinking, they also help to create a positive, encouraging, and respectful classroom and school community. Classrooms are alive with student-centered learning, rich authentic literature, challenging and complex text, and collaborative engaged learners!
Literacy and instructional coaches support teachers in every school with instructional practices. Coaches provide professional learning for teachers through workshops, grade level meetings, modeling and co-teaching, among other methods. Our coaches also participate in their own professional learning in order to remain current in their practice, building upon their existing expertise.
In Howell Township, we believe in a strong partnership among students, teachers, principals, supervisors, parents, guardians and community members. It is essential that we work together to support and nurture children on their path to becoming lifelong learners.
Some things that you can do to support your child’s literacy learning at home are:
- Encourage your child to read and write at home.
- Model a love for learning by reading and writing yourself.
- Immerse your child in a home environment that is literacy rich.
- Schedule a special time and place for reading and writing at home.
- Create social interactions by asking your child about the books he or she is reading.
The Howell Township Language Arts Curriculum, along with other District curricula, is available on the District website. Parents should also read the letter regarding book content by following the link on this page.
Language Arts Curriculum