Language Arts

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Pathways Language Arts curriculum utilizes the Writers' and Readers' Workshop Model.  Group instruction in the form of mini-lessons is given to teach style, process, literary elements, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics.  Students  work independently on their writing pieces, conferencing with teachers and peers as part of working through the process of writing and refining their work.  The end goal is to share and publish student writing in various forms.  Writing is integrated into our project-based learning in forms such as essays, poetry, proposals, research papers, business letters, etc.

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At the elementary and middle school levels, the emphasis is on building the foundation for good reading and writing skills.  At the high school level, students put these skills to use in a variety of relevant and interdisciplinary ways.

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Good readers lead to good writers!  Reading and responding to literature and poetry  is part of each school day. Mini-lessons are used to teach comprehension skills, analysis, reading strategies, and literary devices.  Students engage in whole class book discussions and individual conferences based upon their free-choice books.  Our focus is on motivating students to READ!

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Speech and Communication is an integral part of preparing our students for life!  At Pathways, our students have many opportunities for public speaking within and outside of our school community.  High school students take part in a formal speech class at least once during their high school years, and participate in projects such as mock hearings, interviews, Socratic Seminars, etc.  All of our students actively demonstate skills and crafts to the public during our annual Heritage Day!