Six Areas of Language Arts in the Classroom

The areas of language arts are divided into two categories:
Receptive skills – reading, listening, viewing
Expressive skills – writing, speaking, visual representing

Reading – taking in a message by looking at written words
I will be reading aloud to the class when teaching or during read aloud time. Students will be reading a variety of texts independently, in small groups, and whole class.

Listening – hearing speech of others
I will be giving the majority of my instruction through speaking so it’s very important that the students are listening. They will also be listening to each other in any cooperative groups, class discussion, or a read aloud. Students will be listening carefully by looking at the speaker, showing appropriate body language, and refraining from talking.

Viewing – viewing symbols, graphics, pictures
Students will use symbols, art, or pictures to comprehend a text or interpret meaning.

Writing – expressing an idea through written word
Students will write for a variety of topics, audiences, purposes, and forms.

Speaking – sharing an idea through spoken word
Students will have many opportunities to collaborate and cooperatively work with others. We will also have class meetings to discuss any issues or thoughts about our classroom community. Students will raise a hand or use a talking stick before speaking out to the class.

Visual Representing – creating a message through symbols, graphics, pictures
I will use visual representation in my instruction for visual learners. Students will be given opportunities to visual represent with their writing.