Suggested Daily Schedule and Language Arts Block

There are many ways to schedule the Language Arts Block into the Daily Schedule. Teachers will want to approach schedule development in much the same way as they do currently, taking special notice of the different Language Arts Blocks that need to be incorporated into the daily schedule. The following is one example of a schedule for a typical day.

8:00 - 8:15 Worship

8:15 - 8:45 Bible

8:45 - 9:35 Daily Routine*

9:35 - 9:55 Recess

9:55 - 10:55 Reading Instruction*

10:55 - 11:55 Math

11:55 - 12:40 Lunch & Recess

12:40 - 12:55 Read Aloud*

12:55 - 1:10 Writing Workshop*

1:10 – 2:10 Science and/or Social Studies

2:10 - 2:40 Physical Education

2:40 - 3:00 Reading Workshop*

*Descriptions follow

Daily Routine

The Daily Routine includes Daily Oral Language (DOL), phonics, handwriting, and spelling. Daily Oral Language and spelling do not begin until Theme 4 of grade one. These routines are designed to be quick mini-lessons. Each part of the routine is intended to teach and reinforce specific phonological elements for the average reader.

Reading Instruction

Reading instruction takes place primarily with the guided reading and thematic study activities. Guided reading focuses on comprehension strategies, fluency, and working in small groups with leveled readers. The thematic studies found in the Daily Lesson Guides, focus more on whole class comprehension strategies revolving around the theme as well as cross-curricular integrated activities.

Read Aloud

Listening to good literature read fluently and with expression is an important element of learning to read. This modeling will help motivate students in their own fluency, expression, and comprehension. Selections should be of high interest to the class covering a variety of topics and genres.

Writing Workshop

Writing Workshop gives the students a planned time to creatively express themselves through the writing process. Mini-lessons are conducted on various topics as needed with small groups or the whole class. Teacher-student and student-student conferences help the writing progress to a finished product.

Reading Workshop

Reading Workshop revolves around self-selected reading in areas of interest to the students. The teacher works with the students individually or in small groups, checking comprehension strategies, fluency and general reading skills. Shared and paired reading along with conferencing is also a part of reading workshop. A variety of classroom and library books at the students’ reading levels is important to this program.

Language Arts Block

The Language Arts Block delineates in one chart what is included in each of the five language arts blocks: daily routine, reading instruction, read aloud, reading workshop, and writing workshop.

*click the link to see the chart for each grade level

Expanded Language Arts Blocks – Kindergarten

Expanded Language Arts Blocks – Grades 1 & 2

Expanded Language Arts Blocks – Grades 3 & 4

Expanded Language Arts Blocks – Grades 5-8