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Jamestown Public Schools English Language Arts K-6

Welcome to the World of Literacy!

Literacy, the ability to read and write proficiently, is essential to participate fully in today’s society. In Jamestown Public Schools, reading and English/language arts instruction is the foundation for building knowledge in the elementary classrooms. Jamestown follows the recommendations of the National Reading Panel that has identified effective practices to successfully teach children to read.

The Jamestown Public Schools provides age appropriate instruction in the five components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. These components are taught explicitly and systematically with teacher modeling and student practice. A large block of time is set aside for daily reading instruction as well as extra time to address specific needs of students. Students are able to practice what they have learned at various literacy stations, which gives them the opportunity to work independently, with a partner or in small groups. Reading is taught as a whole class and in small groups using a variety of learning strategies and materials to address the needs of all learners. Writing is embedded in reading instruction as well as across the curriculum. The Step Up to Writing program is used to provide a framework for writing instruction.

A strong literacy foundation built in the elementary grades will enable Jamestown students to continue learning through middle and high school to become lifelong learners and productive members of society.

Essie Whalen
Coordinator of ELA K-6

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