B. Language Arts

The study of language arts at Christ the King Regional School follows a traditional approach. This discipline incorporates the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Subjects such as literature, grammar, phonics, spelling, and vocabulary are taught as individual entities. Consequently, the importance of each component is recognized and respected for its vital contribution to the Language Arts Program. Larger blocks of time have been incorporated into the class schedules to allow for this method of teaching and, likewise, to allow for inclusion into a cross-curricular pattern. With such an approach, students are encouraged to read literature and react to it in their speaking and writing. Classrooms are arranged to have heterogeneous groups with flexible smaller groupings to encourage cooperative learning. The focus includes a skills or sub-skills approach as well as one that promotes reading, writing, and public speaking. When time permits, students attend live performances to view a work of literature in action. In academic year 2006-2007, the eighth grade incorporated various media into their study of the novel Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, by reading and responding to the book, researching and writing a term paper, viewing the video, and attending a stage performance of Dear Esther based on the Holocaust theme.

Christian values are reflected in many ways within the total curriculum. Through reading and discussing literature, students learn to build character and self-esteem in a positive manner. Students are also given ample opportunity to connect literature experiences with Christian teachings. Writing activities, oral presentations and journal entries help students to express their thoughts and feelings.