Week 2, Task 3; 5 Components of ELA

There are various components to teaching and learning language arts. Generally, students ranging from K-5 receive they’re instruction of the language arts from a single teacher. This teacher focuses on reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. From grades 6-12 language arts is taught by the ELA teacher as well as history, science, and other subjects. This is because the various components of language arts are applicable to all subjects. Such as comprehension, oral presentation and so on.

I think it’s so important for language arts to be taught and integrated into all subjects since it teaches students not just the technical aspects a.k.a. actual reading words and writing sentences but how language arts should be integrated such as to write a research paper and prepare a presentation. These skills are vital in all areas and therefor the teachers of other subjects should weave language arts into what they’re teaching.

It’s important to know that in reading, which is the first component of language arts, the actual phonics is not as important as comprehension. Of course in order for a child reach comprehension of the text he/she must first know how to read! However, it does not stop there. A student should be able to read a text and derive facts, evidence, and various understandings from it. He should be able to make inferences and draw conclusions. The reading is just a means to an end which is proper and sophisticated comprehension.

In writing, the next component, too, the actual writing is again the stepping stones of the ultimate goal. To write a good piece, students must know how to plan, write, revise, edit, and publish. However, these skills are there to help them apply they’re writing skills to areas such as creating arguments, narratives, and informative/explanatory texts. Indeed, reading and writing are greatly intertwined. Students should know how to write about a text that they read.

The next feature is speaking and listening. Teachers must ensure that students are developing vital skills in communication and collaboration. While working in groups students should know how to effectively share their thoughts but at the same time allow others to express themselves. When I was a student I loved projects that required us to work in groups since it enabled me to express my ideas and creativity. Additionally, we learned to allow others to talk as well. As a teacher I did a lot pf group work with my students and I found that students who were reticent about sharing in a whole class setting were more ready and willing to speak up in a smaller group. Additionally, it allows students to learn to translate what they learned and acquired into something that they can present and share. I found that this ensures that they have a real grasp on what they learned as opposed to it staying some vague idea in their head.

The last component is language. Students must learn to constantly add to and make use of a larger repertoire of words and expressions. By acquiring more sophisticated language and a deeper understanding of words they can communicate and give over ideas that much more effectively.

These are the main components of language arts and how they help students expand their knowledge not just of subjects but of vital skills too. As mentioned above, these tools are not applicable only to ELA but they should be integrated into every subject to ensure maximum growth and understanding.