Class Activities
Charboneau Learning Center
of The Literacy Project 
15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301
413-774-3935

English Language Arts

Integrated Curriculum

It's probably impossible for there ever to be TOO much writing in an A.B.E. or G.E.D. class. Although our classes often have "Writing Days," it is important to see writing a skill that supports almost all learning. Therefore "Writing Days" are often also opportunities to read about and discuss topics that fall within Science, Health, or Social Studies.

Reading, Writing, and Making Sense

Sometimes it's better to use terms like "seeking meaning", "research", "questioning", or "testing and communicating ideas". "Strategic Reading" is a term found in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for which we continually develop new definitions and examples.

Forms and Structure

Even though the best way to improve your writing is to write(action), we do spend time talking and thinking and writing about writing (reflection). Recognizing and using connections and transitions can lead to better identification of details and main ideas. We often focus on the G.E.D. essay, but as one of many ways to clearly communicate feelings and ideas.

Paragraphs, sentences, and words fit into each other and work together to build all kinds of essays, reports, and even books. Breaking a word into its parts can help us remember its meaning or its spelling. And, there are just so very many ways to group words and phrases together to create new meaning.

Forms and structure can be awkward or even unrealistic. They can also provide support and direction. "The Threes" is a very simple structure for guiding us to more writing, research, discussion, or questions. Whether we are evaluating certain "Habits of Mind" or simply filling out a daily class evaluation, we are hopefully doing it with one eye on our goals.