For Language Arts, I use a combination of whole-group instruction, learning centers, and project-based learning experiences to keep students engaged in a subject that students do not always enjoy.  

Our early readers use Treasure Hunt Reading as an exciting way for students to “level up” their reading skills by completing tasks, such as illustrating their own comic pages by reading passages that follow new skills learned in the curriculum.  They also have the opportunity to use various reading games and activities for extra practice with decoding and sight words.

The elementary classes conquer Common Core Standards in both nonfiction and fiction by combining reading comprehension activities, learning to type and do basic research on a computer, and participating in Literature Circles with their classmates.  The Literature Circles will include a variety of ways to check for comprehension, such as comprehension questions and summarizing each chapter in a comic.

The middle and high school students will explore Realism and Naturalism by reading fiction books taking place in winter, as well as some short stories and films.  Some students will read "Brian's Winter" by Gary Paulsen, and some will read "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London.  These stories give a window into the spirit of exploration that both authors embodied throughout their lives, which is also a large focus of our programming here at Coulee Connections.  Students also have the opportunity to target their learning to their specific needs through the computer program Edmentum Exact Path.