Curriculum Menu

5-8 English Language Arts Coordinator
Sarah Broas
sarah.broas@ncps-k12.org

K-5 Writing Coordinator
Karen Scalzo
karen.scalzo@ncps-k12.org

Literacy Links/Information

Grades 5-8 English Language Arts (ELA)

In the New Canaan Public Schools, we believe that language is a tool for learning in all subject areas. Since students use reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing to construct meaning, these disciplines must be taught as elements of an integrated process.

As students acquire skills, they must learn to think, to raise questions, to communicate clearly, to understand themselves and others, to appreciate the art of literature and writing, and to make sense of a diverse and complex world. As a result, learning and using language to learn become inseparable, lifelong processes.

English Language Arts Staff Directory

Grade Level Information

Grade 5	Grade 6	Grade 7	Grade 8
Grade 5 Literacy Calendar and Supporting Docs Common Core State Standards for 5th Grade	Unit Map Parent Guide for 6th Grade Literacy Calendar for 6th Grade Common Core State Standards for 6th Grade	Unit Map Parent Guide for 7th Grade Literacy Calendar for 7th Grade Common Core State Standards for 7th Grade	Unit Map Parent Guide for 8th Grade Literacy Calendar for 8th Grade Common Core State Standards for 8th Grade

Saxe Literary Approach

Across our district we pride ourselves on having a rich language arts curriculum that is implemented using the balanced literacy approach. This is a research-based methodology that integrates a variety of instructional practices and allows teachers to deliver instruction so that all students are successful as they become capable, engaged readers and writers. Students develop their reading and writing skills in a classroom environment that values focused, direct teaching, small group work, and independent practice.

Teachers implement a carefully planned, comprehensive, rich literacy program that is built upon the “gradual release of responsibility” model. Responsibility for demonstrating skills and strategies gradually shifts from the teacher to the student, and include reading and writing to, with, and by the students. The goal is always for students to be proficient, independent readers and writers. More information about balanced literacy follows on this website.

Note: A detailed guide to understanding the gradual release model is in the following text: Fisher, D. and N. Frey, Better Learning Through Structured Teaching: A Framework for the Gradual Release of Responsibility, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Alexandria, Virginia, 2008.