Strong skill sets don't develop overnight

By the time our students graduate from Echo Horizon School, we make certain they have the skills to communicate effectively, persuasively... and maybe even eloquently. We do that by emphasizing the progressive development of effective oral and written communication abilities throughout all aspects of the curriculum. We concentrate on the receptive skills of reading and listening, the expressive skills of writing and speaking, and we stress the importance of grammar so that all students clearly understand the value of using English correctly.

As with all disciplines, much of the language arts curriculum is project based. For example, one of our longer-standing traditions is our 2nd grade Publishing Project, in which students write and illustrate their own books. The classroom turns into a publishing house, 'contracts' are signed and enforced, and teachers act as editors. At the end of the unit, families are invited to a Publishing Party during which students share their work with their parents and with one another.