Language/Reading Curriculum in the Fourth Grade
Reading Policy
The national English language arts curriculum for primary schools considers reading to be a core skill that must be taught systematically with consideration of students’ differing abilities and learning rates. As students progress through school, their acquisition of reading skills is supported by their writing, speaking, and listening skills. Advocating for the use of reading materials that are culturally relevant and age appropriate, the goals of the reading curriculum are to allow students to understand and process oral, written, and multimodal texts; help them become strategic and critical thinkers; empower them to read independently; and motivate them to use literacy as a tool for lifelong learning.
Summary of National Curriculum
The English language arts program values literary appreciation as a means to enhance students’ behavior, emotions, attitudes, and social values. In appreciating literature from various cultures, the learner gains pleasure and valuable insights that serve to build appreciation. Therefore, the curriculum acknowledges the role of literature in broadening students’ knowledge base, strengthening their critical thinking skills, and developing their awareness of new words and language itself. Teachers are encouraged to read aloud to students in English works of literature from a variety of cultures.