English Language Learning

The English Language Learning class offers students, whose native language is something other than English, direct instruction in speaking, reading, spelling, and handwriting. The class incorporates many of the multi-sensory techniques within the Orton-Gillingham framework. Students are introduced to the sound symbol relationship of the language with a specific emphasis on pronunciation and phonemic awareness. Students are introduced to the first 300 words (a list of the most common words in English ranked by frequency and which make up 65 percent of all written material). Students engage in conversation daily and topics relating to the American English speaking culture are highlighted.