Course Introduction

3. Lesson

Upon reading the following course objectives, please proceed to the assignment section of this lesson.

Learning activities in the course are organized around the six strands of language arts:

• listening
• speaking
• reading 
• writing
• viewing
• representing

Listening and Speaking

Oral language is the foundation of literacy.  Through listening and speaking, individuals communicate thoughts, feelings, experiences, information and opinions, and learn to understand themselves and others.  Oral language is used to tell a community's stories and to convey many of its values, beliefs and traditions.

Reading and Writing

Written language is a powerful means of communicating and learning.   Reading and writing enable students to extend their thinking and their knowledge and use of language, to increase their understanding of themselves and others, and to experience enjoyment and personal satisfaction.

Visual and Representing

Visual imagery is an integral part of contemporary life.  By developing viewing strategies and skills, students come to understand the ways in which images may be used to convey ideas, values and beliefs.  Critical viewing enables students to acquire and assess information, appreciate the experiences of others, and understand and evaluate others' ideas and perspectives. 

Text Study and Creation

The senior high program of studies also requires student to study and create a variety of texts.  According to the Alberta Program of Studies, "The texts that senior high school students study in their English language arts courses include works of literature and other texts in oral, print, visual and multimedia forms.  Students also create texts in a variety of forms and media."

* Information taken from Alberta Education Program of Studies Senior High English Language Arts