Why It’s Important To Have Language Arts Programming In Schools

Understanding the term “Language Arts”

First, it is essential to understand what a Language Arts program entails by decontextualizing the term into its two separate words. “Language” focuses on the ways in which humans incorporate language to convey a message to their audience via visual and aural methods of communication. “Art” further elaborates these messages through the means of expressive mediums such as paintings, sculptures, music, and dance. In order to be proficient in communicating ideas through language, the four components of language arts taught in school are listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

It’s a vital part of a child’s education

Communication is the foundation in which children rely on to propel their learning in all facets of their education. Having a quality language arts education teaches students how to think critically, comprehend and interpret the written word, and convey their own ideas with succinct and effective methods of messaging.

It is essential in ALL professional areas of study

Nearly every profession requires that you have good communication skills. Even if a student aims to pursue a STEM career, many recruiters want to make sure you are an attentive listener, speaker, and writer. By having that solid foundation in the language arts, one can excel throughout their professional endeavors no matter what specifications that career entails.

Here are some strategies you can enforce at home to improve these skills:

• Read books that interest you and take notice of sentence structures and grammar.

• Write down words that you do not understand and look them up in the dictionary. 

• Start a journal to write autobiographical info, creative stories, or poetry to explore the expressive freedoms of writing. 

• Do a shared storytelling time with friends where you can practice speaking out loud, fluctuating the inflection of your voice in a safe and accepting environment.

SOURCES:
”What Exactly Is Language Arts?: Language Arts, Part 1,” Simply Charlotte Mason
”Why Is English Language Arts So Important?,” Schoolyard presented by School Specialty
”Building Language Arts Skills At Home,” 98th Percentile