Introduction
Language arts involve the study of language and its many forms. In order to understand language arts, various tools could help analyze and describe written and specific language forms. Moreover, educators can use supportive tools to attain better results. Language arts are essential to learners as it helps in communication, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and innovation, productivity, imagination, and curiosity. This paper focuses on language arts classroom setting for 5th grade, where learners require much attention as learning shifts to be more complex as compared to kindergarten, tutors are therefore to be mindful of content delivery and teaching techniques.
The Nature of ESE Students
Students with learning differences require modified teaching strategies and systematic monitoring in content delivery. In order to develop learners with maximum potential and to raise self-reliant and happy individuals, specific objectives should be put into consideration. ESE students will benefit from applying practical methods and strategies for their development. It is evident that ESE students are specially gifted, and when carefully handled, they score well in the classroom and outside the classroom (Baum et al., 2021). Classroom decor and its presentation are essential aspects of engaging learners; therefore, best teaching practices should be determined. Organizing a classroom space in the best structure invites an engaging and exciting learning space. In order to achieve some of the best teaching practices, various tools and methodologies are essential.
Word Wall
Setting a word wall is essential in a classroom space for grade 5 learners. It considers the needs of students with various skill levels within a classroom (Kish, 2018). The cabinets should be constructed at a friendly and perfect level for grade 5 learners so that they can, without height challenges, access resources for remembering a concept. In grade 5, learners are expected to grasp many terms more, so when responding to writing prompts or providing answers to text-based questions, setting up a word wall is instrumental as a resource for remembrance.
Classroom Expectations
Learning arts helps students become thoughtful human beings; therefore, setting up reminders of expected behaviors and how to respond to them is an essential aspect of designing a learning space. It is vital to expect that some events can be out of control while they remain essential for practice (Calderón, 2020). Creating a culture in a classroom where learners can control their response in the phase of an event and that their responses impact the outcome is vital. It will help to encourage learners and show them the correct way to continue their evolution.
Classroom Library and Black Wall Space
A simple, stocked, and spacious reading library for learners is essential. It encourages students to be consistent in reading; therefore, a tutor is entitled to ensure that there are books that learners can read from cover to cover. Blank walls provide an avenue to display charts and samples for easy access and have a particular designated space. Additionally, it is vital to create visual stimulation in the classroom by representing current results (Barrett et al., 2016). For this reason, these tools can be used.
Technology Application in Language Arts Teaching
With the advancement in technology worldwide, teaching language arts has become much more manageable. Innovative tools allow students to interact with other speakers via video, text, or audio in real life and improve their language art skills (Bahari, 2022). Moreover, virtual reality is a potent approach to teaching ESE students and enhancing their language skills (Bahari, 2022). Visualization of information and interaction with various objects improve memorizing and lead to better academic outcomes. For this reason, technology should be an integral element of the language arts teaching process.
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
Creating a supportive learning-centered environment with a feeling of belonging, love, and value for students. At the same time, cultural diversity is vital for teaching language arts as it enhances cooperation with other individuals possessing the necessary skills (Dakin, 2017). Interaction between students globally will help to share experiences and exchange skills. Moreover, the unique background of every learner should be considered to create an atmosphere of tolerance (Dakin, 2017). At the same time, it is vital to align interaction with learners globally by using available technologies (Dakin, 2017). It will help to cultivate linguistic diversity and attain better outcomes.
Nature of 5th-Grade Students
Students in the 5th grade are in the stage of intellectual expansiveness. It is a period of transition from concrete operations to the solidification phase. The learners are interested chiefly in the natural world and how things work and want to be motivated (“Nature of the student,” n.d.). Group work at this level works best. Grade 5 learners want to be motivated and interested at all times. In addition, the learners here are actively receptive and more interested in factual information and love memorizing. Analogously, they are open to logic, organizing, and collecting facts. They are good problem solvers, and they have the ability to abstract.
Behavior Management Systems
With the nature of the learners outlined above, it is essential to manage their behaviors. Learners’ ultimate goal in school is to be molded into thoughtful and well-rounded human beings. Appropriate behaviors include maintaining a routine, setting rules with the learners, creating some stimulation sessions and sessions, maintaining positive language, and developing an excellent teacher-learner relationship. At the same time, behaviors useful for the process, such as focusing on achievement and acquiring outstanding language skills, should be supported (Tompkins, 2001). It would help to introduce appropriate behavior-management systems and attain desired goals.
Teaching Materials, Content, and Teaching Procedures
Finally, language arts for ESE students require using specific materials and procedures to guarantee that knowledge is generated. First, an educator should focus on using relevant and approved methodological practices offering equal access for all groups of learners (Tompkins, 2001). Second, materials and content should imply interaction with native speakers as part of cultural and language diversity cultivation (Tompkins, 2001). Finally, the content should be adapted to current students’ skills to ensure they understand offered information and can process it (Tompkins, 2001). It would ensure better outcomes and help to avoid difficulties with further progress.
Reaction to the Experience
Self-gratification is a reward that comes with teaching someone. The experience undoubtedly presents challenges and benefits. Every problematic issue strengthens one in various ways, meaning finding an appropriate solution and remembering acquired information is essential. Moreover, teaching offers numerous takeaways, some of which include accommodating different levels of learning and preferences, which was noted through observation. Being mindful of the gift of diversity in a classroom is also essential as it boosts esteem and promotes unity and a sense of belonging to students.
Conclusion
Teaching others is a complex task requiring much attention and effort from an educator. For ESE students, it is vital to create a specific environment and select methods that would help them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. For 5th-grade pupils, it is vital to ensure they have access to creative activities and technologies, allowing them to interact with others and master their language art competencies. For this reason, it is critical to ensure that the correct approaches are selected.
References
Bahari, A. (2022). Affordances and challenges of teaching language skills by virtual reality: A systematic review (2010–2020). E-Learning and Digital Media, 19(2), 163–188.
Barrett, P., Davies, F., Zhang, Y., & Barrett, L. (2017). The holistic impact of classroom spaces on learning in specific subjects. Environment and Behavior, 49(4), 425–451.
Baum, S. M., Renzulli, S., & Rizza, M. G. (2021). The twice-exceptional adolescents: Who are they? What do they need? In F.A. Dixon & S.M. Moon (Eds), The handbook of secondary gifted education (pp. 155-184). Routledge.
Calderón, S. S. (2020). Learning English through ICT tools. Wanceulen SL.
Dakin, J. (2017). Incorporating cultural and linguistic diversity into policy and practice: case studies from an English primary school. Language and Intercultural Communication, 17(4), 422-436.
Kish, T. (2018). The effectiveness of word walls on various groups of students. Honors Research Projects. 702. Web.
Nature of the student. (n.d.). Understanding Science. Web.
Tompkins, G. (2001). Language arts: Content and teaching strategies (5th ed.). Pearson College.