As one of the best independent schools in Denver, we evaluate our Communication and Literacy curriculum every five years, which allows us to find the most hands-on, interactive, and applicable materials possible for the continued success of our students. Part of that evaluation is also creating engaging opportunities for our families related to academic subjects. Our Communication and Literacy team created a Family Literacy Night supporting the continued learning of students -- and parents -- while making reading and literature even more fun and interactive for our learners.
Communication and Literacy
With an emphasis on communication, public speaking and listening skills, Aspen Academy students are able to clearly explain their thinking and learning, while also listening to the opinions and ideas of others.
Student choice and ownership are at the forefront of our language arts curriculum. At Aspen Academy, all of our language arts teachers pride themselves on tapping into the personal interests and learning styles of each and every one of their students. The workshop model, which consists of a short, whole-group lesson and extended time for differentiated-partner, small group and individual learning time, allows for each student to reach his or her full potential. Providing choice for both reading and writing creates an authentic learning environment full of passion and excitement in each language arts classroom. These choices provide an opportunity for critical thinking, self-reflection and decision-making unmatched among other programs in the nation.
Through our model, students have extensive time to read mentor texts and use these texts to inform their writing. In addition, teachers supplement with targeted phonics, spelling, and grammar skills that meet standards at each grade level. Technology and language arts teachers work together to provide a connection between the classroom and real-life applications of the content. The skills taught are applicable in all subject areas, which means math, social studies, science and language arts teachers collaborate to ensure reading, writing and public speaking expectations are consistent.
Recent blogs on literacy & reading
After spending several weeks studying, identifying, parsing out, reconstructing, and crafting their own complex sentences in grammar lessons, 5th Grade students all were given the opportunity to craft a fun children's story for their Kindergarten mentees with the working title, "If you Give an Aspen Student. . ." Learn more in this blog by 5th Grade Communications & Literacy teacher, Marie Boneck.
Our Parent Civic Organization(PCO) is challenging all Aspen Academy students to read for 15 mins (Pre-K to 1 grade), 20 mins (2nd-3rd grade), or 30 mins (4th-8th grade) a day. You can participate by printing the age-appropriate sheets and completing the sheet with a parent TO WIN A PRIZE!
In 6th grade Communication and Literacy, we celebrate daily with high fives, shout outs (acknowledgements), and personal notes either on the work or to the student. But best of all, Writing and Reading Celebrations occur at the end of some of our units.
As part of Aspen Academy's commitment to continuous improvement, every five years, department chairs revisit each curriculum area. Learn more about this review from the lens of DEI in this interview with Joanna Weisel.