ELA (English Language Arts)

The ability to read and write English is essential to every student’s success.

Literacy skills are a key component of a PS 54 education starting in early grades, where students study letters, sounds and words. 

Reading

Our students read and study multiple genres —non-fiction, poetry, realistic fiction, fairytales, persuasive writing, personal narrative, expert writing — in order to not only gain a deeper understanding of literature, but also to encourage a passion for reading.  We help students find their special interests and encourage their reading in those subject areas.  At the end of the 2009-2010 school years, the best readers among 5th grade graduates were rewarded with the Harry Potter series to take home, thanks to a generous donation from Scholastic  through ReadThis.

Writing

Our school emphasizes writing throughout all academic subject areas so that students can regularly practice organizing and sequencing  their thoughts. As they progress in grade level, their observations and details become more refined.

In the upper grades, students learn how authors use literary devices (simile, metaphor, evaluation of content for relevant information), what techniques and writing decisions make for effective  language, and how to review and edit their own writing.