Ka Lama's university courses emphasize literacy learning and teaching. Literacy is emphasized because effective reading, writing, and critical thinking are regarded as foundational to children's success in all areas of the curriculum. Furthermore, the reading achievement scores on the Wai`anae Coast indicate a grave need for powerful literacy instruction. Ka Lama focuses on a balanced literacy approach, which combines both whole language and skill-based instruction, and is always adjusted to meet the needs of the students. Children's writing is like Guided and Independent Reading. It is writing by children. A writer needs time and opportunities to think about what is to be written, then to write the piece, revise it and finally to present it. Through children writing, students learn and practice the writing process.

To find out more about our philosophy of teaching writing, click on the buttons to the left.