| Language Arts |
Grade 6
Sixth Grade English Language Arts introduces students to reading, writing, and study skills strategies used extensively during the Middle School years. Students read fiction (short stories, novels, poetry, and drama) as well as non-fiction. They learn to respond to the assigned literature while developing skills in literary analysis, and to express their thoughts both orally and in written form. Writing as a process is emphasized, as is using technology to facilitate the writing process. Students develop their vocabulary and learn to self-edit and edit the work of peers. The students write often to better hone emerging skills. The novels, projects, and themes in Sixth Grade English are closely linked to the 6th Grade Social Studies Ancient History course.
Grade 7
Seventh Grade English Language Arts builds upon the skills and concepts previously taught. Students are asked to read from the works of a wide variety of well-known international authors. Poetry and drama are examined more extensively than in previous years. Research skills are taught, culminating in a research paper. Students continue to develop reading, writing and speaking skills by completing both daily assignments and long-range projects. Peer-editing and self-editing techniques are employed weekly during the Writer’s Workshop. Instruction in the proper and efficient use of technology is integrated into the research and writing process.
Grade 8
Eighth Grade English Language Arts requires that students read a wide range of classic and contemporary novels, poetry, and essays. Students continue to develop academic writing skills through assignments that require them to analyze, respond, and write with purpose and lucidity. Writer’s Workshop classes each week continue to polish the skills of self-editing and peer-editing, and promote mastery of the revision process.
