English

Students study the English/language arts skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In grade six, the core literature is D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths. Supplemental literature may include Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, selected stories from Guys Write for Guys Read by Jon Scieszka, and When I Was Your Age, Volume Two, edited by Amy Ehrlich. Various fiction, nonfiction, and poetry selections will be used to align with common core state standards and support thematic units. Writing focuses on the three text types emphasized by the Common Core Standards for sixth grade: argumentative, informational/explanatory, and narrative. Grammar instruction and mechanics are embedded in the language arts curriculum and are practiced within the context of writing assignments. Students practice speaking and listening skills through formal presentations, conversations, and small and large group discussions. Language arts skills are reinforced across the curriculum.

All students in grade 7 continue to build their English/language arts skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and visually representing. These abilities are developed within the context of core literature units including novels, short stories, and poetry. In 7th grade, the core literature is The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank and The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Extended core or supplemental literature includes The Canterbury Tales, Bronx Masquerade, Farewell to Manzanar, and The Pearl (2-3 of these titles in adapted form are read each year) as well as self-selected texts. Students practice the conventions of language (grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.) in required writing assignments, teacher-developed writing lessons, and text lessons. Students practice speaking and listening skills through speeches, presentations, conversations, individual and group presentations, and small and large group discussion. These are taught through the use of audio‐visual and technological resources. Through portfolios of their work, students practice self-reflection and self-assessment.

All students in grade 8 continue to build their English/Language Arts skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. These abilities are developed within the context of literature units that align with current CCSS standards. In 8th grade, the literature units include Twelve Angry Men, The House on Mango Street, “Flowers for Algernon”, and “The Most Dangerous Game”. Each novel is supplemented with extended texts including short stories, poetry and non-fiction texts such as news articles and essays. Students practice the conventions of language (grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.) through targeted practice and required writing assignments. Varied writing assignments include narrative writing, argument essays, response to reading, and technical writing. Reading comprehension skills, such as questioning the text and other strategies, are explained and practiced. Students practice speaking and listening skills through formal speeches, conversations, individual and group presentations, and small and large group discussions. Students present work using appropriate technology.