English Language Arts

Sixth grade students build their English and Language Arts skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking within the context of core literature units including novels, short stories, poetry, and mythology. Teachers use a variety of texts to develop literature units focusing on literary elements, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and response to literature. Students practice the conventions of language (grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.) in required writing assignments, teacher developed writing lessons, and grammar text lessons. Students will write narratives, arguments, and informative/explanatory texts. Writing instruction will focus on the development of the traits of good writing. Students practice speaking and listening skills through formal speeches, presentations (individual and group), discussions, and conversations.

Following the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), seventh grade students continue to build their skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language. Students read and analyze texts of varying complexity, which may include novels, non-fiction books, articles, poems, short stories and plays. Throughout the year, students write argumentative, narrative, and informative pieces (including literary analysis) with a focus on the organization of structured paragraphs with clear claims, textual evidence, proper citation, and commentary/analysis. Students practice speaking and listening skills through structured class discussions, individual and group presentations. Grammar and mechanics are taught within the context of writing. When writing or speaking, students will practice crafting effective phrases, clauses, and sentence structures and use vocabulary that suits the audience and purpose.

Following the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), eighth grade students continue to build their skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language. Students strengthen their critical thinking skills through the study of novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and nonfiction. Throughout the year, students write argumentative, response to literature, expository, and narrative pieces with a focus on the organization of structured paragraphs and essays. Students introduce and support claims with logical reasoning and evidence, use Modern Language Association (MLA) citation and format style, and develop their commentary/analysis skills. Grammar and mechanics are taught within the context of writing. Students practice speaking and listening skills through structured class discussions, group presentations, and individual presentations. When writing or speaking, students craft effective sentence structures and use vocabulary that suits the audience and purpose.