English

Fifth-grade English builds the foundational skills and strategies for reading comprehension and written expression that will serve students throughout their middle school years. Students strengthen both literal and inferential reading comprehension as they read selected works of fiction. Students also read poems, myths, and non-fiction texts related to the ancient civilizations that they explore in Social Studies. As the fifth grade strives to build an inclusive, safe community, students explore issues related to class, privilege, prejudice, bullying, and friendship in their discussions of literature. Writing instruction draws upon students’ enthusiasm for self-expression, providing many opportunities for students to develop their skills as expository and creative writers. Mentor texts serve as inspiration for students to explore, critique, and write poetry. Grammar, vocabulary, and spelling are taught as tools that foster effective communication and expression.

The English 6 curriculum includes the study of literature, creative and expository writing, vocabulary development, and grammar skills. Students read literature in a variety of genres, including fantasy, realistic modern fiction, historical fiction, and poetry. While studying novels, students explore theme, character development, foreshadowing, and conflict; while studying poetry, they discuss structure, theme, tone, and the author’s message. Students read two books of their own choosing each trimester and discuss them in informal book talks with the Middle School librarian. Throughout the year, students write stories and poems, incorporating the literary elements studied in class. Students also write beginning essays based on the literature and learn to defend a point of view with supporting details and examples. Vocabulary development has two goals: students learn new words from the literature read in class, with the emphasis on improving reading comprehension, and they study Greek and Latin roots. In grammar and skills lessons, students identify parts of speech and review basic writing conventions. In all these activities, the development of critical thinking is fostered, along with a love for literature and the written word in all its forms.

The English 7 curriculum includes the study of literature, creative and expository writing, vocabulary development, and grammar skills. Texts studied correspond to the theme of “finding your voice.” Students read and report on free-choice reading selections regularly. Writing instruction focuses on the writing process, from gathering ideas and drafting outlines to following assigned structures and using evidence from the text to support ideas. There is an emphasis on revision and editing, both independently and in a workshop setting. Creative writing opportunities include poetry that students compose and organize into digital portfolios that they share with the community. Vocabulary lessons focus on words from the assigned texts and build on previous work with Greek and Latin word roots; lessons are completed through an online, game-based vocabulary learning tool. Grammar lessons build on previous knowledge and are taught in the context of writing and vocabulary learning.

The English 8 curriculum includes the study of literature with an emphasis on close reading and analysis. Texts studied correspond to the theme of “finding your place.” Students also read classic short stories, a Shakespeare play, and free-choice selections. Writing assignments invite students to undertake creative and personal writing in addition to analytical and persuasive writing. Projects include interdisciplinary Shakespeare performance pieces and autobiographical speeches written for the end-of-year Moving Up Ceremony. Vocabulary lessons focus on words from the assigned texts and build on previous work with Greek and Latin word roots; lessons are completed through an online, game-based vocabulary learning tool. Grammar lessons help students identify and correct common errors as they compose more sophisticated sentences.