Curriculum Overview

In Grade 6 English students study and use all the stages of the writing process in order to write clearly and effectively. Students employ a variety of prewriting strategies, as they find and organize material for their compositions. Students learn the conventions of standard English and use these conventions in revising and editing their compositions. Grade 6 English emphasizes the four traditional types of writing; description, narration, exposition, and persuasion.

In order to understand and appreciate literature, students need a variety of skills. In sixth grade, students learn and use effective strategies before, during, and after their reading. For example, students learn a variety of pre-reading strategies, such as using previous knowledge of literature and its forms, previewing what they will read, and making predictions about what they will find in their reading. Grade 6 students expand their vocabularies through their reading, and through the study of the structure and origin of words. In addition, they learn and practice appropriate public speaking skills.

In seventh grade, students will use the conventions of standard English as they draft, revise, and edit their compositions. Students will focus on a variety of prewriting strategies, including brainstorming, discussing, charting, reading, and outlining. Using these strategies, they will create and organize ideas for their finished pieces of writing. Grade Seven English emphasizes descriptive and expository writing and helps to prepare students for exams in the spring. In order to understand and appreciate literature, students need a variety of skills. In seventh grade students will learn effective strategies to use before, during, and after their reading, with focus on pre-reading. Our students will expand their vocabularies and learn a variety of pre-reading strategies, including using previous knowledge of literature and its forms, establishing purposes for their reading, previewing what they will read, and making predictions about what they will find in their reading. Students will speak effectively and will prepare presentations that will interest their audience. Students will also learn and practice appropriate public speaking skills.

In eight grade, students will use the stages of the writing process, enhancing their understanding of these steps. Great focus will be placed on the organizational and drafting stages, as students learn to write for a specific audience. Students will engage in thoughtful revision and editing of their writing. Narrative and persuasive writing will be emphasized. Expository writing will be thoroughly reviewed with special emphasis on the thesis statement and short essays similar to ‘Open Response’ answers. Students will read with understanding and insight, with special attention to using effective postreading strategies. They will analyze the literary techniques employed by authors in a variety of genres. Students will read outside of class time and will create book projects based on their reading. The curriculum also encompasses grammar, mechanics, critical and creative thinking skills, vocabulary development, spelling, listening skills, and public speaking.