English

The Grade 6 English course endeavors to support students in their transition from lower school to the middle school using familiar tools, habits, and literary language. In this year-long course, students will cultivate their skills as readers by developing complex inferences, tracking changes in characters across a story, analyzing craft moves authors make to impact texts, identifying themes, and discussing how perspective is addressed in fiction. Not only do students develop these skills through independent reading and interpreting novels as a class, students will participate in literature circles to discuss their findings in collaborative groups. In terms of writing, the Grade 6 curriculum reinforces the Six Traits of Writing, as this is a foundational understanding that will be built upon throughout students' middle school careers. Students will develop maturity and complexity in their writing through personal narratives and descriptive writing, as well as informational and personal essays. Grammar and vocabulary acquisition is addressed both through direct instruction and implicitly through integrated reading and writing instruction.

Texts read may include Esperanza Rising, Ryan; Gate A4, Shihab Nye; Funeral, Fletcher; Holes, Sacher; Blood on the Water; Perry

Grade 7 English is designed to develop student language skills through a close examination of how abstract and figurative language is integrated into the written word. The course is centered on the premise that what students read and what they write are intrinsically linked. Students read novels, short stories, and excerpts exploring how talented authors use literary devices to illuminate themes and develop climactic moments; they integrate these techniques into their own writing, be it fiction or nonfiction. In addition to reading and writing, students will continue maturing as critical thinkers through vocabulary acquisition, speaking, listening, and actively participating in their own learning.

Texts read may include Stargirl, Spinelli; A Single Shard, Park; The Giver, Lowry; The Most Dangerous Game, Connell; All Summer in a Day, Bradbury; The Dinner Party, Gardner; Thank You Ma’am, Hughes; Ex Poser, Jennings.

Students in Grade 8 English will explore a variety of genres that include non-fiction, the novel, poetry, and drama. The primary focus is on analysis where students will examine characters, identify themes, and provide textual support to showcase their understanding of these elements. Moreover, they will cultivate an awareness of literary techniques as they consider the connection between form and content. Students will write expository essays, experiment with a variety of forms in their own poetry writing, and improve their use of vocabulary and grammar. Oral presentations, as well as small and large group discussions, will facilitate the development of a deep appreciation of key concerns.

Texts read may include Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck; Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury; To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee; a variety of contemporary poetry; and a selection of speeches from the plays of William Shakespeare.