Middle School English Course Descriptions: 2006-2007

English 5

The goal in fifth grade English is to help children become more confident, thoughtful readers and expressive and versatile writers.  Reading instruction is built largely around chapter books or novels, with a careful examination of character, setting, plot, and theme through both discussion and writing.  Titles include Boy, Sign of the Beaver, Walk Two Moons, Jim the Boy, and Stepping on the Cracks.  Short stories, myths, poetry, and non-fiction are also read, and many selections are tied to learning about American cultures in social studies.  Students are encouraged to make and share personal reading choices through a year-long independent reading project.  A variety of writing experiences, including stories, essays, journals, retellings and poems, give children opportunities to take their talents as writers in different directions.  Spelling, grammar, and vocabulary building are taught as sub skills which support growth as readers and writers.

English 6

Writing, reading and drama form the core of the sixth grade English program.  A principal focus of instruction is the development of writing skills. Many forms are taught, including poetry, personal narratives, myths, scripts, monologues, stories, and short essays. Grammar and spelling receive attention both in formal instruction and in evaluation of written pieces. Throughout the year, students read a wide selection of world mythology, poetry, short stories, and novels. Many selections are tied to topics and themes in social studies. Reading instruction aims to enhance critical thinking as students delve into and interpret more complex literature. Texts to be used include Junior Great Books Series 6, The Greek Gods, The Kite Rider, and Wordly Wise book 4. A year-long independent reading program encourages students to select and read excellent books.  Drama skills such as a concentration and focus, physical and vocal expression, memorization, and movement are practiced during the year. In the spring, English, social studies and art classes will work jointly on staging the Hindu epic, The Ramayana.

English 7

Seventh grade English comprises the language arts, with an emphasis on improving the skills of writing and reading. The classroom often becomes a writers’ workshop, with students helping each other in drafting, revising, and editing. Writing practices include scripts, short stories, narratives, essays, and poems. Besides being required to edit for accurate grammar, punctuation, and usage, students have formal lessons and exercises in those matters. They also have brief daily vocabulary development drills. Students are expected to do considerable independent reading. Required readings are in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry; accompanying activities include annotating, summarizing, and analyzing. Combined with group discussions and oral presentations, these activities aim to foster close reading skills and to deepen the students’ understanding of the texts. The novels for this year include True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Monster.

English 8

Eighth grade English emphasizes and incorporates both literature and composition. Ancient and modern texts are used to explore the general theme of the course, the development of personal identity and character. Reading activities include interpretive discussion, annotation, analysis, and vocabulary development. In Writing Workshop students develop their skills through exploring topics of their own choosing and writing frequently in a variety of genres. Teacher-generated assignments include summaries and essays in response to the literature, personal narratives, poetry, fiction, and dramatic scripts. A review of grammar, punctuation and usage builds upon knowledge and skills acquired in previous grades. As with the seventh grade course, small group discussions and oral presentations are emphasized.

The main texts for this year are The House on Mango Street, A Separate Peace, The Odyssey, and Julius Caesar. A variety of short fiction, contemporary poetry, and contemporary non-fiction pieces are also studied.