MIDDLE SCHOOL

English Curriculum

Sixth Grade

This course is an introduction to the analysis of literature beyond simple comprehension. Students are introduced to formal essay and research standards, practical use of grammar and punctuation, and new study skills. Further emphasis is provided in the following areas:

  • Language: Students build upon the basic fundamentals of the eight parts of speech by using new grammatical concepts, and improve grammar and usage skills through the writing process guided by the Great Source text Write Source: A Book for Writing, Speaking, and Learning.
  • Writing: Students write short essays, creative stories, choice assignments, and reports following MLA (Modern Language Association) standards.
  • Spelling: Students practice spelling conventions and increase word knowledge using the Great Source text Vocabulary for Achievement, Introductory Course.
  • Literature: Students begin to develop understanding of literary elements as well as vocabulary words found within the text. Students study short stories and poetry in the literature text, Literature and The Language Arts, to learn how to read, analyze, and respond to literature. Students develop an appreciation for literature through such novels as A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. Students build reading comprehension as well as an understanding of the faithfulness and power of God as He uses ordinary people to accomplish epic tasks.
  • Journaling: Students journal throughout the novel study for inference, questioning, and summarization.
  • Projects: Students learn to use PowerPoint while they compile research and original poems in the project – Poetry and PowerPoint. Students work in small groups to create an MLA research report with visual aids as they explore and research various genres of literature.

Seventh Grade

Students continue developing a broad appreciation for language arts as they analyze literature, use formal essay and research standards, practice use of grammar, punctuation, and self-revision, and use formal study and comprehension skills. Further emphasis is provided in the following areas:

  • Language: Students review grammatical concepts and study new usage concepts as guided by the Great Source text Write Source: A Book for Writing, Speaking, and Learning. More emphasis is placed on peer revision exercises (for writing) with attention to punctuation and grammatical skills.
  • Writing: Students write various essays and reports following MLA standards – Expository, Research, Persuasive, and Descriptive, as well as Poetry.
  • Spelling: Students practice their spelling conventions using the Great Source text Vocabulary for Achievement, First Course.
  • Literature: Students use short stories, articles, and poetry in Literature in the Language Arts: Exploring Literature continue to develop reading, analysis, and response to literature. Students further develop an understanding of literary elements as well as vocabulary words found in the text. Student appreciation for literature is enhanced through novels such as The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom builds reading comprehension as well as our understanding of the faithfulness of God through our suffering.
  • Journaling: Students journal throughout the novel study for inference, questioning, and summarization.
  • Projects: Students prepare a research report (MLA format) with visual aids as they learn to write persuasively and present reports that solve a problem.

Eighth Grade

As students prepare for high school, it is incumbent upon them to possess and exhibit proficiency in all areas of expression. Students receive this training through the writing process, including pre-writing, drafting, revising, peer-reviewing, editing, and publishing. Further emphasis is provided in the following areas:

  • Language: Students improve grammar and usage skills through the writing process.
  • Writing: Students write various essays and reports following MLA standards.
  • Spelling: Students practice spelling conventions and word usage using the Great Source text Vocabulary for Achievement, Second Course.
  • Literature: Students develop abilities in reading, analyzing, and responding to literature using short stories, articles, and poetry found in Literature and the Language Arts: Responding to Literature. Students examine literary elements as well as vocabulary words, while reexamining terms and devices learned in 7th grade. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy aids in learning to appreciate historically based fiction and examines themes based on false impressions, trust, and betrayal.
  • Journaling: Students journal throughout the novel study for inference, questioning, and summarization.