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Language Arts

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Middle School Language Arts

Grade 6

The curriculum for sixth grade provides a transition from that of the elementary schools.  The focus is on the integration of literature with the writing process.

This program includes:
  1. Reading/Language Arts Instruction
    1. Two periods devoted to reading and language arts
    2. Comprehension emphasis when using context and graphophic clues
    3. Thematic instruction developed around specific themes
    4. Emphasis on correct grammar, spelling and reference skills
    5. Use of graphic organizers as an aid in reading comprehension
    6. Use of different genres (e.g autobiography, biography, mystery)
  2. A Focus on Writing
    1. Emphasis on writing using different sentence/paragraph constructions
    2. Narrative/Descriptive/Persuasive/Explanatory
    3. Six trait writing and assessment
    4. Notetaking
    5. Proofreading
    6. Standard spelling emphasized
Types of Instruction Used:
  • Guided Instruction
  • Whole Group
  • Small Group
  • Team Teaching
  • Peer Conferencing
  • Self-selected reading/writing

7th Grade

The curriculum for seventh grade focuses on the integration of literature with the writing process.

Objectives:
  1. Integration of classes - two periods of reading/language arts
  2. Engage in meaningful reading, writing, listening and speaking activities
  3. Focus on the writing process
    1. Paragraph writing
    2. Instruction in well-constructed narrative and expository writing
    3. Book reports
  4. Use of age appropriate selections
Content:
  1. Reading/Language Arts
    1. Integrated instruction
    2. Instruction in vocabulary development, particularly content specific words
    3. Use of context and graphophonic clues
    4. Emphasis on comprehension development - main idea, supporting details
    5. Interpretation and critique of literature
    6. Increased use of reference material
    7. Use of inferential analysis and evaluative judgments
    8. Use of tradebooks, novels and anthologies-thematic approach
    9. Increased emphasis on inferential analysis
  2. Written Expression
    1. Use of correct syntax and mechanics
    2. Application of the writing process - particularly revision/editing of paragraphs
    3. Use of paraphrasing
    4. Use of literature as a model for writing
    5. Notetaking and proofreading
    6. Research projects - with citations and bibliography
    7. Book reports
Types of Instruction Used:
  • Guided Instruction
  • Whole Group
  • Small Group
  • Team Teaching
  • Self-direction
  • Peer Coaching
 Assessments:
  • Teacher observation
  • Classroom tests
  • Student written work
  • Reading/writing checklists
  • Cooperative learning
  • Six trait writing analysis

8th Grade

The curriculum for eighth grade provides a transition to high school by focusing on a critical analysis of literature.

Content
  1. Literature
    1. Oral Expression - reports, oral interpretations and plays, poetry
    2. Appreciation of literature, using poetry, fiction and biography
    3. Books reviews as opposed to book reports
    4. In-depth research
    5. History and growth of the English Language
  2. Written Expression
    1. Syntax of English (subject-predicate structure)
    2. Base Sentence Elements
    3. The forms of English (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs)
    4. Mechanics
    5. Word Structure
    6. Written Composition - letters, paragraphs and report writing
    7. Completion of five paragraph essay
    8. In-depth research
    9. History and growth of the English language
Assessment:
  • Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam (WKCE)
  • Teacher observations
  • Writing journals
  • Chapter/unit tests
  • Analysis of daily/weekly work
  • Research paper
  • Varied oral activities
  • Six trait writing assessment
  • Peer review

High School Language Arts

Four credits of high school English are required for graduation.