Language Arts (ELA)

 

 

Grammar studies continue in sixth grade, with an emphasis on mastery. Writing is revised, edited, and published throughout the year. Ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation are standards that assist students in the writing process. Parts of speech are taught as a vital component of quality writing. Rules of punctuation and searching for errors in writing are addressed and practiced. Developing writing skills is a major focus.

 

In reading, sixth graders begin to use literature to understand how figurative language contributes to good writing. Understanding plot development and literary language helps students to analyze authors’ meaning and purpose. A variety of literature, poetry, and modern fiction, novels, short stories, and poems are used to allow students to explore the world of reading.

 

Seventh graders continue their mastery of grammar while using their skills to develop essays that are clear and coherent. Ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation are standards that assist students in the writing process. Parts of speech are taught as a vital component of quality writing. Rules of punctuation and searching for errors in writing are addressed and practiced. Strengthening writing skills is a major focus.

 

In reading, seventh graders use literature to analyze how place and time influence the theme or message of literary work. As their skills develop, they interpret the figurative meaning of phrases and analyze how an author’s use of language creates imagery, appeals to the senses, and suggests mood. A variety of literature, poetry, and modern fiction, novels, short stories, and poems are used to allow students to explore the world of reading.

 

Eighth graders will build on ideas to create focused, organized, coherent pieces of writing. They will revise drafts to ensure precise word choice and vivid images, consistent point of view with more complex sentence structures. Eighth graders will prepare for high school by using print and electronic sources to research topics and understand paraphrasing and citations. Parts of speech are taught as a vital component of quality writing. Rules of punctuation and searching for errors in writing are addressed and practiced. Polishing writing skills is a major focus.

 

In reading, eighth graders use literature to compare and contrast similarities and differences in mythologies from other cultures. Emphasis is placed on how the values and beliefs of characters are affected by the historical and cultural setting of a literary work. Analyzing linear plot development and points of view to determine conflict resolution is stressed in a variety of literature, poetry, and modern fiction, novels, short stories, and poems are used to allow students to explore the world of reading.