Middle School Language Arts Curriculum

In fifth grade, students become active members of a community of readers and writers. The course is based upon our belief that in order to learn how to express yourself, it’s important to develop your identity as a reader. Students in fifth grade learn to identify a variety of middle grade genres with a variety of themes, all chosen to widen their world view and to promote conversation about what it means to be a reader, writer, and contributing member of society. 

Students are encouraged to think critically about what they read and to analyze and evaluate information and ideas to understand other people’s lived experiences and how others express themselves. Students work collaboratively with peers to discuss their responses to text, examine different types of writing, and to improve the content and clarity of their writing in meaningful contexts. We study vocabulary, grammar, and writing mechanics topics in order to provide students with the skills to successfully represent their own ideas.

The primary goal of the sixth grade Language Arts program is to increase the experience, frequency, expertise, and enjoyment of literature and writing. Students read and write about the stories of different identities in order to better understand themselves and others. With this overall goal in mind, the program provides ample time and space for students to practice these skills and to make choices about what they read and write.

Reading: The Reading Curriculum is a combination of independent reading and whole group novel studies. Class literature selections typically include award winning titles such as The Westing Game, Finding Someplace, The Last Cuentista, and other thematic novels. 

Vocabulary: Students grow vocabulary through reading and through the use of the Membean Vocabulary Program which is an individualized digital learning program. Through a differentiated word list, students acquire mastery and long-term retention of new vocabulary words.

Writing: In a variety of workshop formats, students approach writing as a process which includes drafts, peer reviews, teacher conferences, revisions, and publishing. Publishing opportunities exist through the creation of personal blogs, book arts projects in conjunction with a local art gallery, and submission to the DA Locker literature magazine. 

Grammar: Students work with self paced and teacher led grammatical instruction. Grammar is taught as a tool for effective communication within the reading and writing components of the curriculum. 

In seventh grade Language Arts, students read texts that provide windows into a range of identities and experiences. This class is organized around three sets of skills: critical thinking, speaking and listening, and writing. 

Critical thinking: Reading emphasizes the use of close reading strategies, analysis of literary elements, and interpretation of literature. Students learn to write claims, provide text evidence, and explain their reasoning. Students read a variety of poems, short stories, nonfiction, and novels. Texts include novels such as The Outsiders and Home of the Brave, short stories such as “Trev” by Jacqueline Woodson, “What’s the Worst that Could Happen?” by Bruce Colville, and “All Summer in a Day” by Ray Bradbury. Poetry is read throughout the year and includes works by poets such as Langston Hughes, Emily Dickinson, and Georgia Ella Lyon. Nonfiction texts and persuasive texts feature writing by Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King, Jr. among others.

Speaking and Listening: Individually and in small groups, students create multimedia, interactive projects and presentations. Students participate in meaningful seminar discussions which feature dialogue and debate rooted in the text evidence. 

Writing: Writing goals center on moving through the writing process — from brainstorming and outlining to drafting, revising, editing, and sharing their work with an audience — with deliberate intent and care. Vocabulary learning takes place through the Membean website, as well as the study of academic and context words. Grammar topics and practice are covered through a variety of resources and activities, both online and on paper.

Eighth-grade Language Arts develops and assesses students' critical thinking, writing, and speaking & listening skills. Students will learn to choose appropriate evidence and demonstrate analysis through essay writing, seminar discussions, creative work, and presentations. Students will plan, draft, proofread, revise, and grow as writers using feedback and metacognitive-focused reflection. 

Reading: Diversity of identities, perspectives, and genres are central to our book selections. Students choose from a range of memoirs during a book circle unit. Class reads typically include titles such as Romeo & Juliet, Maus II, and The 57 Bus. 

Writing: Students write and receive feedback in a variety of forms. Students will write academic essays, spoken-word poems, and adapted Shakespeare scripts. 

Speaking and Listening: Students will learn the art of conversation through seminar-style discussions, calls with Meals on Wheels clients, and interviews. They will practice their public speaking through events such as a public forum debate and a poetry slam.

The Speech and Debate elective course makes apparent to students the “public speaking” and “debate” that happens all around us.  

While focusing around speech, students work with each other to prioritize clarity and cultivate their unique voices. By focusing around the skillsets learned through extemporaneous speaking, original oratory and interpretation of literature, students will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of contexts and modalities.   

While focusing around debate, students work on developing their core persuasion, communication, and collaboration skills. Students will also learn how to compete in formalized debate events like Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum and Congressional Debate. Finally, students will be introduced to both the foundations of complex argument creation as well as the competitive structure of debate rounds. By the end of the year, students will feel comfortable preparing and delivering arguments and presentations in advance and in the moment.

Throughout the course, students will acquire and hone research skills to access, analyze and synthesize information from a variety of sources. Students will finish the course with the ability to review sources, determine their validity, apply them to a topic, and integrate them in a refined manner.

Students who complete the course will be left with a number of vital communication skills needed to succeed in the world around them. We strive to help students find their voice and fine means to share it in a clear, concise and structured manner.