Writing

The Middle School English Language Arts: Writing & Grammar curriculum continues to develop the skills taught in the Lucy Calkins Units of Study Writing Workshop. Grades 6-8 all cover writing skills in Narrative, Information, and Argument units. Grammar instruction covers grade level standards using the No Red Ink online program. In addition to the Writers Workshop Units, students across the grades write for additional purposes including Speech Contests, the Young Authors Faire, Knights of Columbus writing contests, and a variety of other assignments.

Grade 6

Sixth grade will cover the following units: 1) Personal Narrative: Crafting Powerful Life Stories, 2) The Literary Essay: From Character to Compare & Contrast, and 3) Research-Based Information Writing: Books, Websites & Presentations.

For vocabulary students use Membean which is a on-line program tailored to the individual students and works at their pace. Students will study how characters develop over the course of a novel, and elements in non-fiction focusing on various reading strategies to deepen their comprehension. There are a variety of class novels and independent books the students read throughout the course of the year. Students will also begin to learn how to write a literary essay.

Grade 7

Seventh grade will cover the following units: 1) Writing Realistic Fiction: Symbolism, Syntax & Truth, 2) Writing About Reading: From Reader's Notebooks to Companion Books, and 3) The Art of Argument: Research-Based Essays.

For vocabulary students use Membean which is a on-line program tailored to the individual students and works at their pace. Students will study the genre of dystopian novels, and books with Social Teachings as well as various reading strategies to deepen their comprehension. There are a variety of class novels and independent books the students read throughout the course of the year.

Grade 8

Eighth grade will cover the following units: 1) Investigative Journalism, 2) The Literary Essay: Analyzing Craft & Theme, and 3) Position Papers: Research & Argument.

For vocabulary students use Membean which is a on-line program tailored to the individual students and works at their pace. Students will study the genre of historical fiction and various reading strategies to deepen their comprehension. There are a variety of class novels and independent books the students read throughout the course of the year.