6th Grade
The goal of 6th grade language arts is to build a student’s competence in written and oral communication skills, and to strengthen study skills. Course objectives address reinforcement of grammar and syntax skills, spelling, handwriting, conventional mechanics, increased vocabulary by using the Wordly Wise book, and Standard English usage through implementation of the Spalding Program. In addition, students are expected to organize ideas into writing for a variety of purposes. Students will be expected to write a report, an evaluation, a problem solution, a personal experience narrative, a short story, speculation about cause and effect, descriptive and expository essays, summaries, friendly and business letter. Studies skills addressed include scanning material, time management techniques, and use of reference materials. The Toastmasters, public speaking program will be presented in 10 weekly sessions, followed by a competitive “Speak-Off”. *Honors English is offered.
7th Grade
The goals of 7th grade language arts are to continue to build students’ competence in written and oral skills, and to strengthen study skills. Course objectives address reinforcement of grammar and syntax, spelling, handwriting, conventional mechanics, increased vocabulary by using the Wordly Wise book and Standard English usage through implementation of the Spalding Program. In addition, students are expected to organize ideas into writing for a variety of purposes. Students will write a report, an evaluation, a problem solution, a personal experience observations, a story, speculation about cause and effect, descriptive and expository essays, a summary, and a business letter. Study skills addressed include note taking and outlining skills, time management, use of reference materials, test-taking skills, and understanding and avoiding plagiarism. The Toastmaster’s public speaking program will be presented in 10 weekly sessions, followed by a competitive “Speak-Off”. *Honors English is offered.
8th Grade
The goals of 8th grade language arts are to continue to build a students’ competence in written and oral communication in preparation for high school. Course objectives address reinforcement of grammar and syntax, spelling, handwriting, conventional mechanics, increased vocabulary by using the Wordly Wise book and Standard English usage through implementation of the Spalding Program. In addition, students are expected to organize ideas into writing for a variety of purposes, and to proofread, edit, and revise their work. Students will also be expected to write in all areas of composition, concentrating on research paper skills and expository essays. Study skills addressed include the use of reference materials, use of graphic materials, test-taking skills and note-taking. *Honors English is offered.