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Course Abstract
Sixth-Grade Language Arts
The sixth-grade language arts program at West Hills will allow students coming into middle school to develop a vast array of reading and writing skills. Students will be exposed to intrapersonal, interpersonal, visual and other learning strategies that will allow them to master concepts. Through various measures, including word attack skills and comprehension strategies, students will improve their overall reading ability. Students will also be exposed to narrative and expository text that will enable them to tie other curriculum into their reading and writing.
A wealth of writing skills will be introduced and students will be expected to produce persuasive, biographical and other writing genres that will apply to their community. In addition, sixth-graders will develop their ability to listen and express their viewpoints. They will also gain respect and understanding for the viewpoints of others. Students will be assessed using an assortment of tasks that will allow them to express their knowledge via tests, projects, extended responses and oral communication.
| Units of Study |
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*Word Study |
*Persuasive Writing |
*Paragraph Construction |
*Informational Text |
*Writing Summaries |
*Poetry Introduction |
*Expository Writing |
*Listening Skills |
*Grammar Rocks |
*Reading Attitude |
*Narrative Writing |
*Group/Oral Skills |
*Reading Comprehension |
*Writing Outside the Classroom |
*Challenges |
Course Abstract
Seventh Grade Language Arts
The seventh-grade English- Language Arts curriculum expands the development of literacy through each of the areas of Language Arts. It serves as a continuation of the knowledge gathered in sixth grade and as a bridge to what students will learn in eighth grade. A variety of learning strategies will be taught that can be applied to gaining knowledge in all subject areas. Where appropriate, the Language Arts are linked to the content of the seventh grade Eastern World Social Studies curriculum. Students will be introduced to a plethora of informational and narrative texts. They will write personal essays, autobiographies, poetry, and a research report. Journal entries, designed to answer specific questions, will help students gain a better feel for the writing process. In addition, the class will continue to focus on problem and solution, cause and effect, and sequence. Seventh graders develop their ability to listen, speak, and view by delivering oral presentations. Through the use of contemporary and classic literature and other texts (e.g. essays, magazines, newspapers, etc.) from our common culture and other cultures around the world, seventh graders explore a variety of topics in the units of study.
Units of Study
Novels (Thematic lessons)
Test taking skills
Developing New Vocabulary
Writing Personal Narratives
Writing Five Paragraph Essays
Poetry
Course Abstract
8th grade Language Arts
The design of 8th grade language arts emphasizes students acquiring and refining the linguistic skills necessary to express their ideas effectively. Students are also encouraged to find meaning and value in the words of others. Participation in this class allows students to see the power of language, as well its importance in the rapidly growing means by which we communicate. A variety of methods of instruction will be used, including but not limited to various textbooks and articles, homogeneous gender/ability/interests groupings, videos, class speakers, overhead presentations, photos, charts/graphs/, traditional homework, lectures, text reading, group discussions, games and competitions, simulations, peer conferencing and teaching, student-centered inquiry, journaling, self-reflection, and debates. Among the methods of assessment are performing skits, traditional essay and objective tests, class discussions, essay writing, journals, daily homework, videotapes, oral reports, and projects.
Units of Study
Short stories
Var. reading skills (Identify main idea, summarize, draw conclusions, predict, etc.)
Var. literary devices (plot structure, metaphor, point of view, etc.)
Novels - Var. genres
Independent reading program
Grammar skills
Sentence Structure
Infinitives
Gerunds
Participial Phrases
Dashes
Ellipses
Vocabulary acquisition and usage
Writing
The Writing Process
Prewriting
Writing
Revision
Research/Persuasive essays
Narrative writing (historical fiction, realistic fiction, etc.)
Response to literature
Historical expository writing (biography, simulated memoir, etc.)
Effective use of tone/voice (humor, vivid vocabulary, lit devices, credible support, surprise, etc.)
Speaking and Listening
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