The English Program for Grades 6, 7, and 8 is divided between grammar study and writing skills. The study of grammar is conducted primarily to further the development of the “life skill”: WRITING. The primary goals of this program are to ensure that all students know the fundamentals of grammar and to utilize this knowledge to write to the best of their abilities.

Our writing/grammar textbook series is published by Holt, Rinehart, Winston and is entitled Elements of Language. Every student was issued a textbook. It is extremely important that every student be prepared for class. This entails bringing to EVERY class the textbook and an English notebook. Every student will be issued a username and password for the online version of the textbook. 7th and 8th graders retain those given last year.

Sixth graders will be assigned a username and password. Web address: http://my.hrw.com

GRAMMAR: Grammar assignments include the PARTS OF SPEECH, SENTENCE STRUCTURE, PUNCTUATION AND CAPITALIZATION, PHRASES AND CLAUSES, and DIAGRAMING. These concepts are reinforced through various classroom projects and homework.

WRITING: The 6 Trait Writing Method is utilized in the teaching of Writing. Writing will be taught and graded according to

1. Ideas and Content
2. Organization
3. Voice
4. Word Choice
5. Sentence Fluency
6. Conventions.

In addition to major projects, there will be smaller writing assignments concentrating on concepts being studied in grammar.

QUIZZES/TESTS: Quizzes occur approximately once a week and tests every 2-3 weeks, after a unit of study is completed.

GRADES: Students’ grades in English are based as follows:

• 2/5 tests and quizzes
• 2/5 writing
• 1/5 homework

***note that in 8th grade, since the majority of the first trimester is concerned with grammar, that trimester’s grades are 1/3 homework, 2/3 tests and quizzes.

Special Reports

6th Grade:

This year is spent primarily in building a firm foundation in the fundamentals of grammar and good writing. Reinforcement of clear, focused writing is a priority within the framework of writing assignments. Paragraph, narrative, and expository writing skills are stressed in this grade.

Writing Workshop classes are held on a rotating basis. This once a week class explores various writing skills and modes.

 

7th Grade:

Basic skills are reviewed, and new writing projects are introduced. In the fall, seventh graders will be guided through the process of writing a research paper in order to prepare them for the guidelines of their Science Fair papers. Persuasive writing is introduced in the second semester.

In addition, whole language projects, blending English and other disciplines, will be formulated as the opportunity arises.

Writing Workshop classes are held once a week, rotating on a trimester schedule.

 

8th Grade:

The first trimester of 8th grade is devoted to review of grammar in anticipation of high school entrance/placement tests. The rest of the curriculum focuses more on writing, mainly narrative.

Writing Workshop classes are held once on week on a trimester schedule. Students explore a variety of writing skills—essay response, writing devices, etc.

 

We also have an independent reading program. Each student will read a minimum of 3 books per trimester and fill out a Literature Log on each book. The junior high section of the SJA library has been expanded, and students are expected to choose selections from our library. After the minimum assignment of 3 library books has been satisfied, the student may read books from any source, for further enrichment. Extra credit will be given for additional Literature Logs completed. Grades from the Literature Logs will be applied as a test grade in both Literature and English.

 

4/2011

QUESTIONS: Any questions will be most readily answered. Please feel free to contact us if an assignment is not clear, or if you have a special request.