Literature and Grammar
The curriculum for 7-8 Literature and Grammar is designed to integrate out school mission with courses that both reinforce and challenge and are taught in a structured environment designed to encourage success. The scope and sequence of middle grades English emphasizes understanding and mastery of foundation skills in grammar, writing, and reading. Our curriculum promotes the smoothest possible transition to upper school curriculum.
Seventh Grade English
Students study literature from a wide variety of genres including short stories, nonfiction, drama, poetry, and folk literature. They read and analyze a variety of novels to determine cause-and-effect, author’s purpose, plot, theme, and other forms of literature. Students organize a writing portfolio that includes samples of narrative, persuasive, point of view, descriptive, and other forms of writing.
Eighth Grade English
Students continue to read and analyze various genres of literature. They learn to form personal responses through the use of journal writing. Their writing is enhanced through the study of college preparatory vocabulary and grammar mechanics. Eighth grade students complete a historical research paper during the second semester, which encourages cross-curricular study. Students organize a writing portfolio that includes samples of various forms of writing.