The Sixth through Ninth Grade Language Arts/English curriculum provides a challenging and meaningful program which strengthens the communication skills of each student. Reading, writing, thinking, speaking and listening, as well as the visual and performing arts, are all-important components of our program. This program is viewed as a process that begins in Preschool and continues to develop and build through each grade level. In a supportive, cooperative literature rich environment, students at all levels are encouraged to progress at their own steady pace learning age-appropriate concepts and basic skills. Books, stories, poetry, plays and magazine articles are chosen to enhance and enrich other academic disciplines.
The process of writing: grammar, mechanics, usage and content development are all taught through the individual writing pieces of each student as well as through mini-lessons. Throughout the grades, students are instructed to proofread and to edit their work and to express themselves well in all subject areas. Student projects, personal experiences, the student's environment and a wealth of literature books provide each student with continuous opportunities to develop a solid foundation of communication skills for future schooling, as well as to develop a lifelong desire to read and write.
The goals and objectives of the English program are as follows:
- Students will be critical thinkers.
- Students will develop an appreciation of all forms of literature.
- Students will take pleasure in reading and writing.
- Students will develop the ability to communicate to a particular audience efficiently and effectively.
- Students will write employing appropriate grammar, usage and structure.
- Students will develop organizational and research skills.