Upper School English Curriculum Details
Sixth Grade
The Language Arts program at ABS provides each student with the ability to understand the structures of the English Language and apply these skills in every area of learning. Although the four facets of Language Arts: writing, literature, spelling and grammar are taught separately, all these areas are developed in an integrated process. The purpose and approach used in Language Arts is to promote, motivate, and encourage an appreciation for effective written communication skills and ability to articulate verbally.
Goals and Objectives:
- Students will be able to decipher sounds and visually recognize words to develop a working vocabulary and spell correctly.
- Students will be able to understand and use the correct principles of grammar in writing and speaking.
- Students will be able to visually decode written language, comprehend context and appreciate good literature.
- Students will develop written communication skills, be encouraged to expand creative ideas, and document researched information.
Content:
- Word etymology/origins
- Synonyms/antonyms/homonyms
- Suffixes/prefixes
- Proofread
- Parts of speech
- Sentence structure
- Mechanics
- Literary analysis
- Critical thinking
- Literary genera
- Writing process
Literature Samples Integrated with Social Studies Topics:
- Number the Stars
- Master Puppeteer
- Wild Children
- Poetry
- Plays
- Journals
- Short stories
Special Activities:
- Dioramas
- Novel related art projects
Seventh Grade
Seventh grade Language Arts provides the students the opportunity to utilize the skills in previous grades by applying them across the curriculum. Although the four facets of Language Arts: writing, literature, spelling and grammar are taught separately, all these areas are developed more intensely at this grade level.
Goals and Objectives:
- Students will be able to understand spelling strategies using syllabication, diacritical markings, and word structure.
- Students will be able to understand and use the correct principles of grammar in writing and speaking.
- Students will be able to visually decode written language, comprehend context and appreciate good literature.
- Students will develop written communication skills, be encouraged to expand creative ideas, and document researched information.
Content:
- Spell and understand words correctly
- Greek and Latin word pars
- Interdisciplinary vocabulary
- Etymology/origin
- Parts of speech
- Sentence Structure
- Characterization
- Plot analysis
- Understanding author's style
- Writing process across the curriculum
Literature Samples Integrated with Social Studies Topics:
- Flower of Algernon
- Primrose Way
- Break with Charity
- Short stories
- Poetry
- Journals
- Plays
Special Activities:
- Play writing
- Theater trips
- Interviews with host families
Eighth Grade
The Language Arts program at this level provides the student with a more sophisticated understanding of the English language. The skills of spelling, grammar, literature and writing are all developed in an integrated process. In this grade the students are expected to analyze literature and appreciate the skill of writing by American authors. Special projects provide opportunity for the students to practice verbal communication in debating, speaking, interviewing, and oral presentations.
Goals and Objectives:
- Students will be able to understand spelling strategies using syllabication, diacritical markings, and word structures.
- Students will be able to learn to analyze and appreciate all genre of American literature.
- Students will be able to further develop the ability to express opinions, ideas, and creativity.
Content:
- Vocabulary/etymology
- Words from other languages
- Regular/irregular spelling
- Use of thesaurus
- Parts of speech
- Complex sentence structure
- Mechanics
- Literary analysis
- American themes
- Critical thinking discussion
- Writing process
- Individual style development
Literature Samples Integrated with Social Studies Topics:
- Uncle Tom's Cabin
- Grapes of Wrath
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- Poems
- Short stories
- Plays
- Journals
Special Activities:
- High school application essays
- Study of literary eras
