5

5^th Grade Composition stresses development of narrative, expository, and descriptive writing skills, with special emphasis on paragraphing and organizing ideas. Students also learn to identify basic parts of speech and to use each one intentionally.

5^th Grade Literature develops the reading and thinking skills critical to the student’s understanding and appreciation of literary genres. Emphasis is on analyzing the fictional elements of setting, conflict, climax, characterization, and theme. Reading comprehension skills taught involve effective highlighting, note taking, and outlining along with test-taking strategies. 

6

6^th Grade Composition accentuates the appreciation and improved use of all language.  Creative writing allows students to polish grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills; to become better critics of language use; and to develop a personal voice as a writer.

6^th Grade Literature develops specific skills that enable students to read well independently and to develop an enthusiastic and ever-broadening interest in reading. Reading non-fiction develops critical reading skills including finding the main idea, recalling facts, making interferences, and using words precisely.

7

7^th Grade Composition students experiment with various poetic and prose styles.  Students translate their literary insights into well-constructed critical pieces modeled on the five-paragraph essay. Traditional and structural grammar is studied within the context of writing.  Continual emphasis is on diverse sentence construction and correct mechanics.

7^th Grade Literature fosters a love of reading, an understanding of various writing styles, and the appreciation of good literature.  Students recognize and understand abstract themes with special emphasis on an adolescent’s point of view. Short stories and novels are analyzed for plot, character, point of view, metaphor, simile, and other literary terms. 

8

8^th Grade Composition stresses the development of creative, expository, and analytical writing skills through familiarity with the writing process: outlining, drafting, editing, and revising.  The course reinforces paragraph and essay construction, effective thesis statements, and adequate support of main ideas.

8^th Grade Literature improves reading comprehension, higher order thinking, and reading interest.  Emphasis is on literary techniques and the writing choices made by each author.  Writing activities allow students to use the same techniques being studied.