Language Arts

Our program focus in Language Arts is for students to be lifelong readers and writers. Students spend time studying novels, short stories, articles, and other writings related to content areas as well as exploring current trends in literature. Grammar and vocabulary are developed in preparation for Upper School and the standardized assessments for college entrance. Mastery of the five-paragraph essay format is the groundwork which is utilized, throughout the middle years, to expand and build student writing skills. This format is adapted while exploring the expository, narrative and persuasive writing modes. 

6th grade continues to practice the 5-paragraph essay, building on the skills learned in 5th grade. Students write a variety of essays—narrative, expository, persuasive, and responses to literature. 6th grade students study grammar in the context of their writing, and continue to learn Greek and Latin roots in their vocabulary study. Literature includes historical fiction that mirrors social studies topics as well as modern classics, and STEAM projects focus on this connection between Language Arts and Social Studies.

Our program focus in Language Arts is for students to be lifelong readers and writers. Students spend time studying novels, short stories, articles, and other writings related to content areas as well as exploring current trends in literature. Grammar and vocabulary are developed in preparation for Upper School and the standardized assessments for college entrance. Mastery of the five-paragraph essay format is the groundwork which is utilized, throughout the middle years, to expand and build student writing skills. This format is adapted while exploring the expository, narrative and persuasive writing modes. 

 

7th grade Language Arts students write a variety of essays—narrative, expository, persuasive, and begin responding to literature. The year starts off focusing on the art of narrative writing. This unit of study is supported by instruction that uses Writer’s Workshop as the foundation. Our narrative writing unit is tied into a class novel and short stories that allow students to view and explore examples of literary techniques as they continue to build their personal connection to writing. Moving forward, students begin to analyze literature through reflective writing. Students continue to learn research skills while enhancing their ability to form persuasive writing that demonstrates thoughtful opinions backed up with educated facts. Our Writer’s Notebook allows students a place to generate ideas while practicing writing strategies and techniques. 7th-grade students study grammar in the context of their writing and continue to learn Greek and Latin roots in their vocabulary study. Literature includes historical fiction that mirrors Social Studies topics as well as modern classics, and STEAM projects focus on this connection between Language Arts and Social Studies.

Our program focus in Language Arts is for students to be lifelong readers and writers. Students spend time studying novels, short stories, articles, and other writings related to content areas as well as exploring current trends in literature. Grammar and vocabulary are developed in preparation for Upper School and the standardized assessments for college entrance. Mastery of the five-paragraph essay format is the groundwork which is utilized, throughout the middle years, to expand and build student writing skills. This format is adapted while exploring the expository, narrative and persuasive writing modes. 

 

8th grade at The Village School continues to build upon concepts from 7th grade with accelerated depth and pace. The Social Studies influence is based on world history which leads the learning, both reading and writing, to a global focus. Essays are based on responses to literature, narrative, persuasive, creative poetry. Students build on their skill set to include poetic analysis and research writing. Works cited as well as annotated bibliography, are an additional focus as students prepare for the rigors of Upper School. Writing units are supported by instruction that uses Writer’s Workshop as the foundation. Students continue to use a Writer’s Notebook which allows a place to generate ideas while practicing writing strategies and techniques. 8th-grade students study grammar in the context of their writing and continue to learn Greek and Latin roots in their vocabulary study. Literature varies from traditional texts and novels to poetry and speeches. At this level, STEAM unit projects are integrated across core curriculums and draw in electives as well, thus exemplifying global learning. Students dive into innovative projects which allow creativity and diverse options to demonstrate.