In English 7 a student will read and react to literature, explore all stages of the writing process (brainstorming, rough draft, revising, editing, final draft), participate in Writer's Workshop, learn library research skills, work on grammar and vocabulary development, and make oral presentations. The curriculum will be thematically related to the Social Science curriculum. All seventh graders will read The Samurai's Tale and The Clay Marble, complete an I-Search research paper, write a Blue Ribbon Essay exploring the the life of their most admired friend or family member, and prepare written work in association with our annual Medieval Festival. In addition to their regular school reading, students progress toward the eighth grade goal of reading one million words annually on their own.

English 8 is a language arts course in which students will read and respond to literature--both fiction and nonfiction, develop writing skills and practice the writing process through Writer's Workshop and essay writing, apply and extend library research skills, work on grammar and vocabulary development, and make prepared oral presentations. Core literature will focus on "Cultural Encounters and Conflicts," reinforcing information taught in the "American Experience" history course. Eighth grade students should expect to complete assignments including a historical biography with presentation component, an eight part paper of self exploration, a lengthy poetry portfolio, and comprehensive semester and final exams stressing the literary analysis. In addition to their regular school reading, students progress toward the eighth grade goal of reading one million words annually on their own.