English

The Middle School English curriculum is designed to develop students’ skills in successful communication and self-reflection. Student’s use the tools of writing and reading to expand their understanding, organize their thoughts, challenge their assumptions, and convey their ideas to others. Students discuss the concepts of author’s voice and purpose as they reflect on their intentions and consider the best way to reach an audience.

Our English curriculum is informed by literature units and comprehension strategies developed by the William and Mary School of Education Center for Gifted Education. The goals of these Language Arts units are to develop students’ skills in literary analysis and interpretation, persuasive writing, linguistic competency, and oral communication, as well as to strengthen students’ reasoning skills and understanding of the concept of change. The units engage students in exploring carefully selected, challenging works of literature from various times, cultures, and genres, and they encourage students to reflect on their readings through writing and discussion. The units also provide numerous opportunities for students to explore interdisciplinary connections to the language arts and to conduct research around issues relevant to their own lives.