English and Language Arts

Language Arts will include grammar, composition, Accelerated Reading, speech, and the reading and study of literature including short stories, novels, and poetry. Language Arts grades will be taken from the following four categories.

Grammar:

5th and 6th grade grammar will follow the same curriculum and format as in years past. Each concept will be introduced and several lessons that follow will allow practice of the skills necessary for that particular concept. Grammar will frequently be assigned as homework and tests will be given periodically.

7th and 8th grade grammar will be completed daily with a total of five lessons each week. Every lesson will cover a variety of subjects but will follow a common format. The items will largely be review of subject matter covered in previous years. Tests in grammar will be given every other week.

Literature:

6th, 7th, and 8th grades will be using the Mos Dos curriculum for much of our literature study and supplementing with novel studies throughout the school year. 5th grade will study from the Open Court Reading curriculum as in prior elementary years.

Composition and speech will be assigned on a regular basis and will often be related to the class literature reading.

Interactive Notebooks:

We will utilize interactive notebooks to create, write, and record areas of study. These are a way to keep all new information, as well as review from class, organized and in one place. The notebooks will help us remain organized and will allow for the use of different learning styles to reinforce learning.

Accelerated Reading:

Accelerated reading is part of the grade book. Each student will read and test on books of their own choosing in order to meet their individual points goals. In keeping with school policy, to qualify for the end-of-the-year trip to John's Incredible Pizza, each reading goal must be met with an average test score of 85% or higher. Grades will be taken on the percentage of the points goal met as well as the test score average. AR will be on the homework calendar and reminders are given regularly in class but it is each student’s responsibility to find and read books on their own. 

Spelling:

5th grade will include spelling with tests normally given every Friday. The list will be copied in class on Monday and taken home for students' reference throughout the week. Activities and workbook pages throughout the week will be done to practice the words. Spelling words are also available here on the classroom page, divided according to the unit.

In addition to the spelling words, a sentence from the current week's story will be given as dictation. Students are not given the sentence ahead of time to study but all words and punctuation are ones the students should be familiar with at their level of work.