MS English Language
Arts
In support of our mission, we believe that every teacher is a language teacher working towards empowering our K-12 students to acquire multi-modal literacy through use of various modes of communication and meaning-making systems.
Through our inquiry-based approach to literacy, students acquire the transformative skills, knowledge, and perspectives that prepare them to be reflective and caring global citizens.
In our K-12 language arts program, we seek to nurture the love of language arts and focus on the process of effective communication through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
We create authentic opportunities for students to engage in topics critically, creatively, and collaboratively, cultivating life-long learners of language.
The Grades 6-8 English Language Arts program is based upon the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Progress is reported on the following four CCSS topics: Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening, and Language.
Grade 6
In sixth grade, students learn to identify and analyse key literary elements and devices to determine central ideas and themes; and cite evidence appropriately through various genres such as short stories, poetry and novels.
Students write in different text types to develop their ability to express their ideas in written form.
Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills needed for interpretation and analysis of literature.
Grammar and vocabulary skills are also key components for the English curriculum.
Grade 7
In seventh grade, students read a range of fiction and nonfiction texts in order to strike a balance between rigorous literary analysis and reading for pleasure and personal meaning.
They learn to use evidence to support their thinking and analyze and evaluate the use of specific techniques and structures throughout a variety of text genres.
Students develop writing skills that help them express and communicate ideas clearly and coherently, while expanding their knowledge and use of grammatical and conventional writing structures.
Grade 8
By eighth grade, students are ready to explore more complex works of literature in both fiction and nonfiction.
Students learn to dig deeper into the underlying themes and craftsmanship in order to develop the complex reading skills required in the 21st century, such as critical thinking, analytical, and evaluative skills.
Students continue to develop writing skills that allow them to organize and communicate ideas clearly, with more emphasis on academic writing in order to prepare them for high school and postsecondary education.
