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<p class="fontlook">ENGLISH

<p class="fontlook">LANGUAGE ARTS (7)<BR>
Full Year<BR>
Grade level: 7th<BR>
<p class="fontlook">This course supports the student in strengthening her writing skills and techniques.  The students have frequent practice in both creative and expository writing; they learn peer and self-editing techniques.  The course also reviews grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, usage and basic skills as they are needed to accomplish various writing tasks, including the one and five-paragraph essay.  Vocabulary is enhanced both through the use of the Wordly Wise text and the literature studied.  Laptop computers are used both in school and at home to facilitate writing, editing and researching. The literature portion of the class includes a unit of poetry and a unit of short stories, as well as two novels and a play.  Literature-based writing at this grade level is designed to teach the student how to take notes from a novel, read with greater depth, understand and develop analytical skills, and express one’s self in writing.  Oral expression occurs in groups and independently.
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<p class="fontlook">LANGUAGE ARTS (8)<BR>
Full Year<BR>
Grade level: 8th<BR>
<p class="fontlook">This course covers the fundamental principles of both composition and literature.  This course will emphasize the development of critical reading skills.  The lessons within the literature portion will require both assigned and independent readings and will focus on the traditional elements of setting, plot, character, and theme within the standard genres of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama.  The writing portion of the course stresses the fundamental concepts of a 5 paragraph essay.  It is expected that students will grow in their ability to write with clarity, fluency, and more sophisticated vocabulary.  Additionally, basic grammar is regularly exercised so as to hone both critical thinking and writing skills.  The laptop program will be integrated into the classroom via note taking, internet research, word processing, and class assignments/projects.   
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