-------------------------

Rubicon Atlas Link
For Teachers

Students in grades six through eight are introduced to a wide variety of literature as a way to foster a life-long interest in reading and learning. Writing, listening and speaking skills are also an essential part of our program. Novels are integrated into the social studies curriculum in the sixth grades. In the seventh and eighth grades, there is an emphasis on interdisciplinary study, and students also study different genres as they move closer to critical analysis of literature. In all grades, students work progressively on research skills, culminating in two major research papers in the eighth grade. The primary goal of the English department is to help students become effective written and verbal communicators who are ready for the rigors of the Upper School English program.

Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade

Sixth Grade English

The sixth grade curriculum places emphasis on improving the communication skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students are given opportunities to read for literary enjoyment, for information, and to perform a task. Some of the assigned novels are integrated with the social studies curriculum. Critical reading skills are developed through response journals and literary discussions. Building vocabulary is an integral part of the program.

The writing genres we focus on in the sixth grade are the personal narrative, journal writing, book reviews, poetry, and report writing. As students follow the steps of the writing process, they focus on proofreading and editing for grammar and mechanics.

Goals of the program are to encourage students to listen with an active, open mind and to gain comfort in speaking and expressing ideas. Many informal and formal opportunities are given for students to share and present their work and ideas with classmates and to listen to the ideas and presentations of others.

Texts:
Writers Express, A Handbook for Young Writers
Write Source Skills Book: Editing and Proofreading Practice
Reasoning and Reading by Joanne Carlisle

Literature:
Ties That Bind, Ties that Break, by Lensey Namioka
Sojourner Truth, Ain't I a Woman?, by Patricia McKissack
Shark Beneath the Reef, by Jean Craighead George
Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis
Stowaway, by Karen Hesse
Grandpa's Mountain, by Carolyn Reeder

Back to Top

Seventh Grade

The seventh grade curriculum is designed to continue the study of literary genres, the study of vocabulary and grammar, and the practice of expository and creative writing skills. Along with learning how to write essays, the students continue to develop an understanding of critical analysis of literature. Students practice public speaking skills, work on cooperative and independent projects, and learn the basics of research and reporting. There is an emphasis placed on student-selected books, and students are encouraged to spend time reading their chosen books each night.

Several of the books the students read correlate with their study of American history, and there will be opportunities for interdisciplinary projects. A variety of assessment strategies include portfolios, essays, projects, student-written plays, and tests and quizzes. Seventh grade English should prepare students to enter the eighth grade with confidence in their interpretive and composition skills.

Texts:
Wordly Wise, Book Four, by Kenneth Hodkinson and Sandra Adams
Write Source:A Guide for Writing, Thinking, and Learning
Write Source Skills Book: Editing and Proofreading Practicel

Novels:
The Misfits, by James Howe
A Gathering of Flowers (short story anthology)
A Midsummer Night's Dream, by William Shakespeare
Soldier's Heart, by Gary Paulsen
Trouble Don't Last, by Shelly Pearsall
Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
Poetry Handouts

Back to Top

Eighth Grade

The eighth grade curriculum is designed to continue developing the students' knowledge and ability to write about and analyze the various genres of literature. The students continue with vocabulary, review of grammar and mechanics, and sharpen reading comprehension skills. Students in the eighth grade are expected to know how to construct a coherent essay, and they will write two research papers during the school year. Students will also refine their public speaking skills, and work on cooperative and independent projects.

There is emphasis on interdisciplinary study, as students deepen their understanding of literature and the world from which it is created. The interdisciplinary units include the English/Science Ocean Study, and the English and social studies units on the Great Depression and the American Civil Rights Movement. Students read literature related to these topics as they learn the historical and cultural content in social studies. Students continue to be responsible for a variety of assessments, including portfolios, essays, research papers, projects, and tests and quizzes.

Texts:
Writing and Grammar Communication in Action
Reading and Reasoning, by JoAnne Carlisle

Novels:
The Pearl, by John Steinbeck
Storm Warriors, by Elisa Carbone
Animal Farm, by George Orwell
Cyrano de Bergerac, by Edmond Rostand
Witness, by Karen Hesse
Coming of Age (short story anthology)
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

Back to Top

Back to Curriculum Guide