Curriculum
English Language Arts - 6th grade
Students in 6th grade ELA gain exposure to basic writing techniques and build their writing stamina. An essay is required each quarter and some creative projects are included to foster a joy of words. 6th graders read a minimum of two novels during the year, memorize a poem each quarter, and give several speeches. In addition, they read selections from a literature book that exposes them to classic selections aimed at helping them analyze elements of literature.
Essays
Novels & Textbooks
Speeches
Narrative
Expository
Persuasive
Descriptive
Mrs. Frisby/NIMH
Number the Stars
Mosdos Literature - Pearl
Simplify Writing
Word Wisdom
Brown Bag Speech
Demonstration Speech
English Language Arts - 7th grade
7th graders at WCA learn to apply MLA format to essays they write in class and gain some experience in editing techniques through peer review.. Students also engage in creative projects and study elements of English grammar. Two novels are read and poetry is memorized each quarter. As time permits, selections are read from a textbook to provide exposure to classic literature.
Essays
Novels & Textbooks
Speeches
Narrative
Expository
Persuasive
Descriptive
COMB
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Mosdos - Jade
W&G7 - BJU
Demonstration Speech
Informative Speech
English Language Arts - 8th grade
8th grade students explore events that occurred before and during World War II through reading two novels set in that time period. They will complete an essay each quarter and review grammar rules as they apply to proper use of MLA format. Students will be exposed to a variety of literary selections in their textbook and will also be required to give two speeches. Specific elements to include in each essay will give the students experience in using a rubric to evaluate their essays before they are turned in.
Essays
Novels & Textbooks
Speeches
Narrative
Expository
Persuasive
Descriptive
Boys in the Boat
The Hiding Place
Mosdos - Gold
W&G8- BJU
Informative Speech
Impromptu Speech
English Language Arts - 9th grade
English I provides an overview of MLA format as applied to Grammar and Composition. Students create written compositions from poetry and paragraphs to essays. An emphasis on grammar and peer review helps students edit and revise to strengthen their writing and to give experience in applying grammar rules to the written word. Students give a minimum of two speeches created from original work, as well as memorize a new poem each quarter. Students become acquainted with World Literature authors through a selection of reading assignments in the literature textbook..
Essays
Novels & Textbooks
Speeches
Narrative
Expository
Persuasive
Descriptive
This Present Darkness
The Westing Game
Anne of Green Gables
ImpLit - Explorer
W&G 9 - BJU
Eulogy for Ad Icon
Comic Speech
English Language Arts - 10th grade
English II students focus on American Literature in the novels they read in class. The writing component of the classwork is aimed at research and includes proper citation. Research papers are written with a strong emphasis in rhetoric and argumentation. Students gain knowledge in editing and revision skills. In addition, a minimum of two novels are attempted and students are exposed to a variety of American authors by reading selections presented in the textbook. In addition, students memorize one poem per quarter and present research topics in a spoken presentation.
Essays
Novels & Textbooks
Speeches
Narrative
Expository
Persuasive
Descriptive
TKAM
The Crucible
Gift of the Magi
Legend of Sleepy Hollow
ImpLit - Navigator
W&G10 - BJU
Debate
Presentation of Research Project
English Language Arts - 11th grade
English III students study British literature and persuasive speech and debate. Shakespeare is introduced at this level and the literature textbook introduces students to a variety of British authors. Deductive reasoning is explored through the Father Brown Mysteries and several famous speeches are analysed. Students are introduced to rhetorical and literary analysis and give a presentation speech as well as more detailed debate. A minimum of two novels are read and poetry is also memorized each quarter.
Essays
Novels & Textbooks
Speeches
Narrative
Expository
Persuasive
Descriptive
Are Women Human?
Romeo & Juliet
Father Brown
39 Steps
ImpLit - Trailblazer
Present the Historical Event that was researched
Debate
