Curriculum > English / Language Arts Department
English/ Language Arts Department
- Instructional Supervisor: Tracey Berliner
- English teachers: Tracey Berliner; Keith Casey; Cathy Do; Maureen Duffy; Joanne Maher
6th Grade
Students study the English/language arts skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening within the context of units created around core literature. Students experience all skills within the context of a given unit. In 6th grade, the core literature includes Julie of the Wolves, The White Mountains, D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths and various poetry selections. In addition to the core literature, students experience other literature from approved materials. Students use the grammar textbook, English 6, published by McDougal Littell. In addition, students practice grammar and mechanics within the context of writing assignments based on the genres of autobiographical incident, story, and report of information. Students practice speaking and listening skills through formal presentations, conversations, and small and large group discussion. Through portfolios of their work, students practice self-reflection and self-assessment.
7th Grade
All students in grade 7 continue to build their English/Language Arts skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and visually representing. These abilities are developed within the context of core literature units including novels, short stories, and poetry. In 7th grade, the core literature is The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. Extended core or supplemental literature includes The Canterbury Tales, Dragonwings, Farewell to Manzanar, and Tenggren's Golden Tales from the Arabian Nights. Students practice the conventions of language (grammar, spellilng, punctuation, capitalization, etc.) in required writing assignments, teacher-developed writing lessons, and text lessons. Students practice speaking and lisstening skills through formal speeches, presentations, conversations, individual and group presentations, and small and large group discussion. Viewing and visually presenting are taught through the use of audio-visual and technological resources and various projects. Through portfolios of their work, students practice self-reflection and self-assessment.
8th Grade
All students in grade 8 continue to build their English/language arts skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and visually representing. These abilities are developed within the context of core literature units including novels, short stories, and poetry. In 8th grade, the core literature includes Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Pearl, and House on Mango Street. Extended core or supplementary literature includes Stargirl and Bronx Masquerade. Students practice the conventions of language (grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.) in required writing assignments, teacher-developed writing lessons, and text lessons. Students practice speaking and listening skills through formal speech conversations, individual and group presentations, and small and large group discussion. Viewing and visually presenting are taught through the use of audio-visual and technological resources and various projects. Through portfolios of their work, students practice self-reflection and self-assessment.
Part of the
Palo Alto Unified School District
Webmaster | updated 11/09