English

Philosophy

The Middle School English curriculum concentrates upon the interrelated study of grammar, literature, vocabulary, and composition. This program provides the student with a method for developing skills in two key areas for academic success: writing and critical reading. The student is encouraged to read with understanding and feeling and to recognize in the experience of literature his common bond with all humanity. Reading selections include modern works and classics chosen to promote the enjoyment of literature. The study of grammar and vocabulary forms an integral part of Middle School English. With a competent command of grammar and a growing vocabulary, the student will be able to meet the increasing demands for good, clear communications skills, both written and oral.

Grade Five

The fifth grade English curriculum is divided into three parts: reading workshop, writing workshop, and English mechanics. As a class, students read a variety of novels which complement the History and Ethics curricula. The books may include Taylor, The Cay; Avi, The Fighting Ground; Curtis, The Watsons Go To Birmingham; Lowry, Number The Stars; and Spinelli, Maniac Magee. Films and other media are used to enhance the learning experience. Classroom discussions, which develop students’ critical and analytical thinking skills, are an essential part of the course. For additional challenge, boys may read books they have chosen independently, and practice their analysis of text as well as their oral expression by presenting book reviews to their classmates. Written assignments based on the class novels are used to give the boys practice in expository and persuasive writing; special emphasis is placed upon sentence structure and paragraph development. The boys have additional opportunities to develop the fluency of their written expression, as well as their creative writing skills, through regular assignments in a writing journal. Texts used in addition to the novels listed above include a spelling workbook (Jamestown Publishers, Spelling Power), grammar workbooks (Houghton Mifflin, Workbook Plus and Steck Vaughn, Language Exercises), and a reading comprehension workbook (a variety is used, depending on the needs of the individual boys).

Grade Six

Writing, reading, and grammar are emphasized in the course. The students spend time discussing the literature, working on writing projects, taking and reading notes, writing and reading first drafts, and rewriting for greater detail, effectiveness, and technical accuracy. Producing fully developed, informative, and cohesive paragraphs is emphasized. Vocabulary and grammar are studied in depth, and their value as aids to effective writing underscored. The study of literature focuses mainly on texts about growing up and emerging into the world at large, and students have the opportunity to discuss and write about their own experiences. Texts: Loyola University Press, Voyages in English; Sadlier-Oxford, Vocabulary Workshop; Steinbeck, The Red Pony; Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea; Taylor, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry; Lowry, The Giver; Twain, The Prince and the Pauper.

Form I

This course seeks to integrate the study of literature with the more technical areas of grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Using literature as a source for the other areas of study provides a context for learning. Since much of the literature focuses on situations similar to those confronting the boys, it provides a basis for discussions about conduct and values. Emphasis is placed on study skills. The boys learn how to take notes, schedule their time, set specific goals, do research, and take tests. Composition work stresses the five-paragraph essay and the creation of short stories.

Fall Term: Adventures and Heroes

Nye, Beowulf, a New Telling; White, The Sword in the Stone; and Lord, A Night to Remember.

Winter Term: Personal Narrative and Responsibility.

Orwell, Animal Farm; Kinkaid, Annie John; 22 Great Short Stories; Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and a lengthy research paper on the world on day the student was born.

Spring Term: Mysteries and the Fantastic

Wells, The First Men in the Moon; Lass and Tasman, Twenty-One Great Stories; and writing a fantasy adventure story. Other texts include: Dimick, Voyages in English 7 and Shostak, Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary, Level C.

Form II

This course focuses upon and refines the skills of critical reading and writing. By examining what a work says and implies, and by exploring its language and larger structures, the student will develop an analytic mind. Literary works are selected for their artistic merit, as well as for their appeal to the maturing reader. Independent reading is assigned throughout the year for those boys who seek additional challenges. Through frequent essay and creative writing assignments and regular grammar and vocabulary exercises, the student will understand the importance of the written word and will gain the skill and confidence to express himself in all areas of composition.

Fall Term: The Individual Identity

Boys explore two kinds of personal writing: the journal and the memoir. Texts include Cisneros, The House on Mango Street, and Wolff, This Boy’s Life. Grammar studies include a review of the parts of speech and of phrases and clauses. Vocabulary, using Vocabulary Workshop, Level D, is also included.

Winter Term: Identity Within the Group

Discussion moves toward issues of defining one’s identity within a group. Texts include Little Worlds: A Collection of Short Stories for the Middle School and Golding, Lord of the Flies. Students undertake creative and critical writing. Grammar studies include syntax and a review of punctuation and capitalization. Vocabulary studies continue.

Spring Term: Identity and Society

The focus of this class is on how we balance our personal identity with the roles we must play in society. Texts include Rose, Twelve Angry Men, and Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird. Students write both personal and critical essays. Grammar studies include usage, agreement, and a closer look at verbs, gerunds, and participles. Vocabulary studies continue.