Middle School Literature
6th - 7th - 8th grade*
Good literature takes us to different times and places, introduces us to fantastic characters, and teaches us to imagine and tell good stories. The more we read, the better we communicate in spoken and written word. Written word is powerful and developing the ability to write well is essential. Junior high students will be exposed to engaging classical works of literature covering a wide range of genres, while emphasizing the development of excellent writing skills.
*All three grade levels take the same course, with varying degrees of expectation afforded to each level. The course content cycles through a 3 year rotation, so all students are exposed to the same literature during their middle school years.
Middle School Literature
This is an engaging, fast-paced class where students will learn to write high-quality essays, expand their vocabulary, participate in group activities, memorize and recite, and give oral presentations. This class will prepare students to excel in English through high school and beyond.
Unit 1- Historical Fiction - True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
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Descriptive paragraph writing
Unit 2 - Dystopian Literature – The Giver by Lois Lowry
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Outlining and paragraph development
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Dialogue and punctuation review
Unit 3 – Fairy Tales – various works
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Elements of fairy tale genre
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Write an original fairy tale
Unit 4 – Historical Poetry – Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhah Lai
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Formal five-paragraph research essay on immigration and culture
Unit 5- Historical Fiction – Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
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Oral heritage presentation
Unit 6 – Poetry- various selections
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Analysis and writing of various forms of poetry
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Includes annual poetry recital
Unit 7- Mystery – The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
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Formal letter writing
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Email etiquette
Class Materials
Students in this class will need to supply the following:
(audio books or digital forms of these works are acceptable)
True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhah Lai
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Lined paper and paper/pens in class.
All other materials will be provided by the instructor
This class requires printing several materials at home. Please have paper and ink in your printer!