English/Language Arts

Essential Learnings

1. Students will learn new words throughout the year, drawing on increasingly complex word analysis skills, including but not limited to facility with root words, prefixes, suffixes and context clues.

2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the conventions of standard English through the study of grammar and usage as well as through their own writing.

3. Students will produce writing in a variety of settings, for a variety of audiences, and for a variety of purposes.

4. Students will participate in oral and listening activities in both formal and informal settings, including discussions (whole and small group), oral presentations and speeches, and note taking from student and teacher presentations.

5. Students will engage in increasingly complex research tasks, ultimately demonstrating basic knowledge of correct documentation sources.

6. Students will participate in literature study in all important genres (fiction, drama, poetry, nonfiction) that leads to understanding of literary elements including but not limited to plot, character, setting, irony, theme and point of view.

7. Students will read with increasing speed and comprehension.

8. Students will demonstrate critical thinking in activities including but not limited to participation in group discussion and writing.