Reading, writing, and discussions are guided by thematic questions and student choice. The curriculum over the three years of middle school explores texts with diverse representations of gender, culture, race, and socio-economic perspectives.

READING

Units of Study

• 3 literary units each year, at least one integrated with social studies
• Deep reading / Independent reading
• CommonLit Units

Approaches to Learning

• Previewing
• Anticipation guides
• Vocabulary building
• Using context clues
• Reading-response questions
• Annotation (online and in-text
• Analytical discussions of literature
• Freewriting/personal connections
• Writing from character’s point of view
• Review writing
• KWL+ (Know Wonder Learn)
• Discussion questions
• Triple Entry Journals
• Schoology LMS

Listening and Speaking Strategies

• Oral presentations
• Debates
• Dramatic performances
• Recitation
• Think Pair Share

Genres

• Fiction: historical fiction, short stories, poetry, realistic fiction, novels-in-verse, science fiction, graphic novels
• Nonfiction: expository texts, essays, Newsela articles, websites, biography, memoir

WRITING

Creative Writing Units of Study

• Personal narrative
• Short stories
• Memoir
• Graphic novels
• Poetry anthologies
• Collaborative world-building projects

Expository Writing Units of Study

• Literature response and analysis paragraphs
• Thesis based literature essays
• Personal response paragraphs
• Persuasive arguments
• Research reports and reports
• Interview and profile project
• Investigative journalism

Approaches to Learning

• Brainstorming
• Planning and mapping
• Proofreading
• Peer-editing
• Revising
• Publishing
• Research / Source evaluation
• Note taking
• Summarizing
• Student choice
• Collaboration
• Projects
• Portfolios

Writing Conventions

• Integrated grammar and punctuation practice
• Paragraph structure - TEXAS paragraphs
• Tone and style
• Sentence combining
• Personal voice
• Narrative techniques
• Citing and integrating sources - MLA format