ELA Grades 6-8
The Woodmere Middle School English Language Arts program is designed to develop students’ skills in literature, reading, writing, and language as delineated in the NYS Learning Standards. The literacy experiences in which our students are involved are part of a continuum of learning that will lead our students to the outcomes outlined in the Hewlett-Woodmere Student Outcomes. The core curriculum for this course is from Columbia Teachers College Reading and Writing Workshop Project. However, over time the Units of Study have been modified to better meet the needs and interests of the students and to align with the middle school schedule.
In the writing workshop, students engage in a variety of writing activities including personal narrative, literary essay and argument essay. Students learn both process and on-demand writing. Grammar and vocabulary are taught explicitly within the units of study and students maintain writers and readers notebooks.
During the school year students read whole class novels, independent books, and choice books as part of book clubs. At times, teachers will use digital texts to highlight specifc skills and concepts. The reading workshop allows students an individualized reading program in which they are able to comprehend increasingly difficult texts. Through the workshop model, students read a variety of genres including biographies, fantasy, historical fiction, poetry, books in verse and other non-fiction pieces. Emphasis is placed on student voice in the choice of their texts; and lessons are designed to support readers as they move in and across levels and genres.