Writing

A. Analytical essays (1 per semester)
Introduction
Proof of thesis
Conclusion

B. Timed writings (1 per semester)
Literature excerpt given to read at home
Class discussion follows on possible prompts and strategies for responding In-class timed writing

C. Commonplace page
One per grading period
Introduces and/or reviews writing concepts

D. Monthly bibliographic activity for II.B.

Literature

A. Core novels
Dragonwings
The Miracle Worker
Teacher-selected reading from literature book

B. Self-selected monthly genre novels with bibliographic activity

C. Literary elements
Setting
Point of view
Character analysis
Conflict, climax, conclusion
Theme
Literary devices
. Similes
. Metaphors
. Personification

Conventions

A. Writing complete sentences
Fragments
Run-on sentences

B. Subject (simple/compound) and verb agreement

C. Pronouns
Pronoun forms
. Subject pronouns
. Object pronouns
. Possessive pronouns
Pronouns in contractions

D. Modifiers
Adjectives and adverbs
Double negatives
Word choice
. Bad and badly
. Few/little , fewer/less

E. Consistent use of verb tenses

F. Capitalization
Proper nouns and adjectives
. Names and personal titles
. Languages, nationalities, religious terms
. School subjects
. Organizations, institutions
. Geographical names, events, time periods

G. Punctuation
Commas/semicolons in compound sentences
Elements set off in a sentence
. Introductory words
. Nouns of address
. Appositives
. Interrupters
Elements in a series
Dates, addresses, letters
Quotations
. Direct quotations
. End punctuation
. Divided quotations
. Quotation citation in analytical essays

H. Spelling

Reading Comprehension

. Reading log
. Teacher-selected vocabulary