Seventh Grade Language Arts:

      Middle School Language Arts consists of three consecutive years of intense reading, writing, vocabulary study, and grammar work.

      Classic novels such as JOHNNY TREMAIN, TOM SAWYER, THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY, and TREASURE ISLAND are studied as well as a selection of contemporary ones (for ex., MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF, the BOY AT WAR series, LYDDIE, THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM, THE LIGHTNING THIEF, CHILDREN OF THE LAMP, HOW ANGEL PETERSON GOT HIS NAME, THE MYSTERY AT BLACKBEARD’S COVE….) New titles are selected every year. Students explore poetry both by writing their own with the teacher’s guidance and by studying such classics as “Paul Revere’s Ride”, “Lochinvar”, and “The Lady of Shallott”. 8th graders analyze at least one of Shakespeare’s plays - MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and/or ROMEO AND JULIET- both in Shakespeare’s original language.

      Literature comes alive with activities such as a visit to Mark Twain’s home in Hartford, a “working” field trip to Slater Mill, a highly competitive annual scavenger hunt at Mystic Seaport, walking Boston’s Freedom Trail, and the 8th graders’ Shakespearean presentations! In the summer, 6th graders can attend the RI Fencing Academy, 7th graders can sail aboard the schooner “Adirondack” in Newport Harbor, and 8th graders are able to assume the role of an archaeologist at the Meshantucket Pequod Museum. These adventures are just three of the experiences directly related to one of the novels on the summer reading list!

      The SADLIER vocabulary text emphasizes the use of new vocabulary in reading and writing, rather than simply the memorization of definitions. A variety of approaches in the teaching of grammar, such as basic sentence diagramming (often in different colors!), supplements the workbook, EXERCISES IN ENGLISH. Proofreading and editing skills remain paramount in the teaching of correct English grammar.

      From 6th grade to 8th, students progress from creative writing to the writing of informative and argumentative essays, editorials, and responses to literature. In addition, following the research process, preparing a bibliography in current accepted format, and avoiding even inadvertent issues of plagiarism are all addressed on a regular basis via interdisciplinary assignments.

      In order to maximize each child’s potential and learning style, various teaching methods are utilized. This allows accommodations to be more easily set up for students with IEP’s or other special needs. Also, abridged texts of the literature studied in class as well as tape-recordings are available when indicated.

To look more closely at a typical week in middle school language arts at OLM, visit Mrs. Kathleen Impagliazzo’s website schoolnotes.com which is updated every Saturday morning.