The goal of the language arts program is to provide students with opportunities to excel in all four areas of the California Language Arts Framework: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. A variety of literature and strategies are used to encourage and enhance student learning.
| Content: | Content is related to word-analysis and vocabulary development, reading comprehension (informational materials, novels, poems, biographies, plays, etc.), and writing strategies to create clear and coherent essays. In addition, students deliver focused presentations and evaluate the content of oral communication. |
| Process: | Activities that encourage verbal and written analysis accompany all literary units. Students write narrative, expository, persuasive, and descriptive texts in preparation for the Star Writing test (7th grade only) and the PYLUSD spring writing assessment. Individual and small group projects correlate with the social science curriculum. |
| Product: | Students produce written work that demonstrates a command of standard American English. The development of projects using varied technology is encouraged. Student outcomes are evaluated by using appropriate criteria through rubrics, reflection, portfolios and showcases. |
| 7th Grade Language Arts
Grammar and Mechanics Writing Process Response to Literature Expository Persuasive Summaries Reading & Analysis of Various Genres Short Stories Essays Textual Materials Tales, Myths and Legends Drama Poetry Biography Novels Literary Elements Public Speaking |
8th Grade Language Arts
Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage Writing Process Response to Literature Expository Persuasive Autobiographical Narrative Reading & Analysis of Various Genres Short Stories Drama Poetry Non-fiction Materials Novels Biography Informative Materials Essay Literary Elements Public Speaking /Presentations |
