2017-2018
Middle School Curriculum Guide Grades 5-8
NOTE: If class times per week is not stated, class occurs every day.
GRADE 5 LANGUAGE ARTS Grammar, Reading, Library Research Skills, Supplemental Language Arts (SLA) In the fifth grade, language arts encompasses grammar, reading (which includes literature) and library research skills. The program features the cross-curricular skills of vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, process writing, critical thinking and overall study and research skills. Grammar 5 5x/week, 2nd semester; students take Spanish first semester The curriculum for Grammar 5 places a heavy emphasis on mechanics and usage. Students will enhance their understanding of the structure of the language and apply the concepts in their writing through skill exercises, sentence diagramming and writing assignments. Students are able to see language as a sum of its parts, each contributing to the whole. Library Research Skills 1x/week In this class, 5th grade students gain the skills required to effectively gather, organize and evaluate digital and physical resources which may be used in other coursework. Students also learn MLA style for interactive book reports and projects. They explore all genres of literature with the goal of instilling a lifetime love of reading. Reading 5 The curriculum for Reading consists of all aspects of literacy, including literary analysis. This course will foster students to become lifelong readers by exploring fact and fiction stories found in various novels and short stories. Exploring figurative language and diving into character analysis will help students to become strong writers. Students will step through the research process by writing a research paper (MLA style) with the additional support from our media specialist. Additionally, word knowledge is increased through intensive vocabulary study throughout the course. SLA (Supplemental Language Arts) Alternates days with Mandarin Chinese; only for those who need it as determined by teachers Supplemental Language Arts (SLA) is designed to reinforce content across the curriculum in Grades 5 and 6 by cultivating the skills required for success in core classes. This class is only for those who require it as determined by the teachers. SLA skills include reading for understanding, and study strategies like:
* memory techniques * prioritizing and time management * organization * self-monitoring progress * taking notes * test preparation and test taking skills * increasing focus * managing stress and anxiety Mathematics 5 Math 5 is designed to strengthen and extend the mathematics skills presented in the elementary grades, and to prepare the student for the challenges of Pre-Algebra and Algebra. The student will work extensively with the basic operations of arithmetic, and will apply them to whole numbers, integers, and fractions. Equations and inequalities will be presented in an Algebra format. Concepts of number theory such as prime and composite numbers, factorization, and properties will be studied. Students will continue their study of plane and solid geometry. Science Encouraging students to become scientific thinkers, problem solvers and environmental conservationists is the overarching goal of the science department. During the first semester, students study marine science including biological, geological, chemical, and physical aspects. They participate in field trips that explore Florida’s unique coastal environment. During the second semester, students complete an introductory study of chemical and physical science. World Geography Students study global geography and representative cultures of the world to become more knowledgeable of the physical landscape and cultural values of the world. Content focuses on the following ten themes: * Culture * Time, Continuity, and Change * People, Places, and Environment * Individual Development and Identity * Individuals, Groups and Institutions * Power, Authority, and Governance * Production, Distribution, and Consumption * Science, Technology, and Society * Global Connections * Civic Ideals and Practices Students develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues and investigate the major turning points that shaped the modern world. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills as students investigate and explore various topics.
WORLD LANGUAGES Spanish and Mandarin Chinese Students continue the study of Spanish and Mandarin Chinese that begins in prekindergarten at Canterbury. A switch in language is deferred until seventh grade when a child may elect to begin Latin in lieu of the language previously studied. Fifth grade Spanish and Chinese courses continue the balanced four-skill approaches (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) used in the Lower School, with an increased focus on reading and writing. Mandarin Chinese Every other day, alternating with P.E. The Chinese language course for middle school students fosters communicative competence in the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing the Chinese language. This course emphasizes everyday conversational patterns to give the beginning students of Chinese a useful working knowledge of the language through aura-oral practice and a systematic study of the grammar. The course also introduces the students to the fundamentals of Chinese culture. Spanish 5x/week, 1st semester; 2nd semester, students take Grammar 5 In this semester-long class, students will broaden and improve their Spanish vocabulary and grammar base through aural/oral and written practice. They will examine the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will learn through Spanish songs, arts and crafts, and apps that support the curriculum. Applied Technology 1x/week In Middle School, students use iPads (grades 5-7) or Chromebooks (grade 8) as a tool in the daily production of their work through educational apps, e-textbooks and Google docs sharing. Applied Technology is designed to give students the skills to succeed in a digital world. A wide variety of topics are covered but not limited to: Google Apps for Education (word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia presentation skills, etc.), computer programming, robotics, and digital citizenship, video creation and editing. Instruction is integrated into the study of all software applications as students create reports, stories, poems, graphs, charts, and presentations in all their subject areas. Learn More About Our 1:1 Program. Arts 3x/week All Middle School students may choose one art elective per semester. Students are offered opportunities in visual arts, drama, technical theater, dance (Grades 7 and 8 only), band, show choir or strings. See Arts course descriptions at the end of this document.
Physical Education Every other day, alternating with Mandarin Chinese Physical Education provides students the opportunity to demonstrate positive social behaviors that emphasizes both sportsmanship and teamwork all while having fun. Various team sports and activities develop understanding of movement concepts, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the performance of physical activity. A few of the units covered throughout the school year include soccer, basketball, tennis, softball, lacrosse, badminton, volleyball, flag football, matball, and fun, organized P.E. games.The curriculum is designed to encourage physical activity as well as foster cooperation, creativity, and lifelong wellness. Character Education 1x/week Character Education happens through CAP, our Canterbury Advisory Program. Fifth grade students are divided by gender for homeroom, a.k.a. Advisory. In sessions during Activity Period, students discuss important life skills in their advisory groups. Several weeks are spent on topics such as values, friendships, cooperation, decision-making, and social skills. The goal is to increase the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills of the pre-adolescent and the classes are tailored to fit their developmental needs.
GRADE 6 LANGUAGE ARTS Grammar, Literature, and Supplemental Language Arts (SLA) The sixth-grade language arts program encompasses grammar, literature and library research skills. Through the writing process, students compose fiction and nonfiction texts. They also develop and apply reading strategies to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate texts from a variety of literature using the principles of the daily 5 and the cafĂŠ book reading and writing workshop model. Grammar 6 3x/week The curriculum for Grammar 6 consists of two major skill areas: grammar and composition. Students will enhance their understanding of the structure of the language including the eight parts of speech, phrases, clauses, mechanics and uses. They will apply these concepts in their writing through skill exercises and frequent writing assignments. Literature 6 Literature 6 is a skilled-based course that includes composition, journal writing, and online reading comprehension. SLA (Supplemental Language Arts) Supplemental Language Arts (SLA) is designed to reinforce content across the curriculum in Grades 5 and 6 by cultivating the skills required for success in core classes. This class is only for those who require it as determined by the teach-
ers. SLA skills include reading for understanding, and study strategies like: * memory techniques * prioritizing and time management * organization * self-monitoring progress * taking notes * test preparation and test taking skills * increasing focus * managing stress and anxiety Mathematics 6 Math 6 is designed to strengthen and extend the mathematics skills presented in fifth grade, and to prepare the student for the challenges of Pre-Algebra and Algebra. The students’ main focus will be mastering operations of arithmetic, and applying them to whole numbers, integers, and fractions. Equations and inequalities will be introduced in an Algebra format. Concepts of number theory such as prime and composite numbers, factorization, and properties will be studied. Students will continue their study of plane and solid geometry. Earth Science Encouraging students to become working scientists is the overarching goal of the science department. This sixth grade Earth Science course has two main focus points: * The application of the scientific method. A large portion of the first semester will focus on the scientific method and will include a science project. * The concepts revolving around Earth Science. During the second semester, students will be actively learning about the geologic, hydrologic and atmospheric processes of the planet Earth. Topics will include matter, minerals, rocks, soil, mountains, earthquakes, volcanoes, the ocean and space. Our curriculum allows students to make authentic connections to the world around them and to previous scientific knowledge. Technology serves as a platform to explore and research topics generated by both students and faculty. World Civilizations World Civilizations is designed to give the student a basic understanding of civilizations throughout history. World Civilizations studies how people interact with their environment and natural surroundings, as well as examining human interaction, and the many cultures that have grown and declined throughout history. The following themes are taught in this class: Economics, Geography, Politics, Religion, Society and Culture, and Science and Technology. WORLD LANGUAGES Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and Prima Lingua
Students continue the study of Spanish and Mandarin Chinese that begins in prekindergarten at Canterbury. A switch in language is deferred until seventh grade when a child may elect to begin Latin in lieu of the language previously studied. Sixth grade Spanish and Chinese courses continue the balanced four-skill approaches (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) used in the Lower School, with an increased focus on reading and writing. Prima Lingua 5x/week, 1st semester; 2nd semester students choose Spanish or Chinese From the Prima Lingua textbook author: “Prima Lingua will teach English grammar and compare it to grammatical structures that students will encounter in their study of a foreign language. The students will have an understanding of linguistic terms, a strong foundation in derivatives across many languages, an appreciation of the cultural aspect of language, and knowledge of the historical development of language groups. They will begin the study of whatever foreign language they choose with an understanding of sentence structure, verb conjugations, and how to approach the study of vocabulary. Students begin their new language courses with an awareness of what they will learn and a confidence in how to speak about language.� This course also serves as an introduction to Latin. Mandarin Chinese 5x/week, 2nd semester; 1st semester students take Prima Lingua This Chinese language course for middle school students helps them develop communicative competence in the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing the Chinese language. This course emphasizes everyday conversational patterns to give beginning students a useful working knowledge of the language through oral practice and a systematic study of the grammar. The course also introduces the students to the fundamentals of Chinese culture. Spanish 5x/week, 2nd semester; 1st semester students take Prima Lingua The first half of the semester is spent reinforcing basic pronunciation, grammar content, sentence structure, and construction of short, descriptive paragraphs. The second half of the semester focuses on the culture, customs, and people of Spanish-speaking countries. Students learn firsthand by participating in a classroom exchange with students from Honduras by sharing letters and photos. Applied Technology 1x/week In Middle School, students use iPads (Grades 5-7) or Chromebooks (Grade 8) as a tool in the daily production of their work through educational apps, e-textbooks and Google docs sharing. Applied Technology is designed to give students the skills necessary to succeed in a digital world. A wide variety of topics are covered but not limited to: Google
Apps for Education (word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia presentation skills, etc.), computer programming, robotics, and digital citizenship, video creation and editing. Instruction is integrated into the study of all software applications as students create reports, stories, poems, graphs, charts, and presentations in all their subject areas. Arts 3x/week All Middle School students may choose one art elective per semester. Students are offered opportunities in visual arts, drama, technical theater, dance (Grades 7 and 8 only), band, show choir or strings. See Arts course descriptions at the end of this document. Physical Education 3x/week Physical Education provides students the opportunity to demonstrate positive social behaviors that emphasizes both sportsmanship and teamwork all while having fun. Various team sports and activities develop understanding of movement concepts, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the performance of physical activity. A few of the units covered throughout the school year include soccer, basketball, tennis, softball, lacrosse, badminton, volleyball, flag football, matball, and fun, organized P.E. games.The curriculum is designed to encourage physical activity as well as foster cooperation, creativity, and lifelong wellness. Character Education 1x/week Character Education happens through CAP, our Canterbury Advisory Program. Sixth grade students are divided by gender for homeroom, a.k.a. Advisory. In sessions during Activity Period, students discuss important life skills in their advisory groups. Several weeks are spent on topics such as values, friendships, cooperation, decision-making, and social skills. The goal is to increase the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills of the pre-adolescent and the classes are tailored to fit their developmental needs. Middle School topics range from bullying to surviving embarrassing moments, and organizational skills to dealing with authority and conflict. Students in advisory groups provide support for one another and are bound by the rules to keep all discussions in confidence.
GRADE 7 LANGUAGE ARTS Grammar and Literature The seventh grade language arts curriculum further develops basic communication skills through the study of literature, reading strategies, and process writing. A workshop approach is often utilized to aid students in the development, practice, and internalization of effective reading and writing strategies and skills. Readers’ Workshop includes the use of short stories, novels, genre studies, poetry, supplementary materials, and self-selected readings. During Writers’ Workshop, students continue to write and assess pieces based on the Six + One Traits of effective writing. Word study and grammar concepts are also integral parts of class lessons and activities. Grammar 7 3x/week The curriculum for Grammar 7 builds upon the concepts learned in Grammar 6. Students review the 8 parts of speech along with the structure and rules of the English language. Students practice grammar skills, usage, and mechanics to help them construct clear, grammatically correct writing to assist students in writing research papers as well as other literary analysis assignments that are assigned in core classes. Literature 7 The curriculum for Literature 7 consists of three major skill areas: composition, vocabulary, and literary analysis, with support from a media specialist to complete a comprehensive research paper. These papers are revised in the Grammar 7 class. Mathematics 7 or Pre-Algebra Math 7 is designed to strengthen and extend the mathematics skills presented in the fifth and sixth grades, and to prepare the student for the challenges of Pre-Algebra and Algebra. The student will work extensively with the basic operations of arithmetic, and will apply them to whole numbers, integers, and fractions. Equations and inequalities will be presented in an Algebra format. Concepts of number theory such as prime and composite numbers, factorization, and properties will be studied. Students will continue their study of plane and solid geometry. Pre-Algebra is designed to prepare students for advancement into Algebra I, Geometry, and beyond. Students will strengthen their skills on topics including integers, solving equations, graphing, and number theory, and also be exposed to continuing topics such as plane geometry, ratios and proportions, probability, and functions.
Life Science From body systems to cells and genetics, Life Science is an exploration of systems. Throughout the year, students study different science concepts using the human body as the focal point. Topics such as light and sound are discussed through the human eye and ear. Students become great critical thinkers as we use dissections, projects, and experiments to help demonstrate the body’s functions. Connections are key as we journey through the body—inside and out. Encouraging students to become working scientists is the overarching goal of the science department. Social Science The curriculum provides an introduction to the major disciplines of the social sciences: sociology, anthropology, psychology, geography, history, political science, and economics. This course begins with a unit on critical thinking skills and their application to all social science disciplines. In each unit thereafter, students learn the objectives and methods of each social science discipline. Through reading, discussion, and experiential exercises, students will investigate the potential application of each discipline to modern social problems. WORLD LANGUAGES Begin 2-year sequence of Spanish, Mandarin Chinese or Latin Seventh grade students begin a two-year language sequence equivalent to Level I in Upper School in their choice of Spanish, Mandarin Chinese or Latin. Completing the Level I sequence in Middle School (1A in Grade 7 and 1B in Grade 8) enables a student to enter Level II in Grade 9. Latin 1A 5x/week The goal of this course is to learn the basics about the Latin language and grammar, as well as ancient Roman culture and mythology. As a result, students will strengthen their English grammar and vocabulary skills, become better analytical thinkers, establish a strong foundation for further foreign language study, and increase awareness of the influence of Classical culture in today’s society. Mandarin Chinese 1A 5x/week The Chinese 1A course helps students develop communicative competence in the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing the Chinese language. This course emphasizes everyday conversational patterns to give students a useful working knowledge of the language through oral practice and a systematic study of grammar. The course also introduces the students to the fundamentals of Chinese culture. Spanish 1A 5x/week This year-long course exposes students to elements of
Spanish, building the foundation for Spanish 1B taken in Grade 8. Listening, writing, and speaking skills will be developed by use of basic vocabulary, common expressions, and introduction to culture. Activities done in this class will include simple dialogue, games, partner activities, and the use of technology and apps to practice skills. Each quarter includes a major cultural project. Applied Technology 1x/week In Middle School, students use iPads (Grades 5-7) or Chromebooks (grade 8) as a tool in the daily production of their work through educational apps, e-textbooks and Google docs sharing. Applied Technology is designed to give students the skills necessary to succeed in a digital world. A wide variety of topics are covered but not limited to: Google Apps for Education (word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia presentation skills, etc.), computer programming, robotics, and digital citizenship, video creation and editing. Instruction is integrated into the study of all software applications as students create reports, stories, poems, graphs, charts, and presentations in all their subject areas. Learn More About Our 1:1 Program. Arts 3x/week, 1 semester All middle school students may choose one art elective per semester. Students are offered opportunities in visual arts, drama, technical theater, dance, band, show choir or strings. See Arts course descriptions at the end of this document. Physical Education Meet on rotation 2-3x/week Physical Education provides students the opportunity to demonstrate positive social behaviors that emphasizes both sportsmanship and teamwork all while having fun. Various team sports and activities develop understanding of movement concepts, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the performance of physical activity. A few of the units covered throughout the school year include soccer, basketball, tennis, softball, lacrosse, badminton, volleyball, flag football, matball, and fun, organized P.E. games.The curriculum is designed to encourage physical activity as well as foster cooperation, creativity, and lifelong wellness. Character Education 1x/week Character Education happens through CAP, our Canterbury Advisory Program. Seventh grade students are divided by gender for homeroom, a.k.a. Advisory. In sessions during Activity Period, students discuss important life skills in their advisory groups. Middle School topics range from bullying to surviving embarrassing moments, and organizational skills to dealing with authority and conflict. Students in advisory groups provide support for one another and are bound by the rules to keep all discussions in confidence. College and Career Readiness
1x/week
What makes a student college and career ready? College and Career Readiness at Canterbury begins in Grade 6 and continues through Grade 11 to address seven themes important to a college- and career-ready student: * College and Career Development * Ownership of Learning * Transition Skills * Learning Techniques * Metacognitive Skills * Academic Eligibility * High School and Beyond Plan Additionally, there are nine topics specific to Grade 7 that range from Knowing Yourself to Asking for Help to Planning for the Future. The College and Career Readiness curriculum is carefully aligned with academic and guidance standards such as Common Core and ASCA National Standards for Students.
GRADE 8 English 8 Although English 8 is an integrated academic course, the same four skill areas of literary analysis, grammar, composition and vocabulary that are introduced in sixth grade and increased in seventh grade are refined in eighth grade. This course emphasizes the more substantive literary works, more analytical papers and increased critical thinking. Throughout the year, students are taught how to incorporate the traits of effective writing and write in a variety of formats including personal, narrative, expository, persuasive, and poetry. Students are exposed to a variety of reading genres to help them become effective readers who are able to appreciate different writing techniques. Vocabulary acquisition is facilitated through the study of words in context and in isolation. Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1 All eighth grade students are enrolled either in Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1. Placement of the student in the proper course and level is an important decision and requires discussion with the math department. The program is designed to enable students to change levels at various times in their schooling. * Pre-Algebra (offered as Regular and Honors) This course is designed to prepare students for advancement into Algebra I, Geometry, and beyond. Students will strengthen their skills on topics including integers, solving equations, graphing, and number theory, and also be exposed to continuing topics such as plane geometry, ratios and proportions, probability, and functions. * Algebra 1 (offered as Honors or Advanced Honors; worth 1 high school credit) In Algebra I, students develop proficiency with
mathematical skills, expand understanding of mathematical concepts and improve logical thinking through consideration of the following topics: integers, rational and irrational numbers, mathematical properties, polynomials, factoring, algebraic functions, inequalities, linear equations, quadratic equations and coordinate graphing. The students will learn to use several special functions on the graphing calculator and to sketch graphs by hand, as these skills are essential to the students’ success in more advanced math courses. Physical Science Eighth grade science is an introduction to the multidisciplinary field of environmental science. Using specific environmental examples as a springboard, students are challenged to use their scientific knowledge to critically evaluate global environmental issues. Topics include basic chemistry, energy conservation, global warming, ozone pollution, availability of clean fresh water and coastline, and species conservation. Significant emphasis is placed on evaluating multiple sides of an argument and understanding the complexity of the issues we face today. Encouraging students to become working scientists is the overarching goal of the science department. U.S. History In eighth grade, students explore the history of the United States during the late 19th century through much of the 20th century. They examine the historical eras of industrialization, immigration, progressivism, the 1920’s, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. Students examine the role of government, equality and citizen rights, decisions made, movements of change, and economic growth/decline for each topic/era. Eighth grade students do not rely on a textbook; instead investigate each topic utilizing internet resources, historical images, films, political cartoons, primary/secondary sources, and literature. In addition, students develop expository writing, research, organization, and study and critical thinking skills throughout the year. Economics Economics helps students look at the choices they face, evaluate those choices, and choose. The course describes factors of production, land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship. Semester one covers supply and demand, including trade, the story of money, banks, trade-offs, and opportunity cost. Semester two is centered around budgetary arrangements in a practical setting. Discussions include: debit and credit cards, the stock market and other financial institutions, and the basic tax categories of sales, income and property. At the end of semester two, the class attends an all-day service at Financial Park, putting knowledge and skills into practice. Parents are invited to participate in the
Financial Park experience. WORLD LANGUAGE Finishes a 2-year sequence of Spanish, Mandarin Chinese or Latin In Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Latin in the eighth grade, there is a heavy emphasis on the structure of the language. Speaking, reading, writing, and listening are addressed through a multifaceted approach that augments normal daily activities with guided essays, films, and follow-up discussions. Students continue to develop awareness of the Spanish and Chinese speaking areas of the world through exposure to authentic materials such as videos, blogs, and music. The Latin course requires an increasing mastery of vocabulary and essential inflections and syntax. Students learn to think more logically as well as to memorize, analyze, organize, and correlate. A keener appreciation of the indebtedness of English to Latin is gained. Latin 1B 5x/week The goal of this course is to learn the basics about the Latin language and grammar, as well as ancient Roman culture and mythology. As a result, students will strengthen their English grammar and vocabulary skills, become better analytical thinkers, establish a strong foundation for further foreign language study, and increase awareness of the influence of Classical culture in today’s society. Students in Latin 1B earn high school credit. Mandarin Chinese 1B 5x/week Chinese 1B completes the study of skills begun in the Grade 7 Chinese 1A class. In this class, students finish the process to fulfill the requirements for Chinese I in order to earn one credit. The Chinese language course for middle school students helps develop communicative competence in the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing the Chinese language. This course emphasizes everyday conversational patterns. Spanish 1B 5x/week Spanish 1B completes the study of skills begun in the Grade 7 Spanish 1A class. In this class, students finish the process to fulfill the requirements for Spanish I in order to earn one credit. With this in mind, first-year language classes teach the beginning fundamentals of four skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing with an emphasis on listening and speaking. Students learn how to make appropriate choices in syntax, grammar, gesture and style to fit specific communication situations. Applied Technology 1x/week The computer program continues to be integrated within all disciplines in the Middle School and computer skills and applications are taught by all of our teachers. Eighth grade
students have a 1:1 Chromebook program and are encouraged to use the educational apps and digital textbooks that are loaded onto the Chromebook for them. A wide variety of topics are covered but not limited to: Google Apps for Education (word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia presentation skills, etc.), computer programming, robotics, and digital citizenship, video creation and editing. Arts 3x/week All Middle School students may choose one art elective per semester. Students are offered opportunities in visual arts, drama, technical theater, dance, band, show choir or strings. See Arts course descriptions. (anchor link to Arts section below). Physical Education Meet on rotation 2-3x/week Physical Education provides students the opportunity to demonstrate positive social behaviors that emphasizes both sportsmanship and teamwork all while having fun. Various team sports and activities develop understanding of movement concepts, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the performance of physical activity. A few of the units covered throughout the school year include soccer, basketball, tennis, softball, lacrosse, badminton, volleyball, flag football, matball, and fun, organized P.E. games.The curriculum is designed to encourage physical activity as well as foster cooperation, creativity, and lifelong wellness. Character Education 1x/week Character Education happens through CAP, our Canterbury Advisory Program. Eighth grade students are divided by gender for homeroom, a.k.a. Advisory. In sessions during Activity Period, students discuss important life skills in their advisory groups. Middle School topics range from bullying to surviving embarrassing moments, and organizational skills to dealing with authority and conflict. Students in advisory groups provide support for one another and are bound by the rules to keep all discussions in confidence. College and Career Readiness 1x/week What makes a student college and career ready? College and Career Readiness at Canterbury begins in Grade 6 and continues through Grade 11 to address seven themes important to a college- and career-ready student: * College and Career Development * Ownership of Learning * Transition Skills * Learning Techniques * Metacognitive Skills * Academic Eligibility * High School and Beyond Plan Additionally there are ten topics specific to Grade 8 that range from Identifying Leadership Traits to Transitioning to High School to Postsecondary Admission. The College and
Career Readiness curriculum is carefully aligned with academic and guidance standards such as Common Core and ASCA National Standards for Students.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ARTS ELECTIVES Middle School Visual Arts The goal of the middle school visual arts program is to encourage students to think creatively, critically, and to build skills in creative problem solving. Mediums such as drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and graphic design are explored while teaching the seven elements of art. By introducing students to such a wide variety of mediums, they are able to discover their passions and hidden talents, thus building a stronger and more confident young person. Each project is connected back to an artist to build a solid foundation in art history. Middle School Drama In this class, students will be introduced to the basic concepts of theatre arts. Students will use various creative drama techniques to build confidence and trust, and stimulate imagination, movement, and role-play. Through theatre games and activities, students will learn to lose inhibitions and will gain trust in themselves as well as others. Students will learn and use drama and theatre vocabulary in class discussions and the activities will specifically address the promotion and reinforcement of students’ literacy skills. Students will exhibit and reinforce their skills through individual and group presentations, performances, and script and journal writing. Middle School Technical Theater This progressive learning course is a hands-on class involving various forms of design and understanding of carpentry application. Students learn how to safely and efficiently handle various hand tools located in the scene shop. Students in Grade 8 may use a variety of power tools to help in crafting more elaborate projects. With focus being on the design process, the students will get to design projects for others to build as well as take a project of their own to construct. The ideas are limitless! Middle School Band Students continue their musical growth and development by playing more challenging compositions and attending to interpretive elements of the literature. They are encouraged to embrace a team-first philosophy with respect to ensemble playing, to refine technique and their musician’s craft, and to find their individual voices on their respective instruments.
Middle School Show Choir This course is a performance-oriented vocal ensemble for both male and female middle school students. The purpose is for each student to develop vocal ability, ensemble understanding, stage presence, and singing technique. Students will also increase their understanding of written music notation and sight singing technique. Performances include school assembly, school concerts, and community venues, as appropriate. Middle School Strings Strings class involves learning basic scales and repertoire geared toward each student’s level. Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass are offered. Note reading and ensemble playing are also involved. Students must supply their own quality instrument. It is recommended that students who do not already own their own instrument should rent one (rather than purchase one) from a quality vendor. Instructor can help find an appropriate vendor.