English 7 empowers students to strengthen their analysis of stories and develop their unique writing voice. We explore thought-provoking topics about the world through a variety of texts and genres, including historical fiction, drama, and poetry. Discussions are structured around Harkness skills and building a collaborative learning environment. Reading comprehension is nurtured through a continued emphasis on good reading habits, close reading skills, and a refined approach to textual annotations. In addition, students practice their critical thinking skills by identifying story elements and authors’ craft, questioning the choices writers make, and analyzing stories through varied lenses. Literature units include full-class novel studies and small-group book clubs. In addition, regular connections with the SLS Library support independent reading and encourage students to find stories that bring them joy and new knowledge. Independence with the writing process is fostered through continued mastery of the TIDE approach. Students learn to use their organizational and development skills as a building block to support both analytical writing prompts and multi-paragraph essays. Students use strategies for organization, routinely practice impactful editing skills, and benefit from a high level of teacher involvement. Teachers work closely with each student throughout the writing process and create personalized strategies for growth at every stage. Students become sensitized to the role language plays in their lives by discussing how real writers work and through the study of vocabulary and grammar in context. Students enjoy collaborative and creative opportunities to demonstrate their learning, including reading groups, artistic interpretations, performance, and debate. Texts studied in 7th grade have included: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton; A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare; Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson; Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhà Lai; Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli; New Kid by Jerry Craft.

English 8 begins with two foundational questions that encourage students to broaden their perspective of literary studies: What are the elements of great storytelling? What purpose does a story strive to convey to the audience? Students apply these questions throughout the year as they examine a variety of literary forms, including short stories, novels, personal narratives, plays, and poetry. Along with gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich variety of literature and the power of language, students use both their personal perspectives and consideration of others’ perspectives to interpret texts. Historical and social contexts are included in our discussions, and students are encouraged to construct unique views robustly supported by critical analysis. Harkness table-based instruction nurtures a high level of participation through lively, full-class discussion and allows for small-group conversation and independent reflection. Students further develop and sharpen their critical thinking skills through language-intensive activities, including the study of vocabulary in context and a practical approach to English grammar. To refine their writing skills and feel set up for success in Upper School, students compose expository essays, grounded in the TIDE approach, and based on traditional rhetorical models, including narration, compare and contrast, and persuasion/argument, in addition to personal responses and creative pieces. Teachers are closely involved in writing instruction to personalize goals and strategies for each writer. In addition, all eighth-grade students craft and present a Declamation - a personal narrative, short story, or collection of poetry- to the community at the end of the school year. This is an opportunity to showcase their power as writers and public speakers by sharing a story about how they came to be the humans they are. Independent reading is encouraged through regular connections with the SLS library. The 8th-grade reading curriculum has recently included titles such as The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie; Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys; Our Town by Thornton Wilder; To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee; Flying Lessons and Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh; The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.