Genres

This unit includes identifying and comparing key characteristics of literary genres.

Reading Operations

This unit includes constructing meaning from fiction and non-fiction selections at comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and judgment levels of understanding. Students are able to identify, discuss, and compare both concrete and abstract elements of selections (setting, plot, characterization, genre, historical period, theme, tone, moral message, and psychological and political implications).

Vocabulary

This unit includes studying and applying knowledge of word structure (bases and affixes) to define unfamiliar words and understand technical or informational content.

Word Analysis

This unit includes examining word structure and phonetics in isolation.

Language Expressions

This unit includes comprehending and applying the rules which govern language expressions and usage. Students studying this unit develop an intuitive sense of language structure, and the ability to make judgments regarding how language expressions relate to the cohesiveness of sentences and passages.

Language Mechanics

This unit includes comprehending and applying the rules which govern punctuation and capitalization. Students studying this unit incorporate knowledge of language mechanics into original writing, and successfully edit passages for language mechanics errors.

Spelling

This unit includes studying language and word structure knowledge to discern the correct spelling of words. Students edit passages for correct spelling by making connections between spelling, meaning, and structure.

Writing

This unit includes utilizing each stage of the writing process to create original pieces. Students explore a variety of organizational formats and purposes for writing (communicating ideas, opinions, and feelings, clarifying thoughts, and solving problems).