The Middle School Literature curriculum begins in the sixth grade with the introduction to literature, basic literary terms, basic genres (novel, nonfiction, drama, short story, mythology and poetry), the analysis of the novel (including setting, point of view, characterization, plot, theme, etc.), and annotation techniques. In the seventh grade students continue to explore literature through the analysis of the literary devices used in the selections, the reinforcement of annotation techniques, and writing; and will be introduced to more complex literary terms. Literature class in the eighth grade continues to reinforce the analysis of the literary devices used in the selections by annotation and through writing.
Components of the literature curriculum include literary analysis skill building, assessments, projects, and written assignments. Literary analysis skill building includes learning the elements of literature, annotation of literary works, and the discussion of and writing about the students’ analyses. The assessments will include many different approaches to allow for creativity and critical thinking, often incorporating art, creative writing, and technology.
Each quarter, students read and study a novel in-depth as a whole class. Novels selected for study include both classic and contemporary titles. In each grade level, the students will complete novel units, which focus on the novel and several related texts from different genres. The additional readings are related to the novel in some literary aspect (i.e. theme or character type). The eighth grade will have an AP book project to complete for the last quarter of their eighth grade year. Incoming middle school students also complete summer reading assignments, which are studied further when students return in the fall.