Middle school Language Arts is all about helping students grow as confident writers, thoughtful readers, and effective communicators. In this course, students will dive into literature, learn how to analyze and evaluate stories from different perspectives, and practice writing in a variety of styles. They’ll explore grammar concepts, develop their critical thinking skills, and engage in collaborative discussions that deepen their understanding of the texts they read.
Learning through Stories
Each grade level will tackle exciting, age-appropriate literature that challenges students at the right level. Expect hands-on projects like creating outlines, writing essays, reading stage plays, and presenting research—all designed to make learning active and fun. While most work will be done in class, there may be some reading to do at home, but nothing too overwhelming.
Beyond just language arts, students will also work on valuable life skills like teamwork, respectful listening, and engaging in meaningful discussions—skills that will help them succeed in and out of the classroom. This is a chance for students to build not just their academic abilities, but also their confidence in expressing themselves and working with others.
Below are potential books and plays for all three grades:
6th grade
- Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir by Margarita Engle
- Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
- The Giver by Lois Lowry
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shaekspeare
7th grade
- Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
- Refugee by Alan Gratz
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
8th grade
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
- Audacity by Melanie Crowder
- As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
- Fences by August Wilson
All grades will examine poetry from both classic poets (Emily Dickenson, Robert Frost) and modern poets (Amanda Gorman, Ocean Vuong).
