The comunication skills, reading, writing, and speaking are essential to successful performance in all subject areas. It is in English and reading classes that these very important skills are taught, practiced and developed. The text, Elements of Literature, is used school-wide in reading classes. The Write Traits program and Write Source 2000 Handbook are basic components of English classes. The Sitton Spelling Program is district-wide and is continued at UMS.

In sixth grade language arts is a full year course. In English, skills center around writing, speaking, grammar. The Write Traits and Power Writing programs are taught to strengthen students' writing skills. Emphasis is on structured assignments such as essays, persuasive writing, and mini-research papers, but many opportunities are also given for creative expression. Students are expected to plan and present speeches each quarter to improve their speaking skills. Grammar and spelling instruction are stressed with the expectation that students will begin to apply these skills to the editing and revision of their writing.
Throughout the year students save their writing in a portfolio. At the end of the year they review their work and select two representative pieces to be passed on to the next year's teacher. In additon, each student completes a checklist evaluating his/her progress as a writer.

There are two basic components of reading instruction. First, students are taught using a literature-based approach. Using teacher-selected novels and the literature textbook, students are exposed to a variety of genres. They are taught to identify and analyze the elements of plot, character, setting, theme, mood, and figurative language. Alternative forms of assessment, such as book projects and performances, are used. Second, students are expected to set independent reading goals each quarter and read books of choice to reach their reading goals. They are often expected to reflect in writing on the books they have read.

In seventh grade English the focus is on writing, speaking and grammar. Students are instructed in various forms of writing using the Write Traits program and Write Source Handbook. Emphasis is placed on learning to organize and write persuasive, descriptive and narrative paragraphs. Opportunities are also given for students to write creatively. To improve speaking skills, students are expected to give oral presentations. Grammar and spelling are taught with the expectation that students will apply these skills to the editing and revision of their writing.

Throughout the year students save their writing in the portfolio started in sixth grade. At the end of the year students review their work and select two representative pieces to be passed on to the next year's teacher. In addition, each stuent completes a checklist evaluating his/her progress as a writer.

Reading concentrates on vocabulary development, comprehension, reflective writing, highter level thinking, and study skills. Students are required to read extensively and learn to analyze and evaluate literary components in diversified selections of literature. Projects are required that enhance the readings and promote speaking and writing skills. In addition to teacher directed reading, students are required to read independently and respond in a variety of ways to what they have read.

Language Arts - 8th Grade

English instruction at the eighth grade has three basic components, writing, grammar and literature. Students are instructed in various forms of writing with the emphasis placed on learning to organize and write multi-paragraph persuasive, descriptive and narrative essays. Opportunities are also given for students to write creatively. Grammar and spelling are taught with the expectation that students will apply the knowledge to their writing.

Throughout the year students save pieces of their writing and select two representative pieces to add to their portfolios. At the end of the eighth grade year, these are given to the students as a record of his/her progress in writing.

The literature component is taught using the literature textbook and selected novels. Major units include the study of short stories, non-fiction writings, poetry, drama, mythology and novels by London, Steinbeck and others. Students are also required to read independently and report on what they have read.

Reading instruction concentrates on vocabulary development, comprehension, higher level thinking, and study skills. Students are required to read extensively and learn to analyze and evaluate literary components in selected literature. Projects are required that enhance the readings and promote speaking skills as well as writing skills. In addition to teacher directed reading, students are required to read independently and respond in a variety of ways to what they have read.