Middle School Language Arts Department

The Middle School’s language arts department is divided into two separate programs, English and literature.

In English, a traditional approach is taken, teaching rules of grammar supported by skill-specific practice, principles of expository writing, and vocabulary words for students to incorporate into their writing in every subject. In each grade, research projects are integrated with other courses. For example, a science research paper may be taught and graded by the English teacher for form and the science teacher for content. Each quarter, eighth grade students prepare for the SAT writing section by practicing persuasive writing in class. The essays are then sent to an outside teacher for grading.

In literature, the focus is on the language of literature. For example, students should know instinctively what setting, plot, structure, characterization, and theme mean when reading fiction. Specific attention is given to the selection of materials that reflect quality literature for the young adult reader at developmentally appropriate levels. Nurturing students into becoming life-long readers is a goal of the literature teacher. An additional goal of a literature teacher is to help students to apply any lessons of the story or novel to their own lives. The opportunity to teach Christian values and integrity, in keeping with the FRA mission is supported by class readings and themes. Teachers use every occasion to help students develop a sense of self and enjoyment of literature through some really wonderful discussions about the selected work.