BJHS Course Descriptions - Language Arts

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Language Arts

6th Grade

Sixth grade students arrive at Bloomington Junior High School from six different elementary schools bringing a variety of experience and ability. Our sixth grade language arts program reflects this diversity by using a variety of instructional materials and teaching methods. Language Arts is composed of two year-long classes of reading and English. These two areas are interrelated and often integrated with other sixth grade subjects.

6th Grade Reading: During reading class, students read novels and use the Prentice Hall Literature Series. Students are taught skills in reading for content, as well as reading for pleasure. Reading emphasizes a variety of skills, exposes the students to multiple genres of literature, and encourages the students to read at school and at home. Through the Illinois Reading Coach books, the students practice strategies to prepare them for the ISAT (Illinois Standards Achievement Test).

6th Grade English: English instruction emphasizes process writing. Students learn to write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Additional instruction focuses on developing standard English grammar, improving spelling and proofreading skills, and using the spoken language effectively.

7th and 8th Grade

The BJHS language arts program is organized into two year-long classes of integrated language arts instruction. One course is titled Reading, the other is English. Despite the separate titles, instruction in both classes centers around the philosophy of the interrelated and mutually developed language arts: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

7th Grade Reading: During reading class, students read novels and use the Prentice Hall Literature Series. Reading exposes the students to multiple genres of literature and provides individualized time for reading. Students are taught skills in reading for content, as well as reading for pleasure. Higher level thinking skills are addressed as students read and analyze literature representing various value systems, historical periods, and philosophies.

In addition, the reading course focuses on engaging in process writing, learning to use effective study techniques, and learning to listen effectively.

7th Grade English: English instruction emphasizes process writing. Students learn to write in different modes for a variety of purposes and audiences. Additional instruction focuses on developing standard English grammar, improving spelling, developing vocabulary, and using spoken language effectively.

8th Grade Reading: During reading class, students use the Prentice Hall Literature Series, the Reader’s Handbook, and novels to expose students to multiple genres of literature and literary skills. Students are taught to apply reading strategies in content area reading, as well as reading for pleasure. Higher level thinking skills are addressed as students read and analyze literature representing various value systems, historical periods, and philosophies.

In addition, the reading course focuses on learning strategies, test-taking skills, and essential words. An emphasis is placed on written responses to literature, as students make real world connections. Students are required to maintain a weekly Reading Log, which emphasizes reading in the home setting. Our goal is to promote a life long love of reading!

8th Grade English: English instruction emphasizes process writing. Students learn to write in different modes for a variety of purposes and audiences. Additional instruction focuses on developing standard English grammar, improving spelling, developing vocabulary, and using spoken language effectively. A major career research project and speech are part of the eighth grade curriculum.