This course is for middle school students in grades 6-7 and is designed to help students build strong composition skills. Students will learn the foundations of clear, effective writing through narrative, informative, and persuasive assignments. Research writing using MLA format will be introduced and implemented. Weekly instruction will be paired with assigned reading, giving students opportunities to respond thoughtfully and strengthen their ideas in writing. This course also introduces literary analysis, helping students notice key elements such as theme, character, and the author’s purpose. In addition, students will build grammar and editing skills that reinforce proper mechanics within the context of real writing. Emphasis will be placed on developing student voice, organizing ideas, and revising work for clarity. Through guided practice, discussion, and independent writing, students will grow in confidence and skill as thoughtful readers and capable writers, preparing them for more advanced studies in composition and literature.
The following textbooks and supplies are to be purchased by parents.
Under Class Details, see Class Attachment for a picture of the textbook.
Fix It Grammar Level 4; Student Book
ISBN: 978-1-62341-363-7
Jump In Middle School Composition (2nd Edition) from Writing with Sharon Watson
ISBN: 9781090432421
A Chicken Was There at Christmas by A.A. Davenport
ISBN: 9798338129883
The Legend of the Last Library by Frank L. Cole
ISBN: 978-1-63993-460-7
Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor, illustrated by Joe Sutphin
ISBN: 978-0-8024-2053-4
Supplies:
2” three-ring binder
3-hole punched loose-leaf paper
Pencils
Red pen or red colored pencil
Spiral notebook (single subject); wide ruled
Post-Its (3”x3” in pink, green, and blue)
Access to Microsoft Word
Successful completion of KEYS Elementary Language Arts Level II or by permission of the instructor. If students are NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLED in a KEYS Math or English class, we require Placement Evaluations to be sure they are placed at the best level to help them be successful in the coming year. Please contact the office to schedule an evaluation prior to class selection.
Parents are responsible for purchasing all textbooks and supplies before the first day of class.
KEYS will invoice supply fees at the time of registration and class selection. This fee covers materials, lab supplies, and other expenses incurred by the teacher. It is a one-time fee, transferable until August, but non-refundable.
Please note the grade level for this class. Students younger than the recommended grade levels need special permission before signing up for the class. Please contact the office for more information.
What happens if a class is full? You may email administration@keysofva.org to be waitlisted.
