English Language Arts
The WCPSS English Language Arts curriculum is transitioning to Expeditionary Learning, or EL, over the next three years so enrichment experiences for your students will shift as well. Expeditionary Learning is a different type of English Language Arts program than you've likely encountered before. We encourage you to take a few minutes to browse the following documents from their website to learn more about their core values and objectives for student learning:
We'll be using lessons from the Advanced Curriculum from Vanderbilt University's Programs for Talented Youth as extensions and enrichment for the lessons students participate in during class time. While students will have one direct instruction "lesson" per quarter the AIG teachers collaborate with the Language Arts teachers on a weekly basis to ensure work is differentiated appropriately as needed. We will also co-teach lessons with teachers throughout the year ranging from Socratic seminars to writing workshops.
6th Grade
Before we get to the 6th grade enrichment lessons, we hear from our colleagues at year round schools many students have read The Lightning Thief before their 6th Grade year. That's fantastic! There are measurable benefits to reading for pleasure. EL will have your students reading, annotating, and discussing this same novel on a daily basis using protocols, seminars, and more. Please encourage your students to persist with this new academic way of reading a book they normally would only read for fun. It will prepare students for when they reach more unfamiliar non-fiction texts in future modules.
ELA 6 Enrichment Lessons Goals & Objectives
7th Grade
- Unit 1: We Never Know How High We Are
- Unit 2: Dystopian Literature: The Abuse of Power
- Unit 3: The Wild Swans at Coole
- Unit 4: First Inaugural Address
ELA 7 Enrichment Lessons Goals & Objectives
8th Grade
- Unit 1: Speech to Congress on Indian Removal
- Unit 2: We Shall Overcome
- Unit 3: Letter to DAR & "My Day" Column
- Unit 4: Special Message to Congress on Urgent National Needs--Space