Troy Area School District 570-297-2750

English Language Arts

ELA Core Reading Street

ELA 3rd Grade

ELA 4th Grade

ELA 5th Grade

ELA 6th Grade

7th Grade Writing

Narrative

Informative

Argumentative

Reading 7th Grade

The 7th grade reading program includes interactions with a variety of texts. The main objective is to learn how to successfully read varying types of books and informative pieces. Reading is a skill that is used throughout life,and is a critical skill that needs to be practiced. Students will learn reading strategies to help them improve their reading skills. We will also study vocabulary related skills. Students will begin to interpret the literary elements and devices while making personal connections with what they read.

Resource List
Curriculum

Writing 8th Grade

Narrative

Informative

Argumentative

8th Grade Reading

Expectations

Elements of a Short Story

Reader's Theater

Strategy Exploration

Talk to the Text

Keystone English 9

This course is an intensive review of the rules of English grammar. Vocabulary, composition, as well as literary analysis are incorporated into these units. Multiple short stories are read as well as the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Selections of poetry, non-fiction, and epic poetry including excerpts from Homer’s “The Odyssey” are also studied. Reading Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” serves as an introduction to British Literature within this course. A research paper is required as part of the course requirements.

Curriculum

Keystone Honors English 9

This course falls into three distinct areas: grammar, literature and vocabulary. Literature selections included are To Kill a Mockingbird, excerpts of “The Odyssey,” and “Romeo and Juliet.” Additional units comprise of short stories, poetry, and non-fiction. Composition and literary analysis are incorporated into these units. Higher level English is geared toward the high achieving student. A research paper as well as a class debate are included as part of the course requirements.

Keystone English 10

In tenth grade, students study literature from around the world. There are three twelve-week units (Asian literature, African/Middle Eastern literature, and Latin American literature). Each unit allows for close study of literary works, as well as consideration of historical and cultural context. The units focus not only on geographical regions, but also on themes and literary forms that pertain to them. Thus students come to grasp the relationship between local concerns and universal questions. They become aware of the authors’ views of literature itself - its forms, peculiarities, language, and relationship to reality. Throughout the year, students will conduct background research, participate in class discussions, study vocabulary, learn about the writing process, and write essays. Having read literature from a variety of cultures, they now embark on eleventh grade and the study of American literature.

Text
Glencoe Literature, Hardcover: 1309 pages, Student Edition
How to Read Like a Professor, Thomas Foster

Curriculum

English 11

Concentrations on American literature, speech, expository writing, and vocabulary. It will consist of an intensive survey of America’s literature with the intention of enhancing the student’s sense of cultural literacy. The organization, structure, research and delivery of an informative speech will be emphasized. Expository writing will be stressed with the prime intention of enhancing the development of logical and analytical thinking. Vocabulary development will concentrate on broadening the student’s reading recognition vocabulary.

Text
American Literature: A Chronological Approach, McGraw Hill, 1985
The United States in Literature, Scott, Foresman & Company, 1987

Curriculum

Honors English 11

Concentration is on American Literature, speech, expository writing, and vocabulary. It will consist of an intensive survey of the development and progress of American Literature. Emphasis is on the major themes, which have occupied the writers of that literature. The organization, structure, research and delivery of the persuasive speech will also be stressed. Writing will deal with the structure of the expository essay, the use of concrete examples to effectively support opinions, and a study of the stylistic techniques, which would facilitate competency in that particular mode of expression. A concentrated study of vocabulary will also be emphasized.

English 12

Focus will be on the literary backgrounds of British Literature from the days of the Anglo-Saxons to the 17thCentury. Basic to the course is a study of the various literary genres. Considerable stress will be placed on development of communication skills in written form. Emphasis is placed on the student’s written analysis of the works studied through class discussion of works read and tests, quizzes, thematic essays and book reflections. The course also includes developmental skills in grammar and vocabulary and required research.

Text
The English Tradition, Prentice Hall, 1991
Resource List 1
Resource List 2

Curriculum

Honors English 12

Focus will be on the literary backgrounds ofBritish Literature from the days of the Anglo-Saxons to the 17th Century and will provide students with a comprehensive background for the study of contemporary literature. Emphasis is placed on the student’s written analysis of the works studied through class discussion of works read and tests, quizzes, thematic essays, and book reflections. Critical thinking, listening and research skills are incorporated. Vocabulary development is pursued through the context of the works in progress along with the needed literary terms and concepts for the study of literature. A research paper is required.

Text
The English Tradition, Prentice Hall, 1991

Curriculum

Literature Keystone Readiness

This is a 9-week course designed to prepare students for the Keystone Literature state assessment. This course will focus on fiction, literary non-fiction, informational texts, and test-taking strategies. Students will read for meaning while learning to analyze and interpret literature. This does not replace 9th or 10th grade English, but is meant to further improve reading and analysis skills. This course will be scheduled for those students who are not ready (based on classroom and/or state assessments) to take the Keystone Literature state assessment.

Composition Keystone Readiness

This is a 9-week required course designed for 9th grade students to reinforce grammar and writing skills, in the anticipation of the Keystone Composition end-of-course assessment. This course will focus on the mechanics and use of the English language. Emphasis will be placed on grammar skills through oral and written drills, tests, and short writing assignments. Students will begin by writing well-constructed sentences, then well-developed paragraphs, and finally short, well written essays. This does not replace 9th or 10th grade English, but is meant to refine skills needed to improve written communication.