UNIT 1: The Art of Narrative 

In this unit, there are three main strands that tie together in a culminating task.  The strands are: 1) an inquiry into the art of story writing; 2) reading as a writer and writing as a reader; 3) whole-class, small-group, and independent novel reading to support strands 1 and 2.  Students will apply what they have learned by accurately comprehending & perceptively analyzing literature and by producing an original narrative in a genre of choice (e.g., narrative poetry, flash fiction, feature story).

UNIT 2: Literary Analysis

Students will elevate their analytical reading and writing skills in three primary ways: 1) a genre analysis of ‘literary analysis writing’; 2) a deep reading of classic literature, including Steinbeck’s The Pearl; 3) writing short and long analytical responses to literary questions. Ultimately, students will apply what they have learned by writing a formal literary analysis essay on a work of short fiction.  

Unit 3: Comparative Analysis and Argumentation

After learning how to analyze a single text, students will expand the breadth and increase the depth of their ability to find meaning through comparing two or more texts. Since opinion, or persuasion, involves gathering information from multiple sources to formulate a position, argument naturally follows the comparative analysis work.  Like comparing, arguing is a ubiquitous strategy used in academia and in life so that we can advance what we believe anf learn different perspectives.

Unit 4: Genre Analysis and Multigenre Writing

The fourth marking period is devoted to the Research-Based Multi-Genre Writing Project, a culmination of the previous three units' study. Here, students select a topic/theme of personal interest in order to deliver a message that carries personal importance. Students examine and compare professional writers' work in various genres, developing a deeper understanding of how to independently create their own. Ultimately, they produce a project that delivers a cohesive, engaging, highly compelling message that resonates deeply with who they are.

Each unit incorporates Personal Choice Reading (PCR), a program that requires students to choose from a wide selection of texts, sometimes with a partner or small group, and reading them independently. PCR is designed to both foster a love of reading and its accompanying assignments are designed to strengthen applicability skills. In addition, students continue to receive specific instruction in grammar and vocabulary.