Language Arts

Philosophy

We at the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ), believe that our role as educators is to develop and reinforce the literacy learning that begins in a child’s home and community.
 
The foundation of our balanced literacy program is a multicultural, standards-based K-12 curriculum emphasizing comprehensive skill development in four primary areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Through a wide range of assessments, our curriculum encourages the consistent growth of critical and creative thinking, quality communication, independence and reflection at developmentally appropriate levels.
 
AISJ advocates a student-centered, collaborative and cross-curricular approach in support of balanced literacy. Diverse opportunities are provided for students to experience and process language created for a variety of purposes and audiences. Such an approach, we believe, will best prepare and empower them to become responsible, lifelong learners and competent, compassionate, effective communicators.
 

English Language Arts Standards

Standard 1:
Learners understand that the application of reading skills and strategies empower us to comprehend a variety of texts
 
Standard 2:
Learners understand that the application of writing skills and strategies empower us to create a variety of texts
 
Standard 3:
Apply listening and speaking skills and strategies to communicate effectively
 
Standard 4:
Learners understand that conventions enable us to communicate effectively
Course Structure Grade 6, 7 & 8

Language Arts in the Middle School follows a balanced literacy approach focusing on reading, writing and oral and visual communication. Both reading and writing use a workshop model:
 
Reader’s Workshop consists of the following components:
 

  • mini-lessons

  • guided practice
  • studying mentor texts
  • independent reading
  • individual conferences
  • small group work

Writer’s Workshop consists of the following components:

  • mini lessons
  • guided practice
  • building writing stamina
  • studying mentor text
  • individual conferences
  • small group work

Alongside this the students will have read-alouds which will model reading rate, accuracy, and comprehension skills. In many cases, units combine both reading and writing. Throughout all the units the students will have the opportunity to develop their oral and visual communication skills through for example, (although not limited by), book clubs, speeches and performances of stories or poems. Language Foundations (conventions) will be interwoven throughout the writing units.
 

Students are encouraged to read independently for a minimum of 30 minutes a night. Independent reading books are those which challenge the students allowing them to use reading strategies and to record their thinking about their texts. The students will be asked to respond to their independent reading books on a regular basis, in a variety of ways.

Grade 6 Units

Reading Realistic Fiction Historical Fiction Non-fiction research Poetry (speaking  and listening unit)
Writing Narratives

Historical Fiction

Short Stories

 Feature Articles Persuasive Speech
Concepts Identity Perspectives Truth Power of Words

Grade 7 Units

Reading The Power of Persuasion Investigating Informational Texts

Uncovering

Narratives

 Poetry
Writing Persuasive Vlogs Writing an Informational Article Narrative of Choice Emotive poetry
Concepts Influence Responsibility Change Connections

Grade 8 Units

Reading Short stories Dystopian Fiction Informational Text

Argument

Poetry
Writing Analytical Essay Dystopian Stories Feature Article

Debate speeches

Poetry
Concepts Conflict Power Human Rights Fairness