7th grade | EB Writing, Eastern Lit, Easy Grammar, BJU Vocabulary |
8th grade | EB Writing, Fundamentals of Lit, Easy Grammar, BJU Vocabulary |
9th grade | World Lit and Composition, Easy Grammar, Elements of Literature, BJU Vocabulary |
10th grade | American Lit I and Composition, Easy Grammar, BJU Vocabulary |
11th grade | American Lit II and Composition, BJU Vocabulary |
12th grade | British Lit and Composition, BJU Vocabulary |
A successful middle school ELA curriculum is rooted in writing about literature. To that end, students learn evidence-based writing using the literary-analysis framework from EB Academics. They apply the learned framework to expository writing (descriptive) and master the art of storytelling with the personal narrative. This same framework will guide them into the upper grades as they use the framework for other types of writing such as persuasive, argumentative, compare and contrast, etc.
Designed to complement the Eastern Hemisphere curriculum, the reading list for Eastern Literature includes books set in Eastern countries, such as The Bronze Bow (set in 1st century Israel) and I Am Malala (which takes place in modern Pakistan).
Fundamentals of Literature teaches the student to be a discerning reader by focusing on the fundamentals of literature—conflict, character, theme, structure, point of view, and moral tone. The student studies contemporary and classic American, British, and world authors in four genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Critical thinking skills are encouraged throughout the text through discussion questions. Concepts and literary works are analyzed using scriptural applications.
7th grade Easy Grammar Plus: This is the most thorough treatment of grammatical structures, and punctuation in the series. Completion of this course prepares students for fluent upper grade writing.
Easy Grammar Ultimate 8-10: These texts in the series provide appropriate systematic review and daily practice of grammatical structures and punctuation.
BJU Press’s vocabulary product line teaches skills for independent vocabulary acquisition and develops a broad working vocabulary to prepare students for effective cultural engagement. Emphasis is placed on explicit instruction that includes inductive vocabulary strategies such as activating prior knowledge and using clues from word parts, etymology, and context. Varied lesson presentations, puzzles, and games keep students interested and motivated, and spiral reviews encourage mastery.
BJU Press’s secondary literature helps students go beyond learning about literature to learning how to interact with literature. Students develop a deeper understanding of their fellow man as they examine texts from different cultures, diverse authors and genres, and a range of time periods. Students use text-focused close reading techniques through a before, during, and after reading approach which emphasizes comprehension and critical thinking. Students evaluate each selection, sharpening their discernment and shaping their worldview. Students will also read a handful of whole class novels or choice literature circles.
Students will build upon evidence-based writing, practicing the literary analysis skills and adding several types of essays to their repertoire: argumentative, synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and extended research writing.