The Detroit Country Day Middle School English program focuses primarily on the development of the language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. The program also seeks to foster the enjoyment of language, the appreciation of literature, the expression of creativity and the development of logical, critical thinking. Return to the main Curriculum page for an explanation of the course numbering system. Teachers employ a wide variety of techniques to accomplish these objectives. Directed reading helps with prediction skills, drawing conclusions and reading for meaning.
Dramatizations encourage students to visualize and, therefore, gain more meaning.
Trips to area theaters to view live performances enrich the students' language experience. The program also stresses the development of dictionary skills and proofreading skills. Students are encouraged to select specific action verbs, include descriptive language and add supportive details. Grammar study emphasizes parts of speech, the complete sentence, capitalization and punctuation - elements necessary for the development of proofreading skills. This course will introduce students to the skills necessary to succeed in middle school.