Vocabulary, spelling, and grammar are taught through the literature throughout the year. Literature units focus on themes of journeys and transformations. Novels include Avi's The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle , Lowry's The Giver , and Paterson's Lyddie . Students also read a wide range of poets and write their own poetry, creating a poetry anthology. Connections are made to the history units on Salem and on the Industrial Revolution.
Emphasis is placed on the writing process and on proofreading techniques.
Assignments include both descriptive and persuasive paragraphs. Discussions and frequent writing assignments help students to develop their ideas clearly and fully. Vocabulary and grammar are studied throughout the year. Through studying a variety of genres, students work on reading accurately and in depth. Writing assignments include a journalism project, expository paragraph and short essays, poems, and stories.