All graded writing assignments use the Five-Step Process and the Triangle Model as students learn that writing is an active thinking process. Attention is paid to editing, the final step of the writing process. Students work on the mechanics of writing as they polish their drafts. Readings are drawn from novels, stories, and anthologies, as well as other sources. Readings are related thematically to provide the basis for discussion, journal writing, and projects.
Vocabulary building is done through lists drawn from the readings.
Connections to the Henry David Thoreau House theme are made through journal writing, reading selected quotations from Thoreau, and writing about the annual trip to Walden Pond. Click on the House at Walden to move to the next course of study description for grade six.