English Language Arts

Elementary English Language Arts

In Tenafly, we believe that language arts is the gateway to endless possibilities. Our elementary language arts program is designed to ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and build essential skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

In our vibrant classrooms, students embark on a journey through captivating stories, imaginative writing exercises, and dynamic discussions. We focus on developing foundational skills while encouraging a love for literature and expression. Our engaging curriculum includes everything from classic tales to contemporary texts to nurture a passion for reading and comprehension. Students begin by learning how to write the alphabet and continue to develop a writing process as they progress through their formative school years. Our teachers encourage the youngest Tenafly students to express their ideas with confidence. Through interactive activities, students enhance their communication skills and develop critical thinking.

Our dedicated teachers use innovative methods to make learning enjoyable and meaningful, ensuring that every student feels supported and inspired. Join us in making language arts an exciting adventure that opens doors to lifelong learning and success!

Middle School English Language Arts

The Tenafly Middle School language arts program builds upon the language experiences of the elementary years and aims to nurture proficiency in the interrelated activities of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and critical thinking.                             

Through both guided and independent reading and writing activities in the language arts class, students apply comprehension strategies to create meaning from text, deepen their grasp of verbal structures, and expand their vocabulary.  In the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade classes, students study poetry, drama, the novel, memoirs, short stories and nonfiction texts. Students can expect to engage in whole class readings of a single text, group readings of different texts, independent reading and research. Grammar, usage, and mechanics of English are taught within the context of writing; additional reinforcement with grammar exercises is provided on an as-needed basis.

In each of the grade levels, and in all of the activities of the classroom, the language arts program seeks to engage students with their capacity to use language as a source of understanding and a means of expression.  It is important to note that each year teachers use their discretion in determining which specific activities and texts they will use to meet their students' varied learning needs and capabilities.

High School English Language Arts

High school language arts is a comprehensive program designed to enhance students' reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. The curriculum encompasses a diverse range of literature, including novels, short stories, poetry, and drama, allowing students to explore different genres and understand how historical and cultural contexts shape literary works. In addition to literary analysis, students develop their reading comprehension by analyzing characters, themes, and plot structures, and making inferences based on textual evidence.

Writing is a major focus, with students honing their skills in crafting various types of essays, from argumentative to analytical and narrative. Creative writing opportunities allow students to experiment with different forms, such as short stories and poetry. They also engage in research projects, learning to gather, evaluate, and incorporate evidence into well-organized papers.

Grammar and mechanics are emphasized to ensure clear and effective communication. Students learn about sentence structure, punctuation, and style, developing their unique writing voice while adhering to standard conventions. Vocabulary expansion and word usage are integral parts of the curriculum, with students using context clues to understand and apply new words.

Oral communication skills are also developed through presentations, public speaking, and discussions, helping students articulate their ideas confidently. The curriculum introduces literary theory and criticism, offering insights into various theoretical approaches and their applications in literary analysis. Additionally, media literacy is a key component, teaching students to be critical in their analysis of online content.

Overall, high school language arts aims to foster a deep appreciation for language and literature while equipping students with the skills necessary for effective communication and analytical thinking.

In grades nine through eleven, much of the English curriculum parallels the topical emphases of the social studies program. Field trips to theaters and museums in the metropolitan area may be included in the program.

Grade 6 Curriculum - The sixth grade program uses the reading and writing workshop model to deepen students’ understanding of the various genres and sharpen their foundational literacy skills.  Differentiated approaches to literacy instruction allow students to pursue independent reading to practice strategies learned in class.  In addition to student-selected texts, whole-class readings in fiction, memoir, and other genres provide opportunities for shared interpretation.  Writing instruction complements the reading workshop as students learn to compose original pieces in the genres they have read, respond analytically to literature, and shift among various modes of discourse such as persuasion and narrative. Throughout the year, teachers place emphasis on writing as a process, providing students with multiple strategies for each stage – from developing “seed ideas” to polishing finished works that can be shared with various audiences.

To complement their language arts coursework, all sixth grade students take a full year of literacy. In this course, students engage complex fiction and nonfiction texts to hone their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Students at all skill levels benefit from readings drawn from academic disciplines including, but not limited to, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Readings also connect with the issues (e.g. family life concepts, anti-bullying efforts, etc.) that inform the social-emotional well-being of all students.

Grade 7 Curriculum - The seventh grade program extends the work of the sixth grade by immersing students further in the study of various genres.  Through independent reading and the study of whole-class texts, students are given regular opportunities to develop individual lines of inquiry about literature.  Shared novels and short story collections provide students with exposure to classic literature, highly-acclaimed young adult literature, and more sophisticated genres, including allegory, historical fiction, and verse. Writing instruction continues to emphasize process as students experiment with composition in the various modes of discourse.  Highlights of the seventh grade writing program include the production of an extended work of fiction, a memoir, and a portfolio collection of poems written in both fixed forms and free verse.

Grade 8 Curriculum - The eighth grade program provides a capstone experience in literacy as students build upon the foundational skills learned in the earlier grades to study classic literary works and pursue independent inquiry in literature and nonfiction reading. Shared texts provide opportunities for students to engage in the kind of close reading and writing about literature that will prepare them for high school.  Students continue to write creatively in genres such as memoir and poetry; they also learn sophisticated rhetorical devices for persuasive and expository writing. The “I-Search” project, a research paper on a self-selected topic written in the form of a nonfiction feature article, engages students in the synthesis of ideas across various texts and sources, and in critical research skills.  Each student also prepares an 8^th grade anthology, a revised and edited collection of their best writing and reflective pieces on each sample. Throughout the year, emphasis is placed on “reading as a writer” and writing for authentic audiences.

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Visit the Course Guide for Course Descriptions and Prerequisites

Grade 9 Curriculum - Ninth graders at Tenafly High School take World Literature I or, if recommended by their eighth grade teacher, World Literature I Honors. The honors course is the correct placement for self-directed students who excel at reading and writing. Students who are not recommended for World Literature I Honors have the ability to seek placement in subsequent honors level courses.

Grade 10 Curriculum - Tenth graders at Tenafly High School take World Literature II or World Literature II Advanced.  Students who earn a recommendation from both their ninth grade English and social studies teachers may enroll in Humanities Honors, the mutual honors offering of the two departments. Ninth grade teachers from both departments meet as a group to reach common decisions about placement in this program.

Grade 11 Curriculum - Eleventh graders take American Literature or, if recommended, Advanced Placement English Language and Composition. In addition to their regular English program, and with the permission of the appropriate administrators, juniors enrolled in the full year junior course may choose an additional course from the full year senior electives. Students wishing to graduate early may use such a course, taken in the eleventh grade, to meet their twelfth grade English graduation requirement. Advanced Placement English Language and Composition students are responsible for reading a number of works during the summer preceding their junior year. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement examination in May of the junior year.

Grade 12 Curriculum - Twelfth graders take Senior English or if recommended, Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition. Students enrolled in Senior English will select from the range of rigorous and engaging offerings in the registration listing. Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition students are responsible for reading a number of works during the summer preceding their senior year. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement examination in May of the senior year.
 
As an outgrowth of their previous writing experiences, all seniors are required to write an extended and researched essay which voices and develops a cohesive commentary on an appropriate topic. This requirement is fulfilled in conjunction with the coursework at all levels.