English Language and Literature (Grade 6 – 8)

Overview: This engaging curriculum, designed by Tutor Mahrukh Murad, is aimed at middle school students (Grades 6-8) and provides an in-depth exploration of English Language and Literature. By blending structured reading comprehension with creative writing exercises, this curriculum helps students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and creative expression. The primary text, To Kill a Mockingbird, serves as a rich foundation for discussions on themes, character analysis, and literary devices, while creative writing exercises build storytelling and descriptive writing abilities.

Curriculum Highlights:

1. Reading Comprehension & Analysis:
   • Focused study on To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and other classic literary texts, with weekly guided reading sessions followed by discussions on key elements such as plot, characters, and themes.
   • Exercises targeting comprehension, theme identification, literary device exploration, and character analysis build analytical skills and a deeper appreciation for classic literature.
2. Creative Writing – Storytelling & Visual Descriptions:
   • Visual description and world-building exercises enhance students’ descriptive writing skills, encouraging imaginative thinking and the ability to convey vivid scenes.
   • Scenario-building activities from expert writing resources help students learn narrative development, character creation, and visual storytelling.
3. Plot Structure & Development:
   • Introduction to traditional plot structures, including the Hero’s Journey, with guided exercises to support students in structuring their narratives effectively.
   • Weekly exercises build upon the plot understanding developed in the reading sessions, bridging analytical skills with creative writing.
4. Weekly Skill-Building Exercises:
   • Weekly spelling tests, vocabulary-building exercises, and sentence construction practice ensure students continuously improve foundational English skills while exploring more complex literary concepts.

Learning Outcomes:

• Enhanced Comprehension & Analytical Skills: Students will learn to summarize, analyze, and critically engage with classic literature, understanding key themes and literary devices.
• Expanded Vocabulary & Sentence Construction Abilities: Through regular spelling and vocabulary exercises, students will develop stronger language skills essential for effective communication.
• Creative Thinking & Storytelling: Students will gain confidence in expressing their ideas through creative writing, mastering descriptive language, character creation, and plot structure.
• Appreciation for Literature: A focused reading of To Kill a Mockingbird introduces students to significant literary themes and historical contexts, fostering a love for literature and meaningful discussion.

Support Materials: The curriculum is supplemented with carefully selected online resources for additional reading, creative prompts, and plot development exercises, allowing students to practice and deepen their understanding outside of classroom hours.