Program Updates: Language Arts – June 2025
LANGUAGE ARTS (Lisa)
Grade 7
Our seventh-graders closed the year with choice novel book groups. Students had the opportunity to choose a text and then regularly gather with peers to practice thoughtful discussion of their novel. Throughout seventh and eighth grades, students are in a process of learning to read not just to complete a book, but to slow down and ask questions as they read: how is the author developing their characters? What themes are emerging? What connections are they finding between the text and “the real world” or their own experiences?
Students practiced using the STEAL method of paying attention to how a writer indirectly reveals information about a character through their speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. This practice encourages students to take evidence from what they read and make inferences about characters and their motivations.
Seventh grade students then combined what they learned in their figurative language unit with methods of characterization to write a new scene inspired by their novel. They were required to use metaphor, simile and other forms of figurative or poetic language, as well as indirect characterization methods. Ask your student about their scene–what choices did they make to create a character that was true to the spirit of their novel?
Grade 8
I am always so moved by and proud of the results of our eighth-graders' final language arts task: writing a graduation speech. Not all students will speak at commencement, but all students take time to reflect on their years at EWMS and write a piece fitting for the occasion.
We begin by reviewing middle school graduation speeches–some found online and some texts by past graduates–and reflecting on what makes a strong address. You would be impressed by their thoughtful consideration regarding the intersection of occasion, audience, and their unique voices. They work hard to ensure their speeches both reflect their wonderfully individual selves and connect with the audience by sharing particular memories and moments that reveal the heart of what it has meant to be an Explorer West student. Through careful revision and feedback from peers, students hone their message and make sure their voice rings true.
Students had the opportunity to share even just a short bit of their speech with peers, and yes, there were tears. I will miss these wonderfully creative and fun folks next fall and am proud of the progress all students have made over their years at Explorer West.
For all students: keep reading this summer! One of the most consistent predictors of academic success is how much a student reads outside of the classroom. I firmly believe there is a book for EVERYONE out there, it’s just a matter of finding what “clicks”. And, as always, audiobooks, graphic novels, and magazines count as reading! Many of our neurodiverse students benefit from audiobooks: the audio narration helps satisfy sensory-seekers, and one can walk, run, etc., while listening.
Here are some resources for supporting summer reading:
- 7 ways to encourage your child to read over the summer
- 2025 Teen Book Bingo | The Seattle Public Library – get your student inspired with the latest book bingo card and broaden their reading horizons! Find recommendations for all the categories here.
- Your Next Five Books | The Seattle Public Library – tell them what you’ve liked in the past, and SPL’s awesome staff will suggest titles for you to read.