English Class

English class will include a strong emphasis in basic grammar, preparing students to become strong writers and giving them a strong basis to build vocabulary and language development as they learn second and even third languages.

This year Porter, as well as all other middle schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District will be using Prentice Hall's "Language" book, which incorporates short stories, composition skills, vocabulary, and grammar.

In addition, students will read several novels based upon social studies themes. These novels are:
Maroo of the Winter Caves
The Golden Goblet
Greek Mythology
Dragonwings
Detectives in Togas

Please do not read these books outside of class because we enjoy reading and discussing these books together in class.

This will be the students' first introduction to SAT vocabulary words. Children will be given twenty words each week and issued a packet which emphasizes definitions (dictionary skills), synonyms, and antonyms. Students will be tested on definitions and spelling of the twenty words each Friday.

Students will be required to read one book per month, and will participate in "Book Talks" under the guidance of their teacher or the school librarian. During these "Book Talks", students, in small discussion groups, explain the plot, characters, and other information about their book. In addition, students may be asked to design and produce a book cover on poster board to present to their group. Several book posters are selected to be exhibited in the library monthly. Students are evaluated by their peers and a teacher using a checking off a list of required elements.

EXAMPLES OF LANGUAGE ARTS PROJECTS