English

English Department

We use literature as a lens for boys to explore the world, develop their own sense of identity, and appreciate multiple perspectives. They explore poetry, plays, graphic novels, short stories, memoirs, novels, and historical non-fiction. As they develop the fundamentals of writing, boys learn to share their thoughts confidently and clearly. They cultivate empathy while learning to both thoughtfully defend their opinions and listen generously to their peers.

Mrs. Zawie, Middle School Teacher

So much of what we are doing in the Middle School is helping them grow into a more confident student. That is the student who is willing to take risks, be wrong, and learn from his mistakes.

Fifth Grade

Through active exploration of current and classical literature, students read, examine, and construct meaningful understanding of the different genres of writing. Vocabulary, grammar, and spelling instruction serve our students as they learn sophisticated ways to present their thoughts in writing. Using the 6+ Traits of Writing, students learn the importance of each component of the writing process. With varied written practice students learn to convey clearly, accurately, and purposefully what they intend to say.

Sixth Grade

Sixth graders develop critical skills and perspectives as they grow in reading, writing, language usage, speaking, and listening. Literature is chosen to expand a student’s literal, interpretive, and evaluative comprehension skills. Many texts are centered around the theme of characters thriving with exceptionalities, while others relate to America and societies around the globe. Reading strategies that improve fluency and comprehension of fiction and non-fiction are incorporated into the class. Students progress through the writing process as they plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish various types of writing such as literature responses, informative and creative essays, poetry, and narratives. Vocabulary, grammar, and spelling are reinforced.

Seventh Grade

The heart of the seventh-grade English program is a year-long reading and writing workshop designed so that each boy can develop his own writing voice, gain an understanding of how narrative works, and deepen his understanding of the topic-evidence-significance structure of the expository paragraph. In reading workshop, boys choose the novels they wish to read to promote the joys of reading and to enhance their understanding of the techniques all writers employ. In writing workshop, boys read within the genre in which they will write (memoir, poetry, short story) to understand how writers learn from other writers. Boys best learn skills within the context of their own writing, and the self-guided study book, English 2200, and exercises on IXL.com are used to review and expand the student’s understanding of the basic rules of mechanics, usage, and grammar. Over the year, boys develop an ability to write at greater length and to use vivid detail in their narratives and specific details in their essays.

Eighth Grade

English 8 begins with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “The Danger of a Single Story,” which propels students into a yearlong exploration of literature that represents and celebrates the many voices of society. Using novels, poetry, plays, podcasts, graphic novels, and primary sources as model texts, students interpret and analyze on a deep level, practice close reading and annotation, write expository paragraphs and essays, and engage in dialogue with one another. Instruction is provided in revising and editing as well as sentence combining, conventional usage, vocabulary, and recognizing and employing literary devices. The Eighth-Grade Speaking Contest is a long-standing tradition in English 8. Students conduct research on a topic of personal meaning, write a persuasive speech, and present to their peers. Every discussion, text, and student-written piece builds capacity for reflection, critical thinking, and perspective-taking.

English Chair

List of 1 members.

Mrs. Melissa Hamburg

Middle School English Department Chair, Middle School English Teacher

216-321-8260 x8310

Bio
Mrs. Melissa Hamburg is the Middle School English Department Chair, an Eighth Grade English/Social Studies Teacher, and an eighth-grade sponsor. Mrs. Hamburg earned her B.S.Ed. in Secondary English Education from the University of Georgia and her M.S.Ed in Literacy and Learning from Walden University. For the past 17 years, Mrs. Hamburg has taught eighth through twelfth grade English in private and public schools in Georgia and Cleveland. In these roles, she has served as a lead writing instructor and mentored other teachers in implementing standards-based writing instruction and assessment.