READING
Village Glen Middle School strives to empower students to become better and more confident readers. These years are important, as they are a time when students develop the sophisticated reading skills that will later allow them to master other curricular areas such as social studies, mathematics, and science. Our knowledgeable teachers focus their instruction on the strands of reading necessary to become a proficient, independent reader. Our teachers’ goals are to ensure that all students are given the tools to successfully engage in reading for a variety of purposes.

In order to reach this goal, our program uses intensive intervention for struggling readers. Research-based instructional programs include but are not limited to: Language!, SRA, Voyager, and Read Naturally. These programs are delivered in small group settings. Our more proficient readers use advanced programs such as Junior Great Books and classic novels with emphasis on critical thinking and personal interpretation.

 Instruction is developed with a singular goal: helping students utilize strategies to become independent readers and thinkers thereby making them ready for the diverse demands of the 21st century.

WRITING   
Village Glen’s writing program places great emphasis on developing the writing skills of our students. Our experienced teachers and staff aid students in understanding the technical aspects of writing such as content, context, and syntax, as well as the style and tone elements of creative, narrative, persuasive and expository writing. Students are encouraged to share their writing with their peers in a welcoming and supportive environment, enabling students to learn from each other.

 Middle school students are guided through the often intimidating process of writing through the basic steps of the writing process: pre-writing, writing, revising, editing, and publishing. This is a fluid and flexible process that serves as the foundation for quality writing. Students have numerous opportunities to practice their writing skills through daily journals, creative writing assignments, book reports, and supplemental class work. Students are instructed to produce several drafts before completion of their final copy. Through this process of editing and revising students are able to fine tune their writing skills and receive valuable feedback from their teachers.

7th Grade
In 7th Grade, students describe and connect the essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives of the text by using their knowledge of text structure, organization, and purpose. They understand and analyze the differences in structure and purpose between various categories of informational materials (e.g., textbooks, newspapers, instructional manuals, signs). Students write essays and deliver well-organized formal presentations. They provide constructive feedback to speakers concerning the coherence and logic of a speech’s content and delivery and its overall impact upon the listener.

 8th Grade
In 8th Grade, students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. Students write clear, coherent, and focused essays. The writing exhibits students’ awareness of audience and purpose. Essays contain formal introductions, supporting evidence, and conclusions. Students recite poems (of four to six stanzas) as well as sections of speeches or dramatic soliloquies, using voice modulation, tone, and gestures expressively to enhance the meaning.