Accelerated Literature
The Junior High Accelerated Literature Program provides an intensive study of literature—while developing critical analysis and powerful writing—in small, discussion-based classes.
We study great works from the classic tradition and from contemporary writing for young readers, including the literature of Ancient Greece, Shakespeare, multicultural writers, poets, great American writers, and contemporary novelists.
Each year intensifies in both content and approach, builds on learning from previous years, and increases students’ abilities to think critically and write fluidly, while exceeding the requirements of the California State Standards.
In all three junior high grades, students maintain critical Reading Journals, practice Higher Order Thinking (HOT) and/or critical thinking exercises, participate in Literature Circles, engage in lively vocabulary activities, and maintain a minimum of 30 minutes a day of free reading through our school-wide Renaissance Reading program.
All three grades also participate in various dramatic versions
of literature, which we study in-depth concurrently. Highlights
of Sixth Grade include our study of Greek Myths, and
books such as: Tuck Everlasting, Holes, and The
Shakespeare Stealer. The course also includes our vigorous
vocabulary activities, and our dramatic performances of Shakespeare’s
famous soliloquies, along with writing assignments.
Memorable moments from Seventh Grade include our study of The Odyssey, A Christmas Carol (which we perform as a play for the entire school), The Watsons Go to Birmingham, Out of the Dust, and As You Like It (which we perform at the SPBS Shakespeare Festival). The students also continue to develop higher-level writing skills, and increase their proficiency in vocabulary and written expression.
In Eighth Grade, students remember our study of Frankenstein (which
we typically perform as a play for our school audience and
parents), The Diary of Anne Frank (along with our
visit to the Museum
of Tolerance), and our study of Romeo
and Juliet. In addition we study and perform a dramatic
work of Shakespeare, such as A Midsummer Night’s
Dream, at our annual SPBS Shakespeare Festival in May.
Admission to the SPBS Junior High Accelerated Literature Program is based on a combination of factors, including standardized test grades; class grades; student motivation, self-direction, and maturity; and teacher recommendation.
