The Language Arts program will focus on reading and writing. The writing component explores language development and reinforces the writing process across all disciplines. Writing across the curriculum reinforces grammar rules and standards while exploring several modes of writing: narration, expository, persuasive, and technical. Developmental reading fosters vocabulary building, improves comprehension and studies the elements of literature.

This course is designed to help students develop and deepen literacy skills through an intensive reading and writing program. Reading strategies introduced through the year engage students as active, critical and creative learners. Literature circles, Reader’s Theater, examining setting and historical context, and writing literature responses using direct quotations as well as personal connections help readers draw inferential understanding. Seventh grade writers review and reinforce the structure of strong paragraphs. Students will learn how to combine these structured paragraphs in organized, multi-paragraphed essays. Vocabulary building through literature and in class openers will support strong reading comprehension and writing skills. A strong grammar base throughout the year will further enhance students’ writing.

Duration: Full Year
Prerequisites: None

English 8 concentrates on four areas: writing, reading, grammar and mechanics, and vocabulary. Central to the course are writing and a consciousness of oneself as a writer. Novels are read and discussed by the whole class, and at times, material from the novel generates a writing project. In addition, independent reading projects are also assigned. Lessons on grammar and mechanics build on skills taught in grade seven, and students regularly study and are tested on new vocabulary.