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 long “family” theme in literature engage students as active, critical and creative learners. Literature circles, Reader’s Theater and improvisation help readers draw inferential understanding. Connections with poetry, short stories and plays continue to reinforce the “Big Idea” of families around the world. Seventh grade writers examine and develop strong paragraphing that leads to better essay writing. Ongoing grammar gems, writing response groups and vocabulary building through literature further support the strong writing component.

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.