Literature:

Students in language arts classes study a variety of short stories, nonfiction pieces, novels, and plays.  The focus for literature is in analyzing plot, theme, character development, and setting.  Honors students do more in depth study of the selections and more..

Grammar/Vocabulary/Spelling:

All students participate in “Caught Ya” Grammar.  Students are given sentences with punctuation, usage, capitalization, and style errors.  They then correct them with the class and mini-lessons are taught as needed.

Vocabulary and spelling go hand in hand.  Students must know the word’s definitions and be able to spell them.  We will do a spelling unit every other week when novels are not being taught.

Writing:

All 8th grade students will be taking the district writing assessment this winter.  Therefore, a good deal of time is spent on paragraph development and multi-paragraph essays using Thinking Maps and Step-Up to Writing.  Journals are sometimes used to practice paragraph structure as well as reinforcement in class assignments.  Special emphasis is given to constructing strong thesis statements, the revision process, and putting their own voice into their writings.

Students will also have an opportunity to write creative pieces as well as poetry.

The district has implimented a wonderful reading and literature program.  The company is Holt, Rinehart and Winston, a Harcourt Education Company.  More specifically we are using the Holt Second Course, Elements of Literature.