English

Summer Reading - 2008

Literature 213 -

Required 2008 summer reading for students placed in 8th Grade Honors Literature is Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Please read this book carefully, taking appropriate notes, and be prepared to analyze its setting, plot, characters, and themes when we meet in the fall.

Literature 203

Required summer reading for 7th Grade Honors Literature is

The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss. Please read this book carefully and be prepared to analyze its setting, plot, characters, and themes when we meet in the fall.

More reading list - scroll down

English Placement

English and literature class placement for 7^th grade is based on the results of an English placement exam administered in May at the same time as the math placement exam. This exam contains grammar, reading comprehension, writing, and literary interpretation components. Students’ prior academic performance, teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores are also considered in making these decisions.

8^th grade English and literature students are placed in their classes by teacher recommendation which is based on various factors including academic performance, effort, and study habits.

Placements for both grades are carefully assessed during the first marking period to be certain that students are appropriately placed.

Course Descriptions

English 7

200

This course is designed to improve students’ writing through the introduction and reinforcement of grammar and punctuation skills. Students will be introduced to a variety of writing forms and basic research skills. New vocabulary will be reinforced through the use of a vocabulary text. This course is leveled on the basis of the placement tests mentioned above, and students are placed according to their prior knowledge of the subject area.

TEXTS:

Vocabulary Workshop , Level B, Sadlier, 2006. ISBN 0-8215-71079

Language Network, McDougal Littell, 2001. ISBN 0-395-96737-6

Literature 7

201

This course is designed to develop a strong foundation in non-fiction, short stories, fables, folklore, mythology, drama, poetry, and the novel. Students will be taught to apply literary terms introduced in the course to written and verbal analysis and interpretation. A variety of educational approaches will be utilized to assure that each student is able to progress to a higher level of reading proficiency.

TEXTS:

Literature Grade 7, Bronze, Prentice Hall, 1996. ISBN 0-13-838210-7

Various trade books are also utilized in this course.

English 8

205

This is a comprehensive English course which continues to cover mastery of basic grammar. Students are required to utilize their grammar skills in a variety of writing assignments. Students are also introduced to the formal preparation of a research paper. Vocabulary reinforcement continues.

Advanced English 8

206

This comprehensive English course covers the topics described above but progresses at an accelerated pace. Students will be asked to complete more frequent and more challenging writing assignments in addition to a more lengthy research paper.

Honors English 8

207

This comprehensive English course is designed for a student who has demonstrated superior grammar and writing skills. These highly motivated students will be expected to complete above grade level assignments while pursuing the course described above. Creative writing opportunities are offered along with a more rigorous formal research paper requirement.

TEXTS:

Vocabulary Workshop, Level C, Sadlier, 2005. ISBN 0-8215-7108-7

Language Network, McDougal Littell, 2001. ISBN 0-395-96738-4

Writing Research Reports, McDougal Littel, 2001 ISBN 0618052720

Literature 8

211

The eighth grade literature program builds on the skills introduced in the seventh grade program. Genres explored are nonfiction, short story, mythology, drama, poetry, and the novel. Also included in the eighth grade curriculum are "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens and a re-telling of the Greek epic poem, Ulysses.

Advanced Literature 8

212

Students placed in this level by their seventh grade literature teachers will have demonstrated an enjoyment of reading, self-motivation, academic discipline and above average comprehension, interpretation, and writing skills. Independent research and creative projects are required components of this course.

Honors Literature 8

213

Students placed in this level by their seventh grade literature teachers will have either successfully completed honors work in seventh grade or have demonstrated unusual ability in the areas of reading, writing, and interpreting above grade level literature. This course is structured to be intellectually challenging and engaging to highly motivated learners.

TEXTS:

Literature Grade 8, Silver, Prentice Hall, 1996. ISBN 0-13-838236-0

Various trade books are also utilized in this course.

READING 2008 The following list is only for those who never can find anything to read!

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