7 th and 8 th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies Mrs. Dunaj.
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Transcript of 7 th and 8 th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies Mrs. Dunaj.
7th and 8th Grade Language Arts and Social StudiesMrs. Dunaj
Literature and Language Arts
2011-2012’s theme is American History.
Different classes will read a selection of booksaround this year’s theme. Sometimes classesmay read the same book, but not always.
Possible novels:• Robinson Crusoe• The Serpent Never Sleeps• Ishi, The Last of His Tribe• The Hatchet series• The Light in the Forest• Sign of the Beaver• The Witch of Blackbird Pond• Johnny Tremain• Roughing It
Novels, cont.
Cannery Row
The Red Pony
The Red Badge of Courage
Across Five Aprils
Letters from a Slave Girl
Novels may be read by the whole class or in literature circles.
Writing
We will be doing a lot of writing this year! In journals students will respond to literature. This will be done in composition books which will be collected for grading. This will help students focus on comprehension, inferences, point of view, etc. as well as vocabulary. This writing will be part of your student’s literature grade.
Essay writing will focus on expository styles- factual writing rather than creative stories. This is the style of writing students need to be successful in high school. We will practice planning, writing and editing. A major research paper will be required. This will be part of your student’s language arts grade.
Spelling, Vocabulary, and Grammar
Spelling- differentiated spelling for different students/classes.
Vocabulary – usually literature based, but may also be part of spelling.
Grammar – Daily Oral Language, daily language review and practice packets.
These activities will be part of your student’s language arts grade.
Language Arts Grades
Grades are separated into two classes-Literature and Language Arts.
Literature:50% Literature Response25% Book Reports25% Projects on Literature
Language Arts:35% Essays-content25% Essays- grammar, mechanics, punctuation20% Spelling/vocabulary20% Grammar
Homework
Expect homework in language arts every day – sometimes it will be literature based, sometimes writing or grammar.
Students will be expected to read an outside book each month for a book report in addition to class literature. Students will be provided with the format of the report at the beginning of the month.
Students will be assigned essays to write – the process will begin in class but may need to be finished at home. ALL papers must be typed, double spaced.
Please check my website at rsarts.org for daily homework as well as long range projects.
Student Support
I am available every morning at 7 a.m. for extra help. I can arrange time after school if needed.
Please, please, please contact me by email (preferred method) at [email protected] if you have questions about your student’s work or progress. Most issues can be remedied if addressed quickly.
Social Studies
This year’s themes will cover:
Explorers
Native Americans
Colonial period
Revolutionary War period
Constitution
Westward Expansion
Civil War
Social Studies, cont.
Students will be working from an American History textbook as well as participating in several simulations. We will start the year with Discovery Interact which helps students understand the process of colonization and later we will complete the Patriots Interact. The second half of the school year we may do other simulations or Interacts related to the Civil War.
Homework
Students may have homework in social studies occasionally-reading texts or other documents, researching information for a simulation, gathering materials for projects related to our studies. Costumes may be needed for some of the simulations. Students often work in groups and may need time outside of class to meet.
Grades
Grades will be based on the following:
40% In-class assignments/projects
25% Assessments
35% Homework
Student Support
I am available every morning at 7 a.m. for extra help. I can arrange time after school if needed.
Check website at rsarts.org for daily homework and long range projects.
Please contact me promptly by email (preferred method) at [email protected] if you have a concern about your student’s progress. Most issues can be fixed if addressed quickly.
Questions?