7 th and 8 th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies Mrs. Dunaj

Literature and Language Arts ’s theme is American History. Different classes will read a selection of books around this year’s theme. Sometimes classes may 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 Response 25% Book Reports 25% Projects on Literature Language Arts: 35% Essays-content 25% Essays- grammar, mechanics, punctuation 20% Spelling/vocabulary 20% 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 (preferred method) at if you have questions about your student’s work or progress. Most issues can be remedied if addressed

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 (preferred method) at if you have a concern about your student’s progress. Most issues can be fixed if addressed quickly.

Questions?