8th
Grade Language Arts Schedule
MWF
In preparation for
the high school entrance exams and the standardized tests, I use a variety of
grammar and word study activities.
On Wednesdays, we take a spelling pretest
for the next unit of the week. We correct our pretests. Students who
demonstrate mastery of the word list, or show close mastery consistently, will
be given a different spelling unit to work on. On the following Tuesday, we
hand in a spelling page from the unit of the week and then take the final test.
Using our textbook English by Houghton Mifflin, we are tackling grammar and writing
topics. The students are responsible for taking notes, doing practice
exercises, and completing homework.
A variety of instruction methods are
incorporated: lecture, overhead instruction, sample presentation, student-led,
partner work, small groups.
Every month, we will complete a “Quick
Write,” a creative writing exercise. We will use these pieces to practice our
6+1 Writing traits, peer proofreading, editing, and rubric scoring skills.
T
We utilize our library/computer time in
several ways. Students will continue to practice their keyboarding skills with
the Type to Learn program. Students
also use the time to do research for projects in language arts, as well as in
other subjects such as social studies and science.