8th Grade Language Arts Mrs. Sanchirico and Mrs. Papa

LA reading- young adult novels and literature circles Who Am I?: Who Am I? and The Outsiders, classic suspenseful short stories (Edgar Allen Poe etc) Accepting Differences: The Miracle Worker, “Flowers for Algernon” short story, various short stories and poems on Civil Rights, Literature Circles (students choose a book) Overcoming Challenges: The Diary of Anne Frank play, Voices of the Holocaust, Once the Acacias Bloomed Fairness: Nothing But the Truth, And Justice for All

Advanced LA reading- classic high school level books Who Am I? Of Mice and Men, Who Am I? and The Outsiders, classic suspenseful short stories Accepting Differences Fahrenheit 451, “Flowers for Algernon” short story Overcoming Challenges- selections from: A Separate Peace, Great Expectations, I am Malala, Once the Acacias Bloomed, Voices of the Holocaust, Fairness Julius Caesar

8th Grade Writing Both LA and ADV LA will cover the following writing types, but ADV LA class will move at a faster pace to prepare for Accelerated English 9 1.Direct Reference Paragraphs (embedding quotations in writing) 2.5 paragraph essays with funnel introduction, 3 DRP’s, reverse funnel conclusion 3.Persuasive/Argumentative Writing 4.Explanatory Essays 5.Narrative/ Speculative- story writing 6.Poetry

Recommendations Your 7th grade LA teachers have made a recommendation for 8th grade LA based on your work this year. These recommendations are very helpful. Your determination and work ethic will also determine your success next year! Consider the following points if you are considering taking Advanced LA: Do you love to read and write? Are you willing to share your writing and discuss what you have read? Do you complete your homework on a regular basis? Are you willing to work at a faster pace and able to read longer books with ease?

Summer Reading The summer reading assignment is on Mrs. Sanchirico’s eboard. LA- students will choose one book of 200 or more pages and one complete summer reading packet. ADV LA- students will choose one fiction book and one nonfiction book of 200 or more pages. Students should complete 2 summer reading packets. Note- reading selections should not be books that are already part of the 8th grade reading curriculum. Work should not exceed the length specified in the directions of the packet.