This document provides an overview of the 7th and 8th grade language arts curriculum taught by Mrs. Liz Slavens. It outlines the weekly schedule, subjects covered like grammar, spelling, literature and writing. Literature studies include novels, biographies and poetry. Students will participate in literature circles to discuss books in small groups. Independent reading and writing assignments are also required. Late work policy and homework expectations are stated.

1. 7th and 8th Grade Language Arts
Mrs. Liz Slavens
lslavens@stjstl.net
636-394-4100 ext. 214
http://langartsslavens.blogspot.com/
7th and 8th Grade Language Arts
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
th
7 Grade Grammar/ Writing Literature Grammar/ Spelling Writing
Spelling & Workshop Circles & Literature Workshop
Literature
th
8 Grade Writing Grammar/ Literature Writing Grammar/
Workshop Spelling & Circles Workshop Spelling &
Literature Literature
Grammar
In 7th and 8th Grade we will be using the Language Network series for grammar. The Language Network books will be
kept in the classroom as most work will be done in class. Students are allowed to check out a book before a grammar test.
Spelling/Vocabulary
We will follow a differentiated spelling/vocabulary plan using The Word Up Project by Flocabulary. These SAT level
words follow the Common Core Standards. Students will pretest on any words missed in the pretest and then choose additional
words based on their need. Students will post test on any words missed in the pretest and the new words they have chosen.
They will complete a writing assignment over the vocabulary and possible choice words. We will complete one
Spelling/Vocabulary Unit every two weeks.
7th Grade Literature
In 7th grade we will be using The Reader’s Handbook as our learning tool. We will do some reviewing in class and have
two or three tests from this book. The middle of 1st quarter we will take a look at biographies. Students will be reading a few and
then writing one of their own. After they have handed in this paper and been given a writing grade, the students will present this
paper as a speech to the class.
Starting at the beginning of 2nd quarter, The Reader’s Handbook simply becomes out tool as we read through Johnny
Tremain and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. During 4th quarter we will look at some poetry and write critiques of them.
As we read the two novels, students can expect to read 20-30 pages/assignment. There may be questions to go along
with their reading. Frequently I will give a reading quiz to make sure they are keeping up. During class, students will need to
participate in class discussion, answer journal questions, and work in groups. One paper will accompany each novel. Due dates
and descriptions will follow.
8th Grade Literature
In 8th grade we will be reading The Outsiders, The Giver, No Promises in the Wind, and Anne Frank: The Diary of a
Young Girl. Students can expect to read 30 pages/assignment. Students will either be given questions to answer as they read or
a reading quiz in class. During class, students will need to participate in class discussion, answer journal questions, and work in
groups. One paper will accompany each novel. One project will accompany Anne Frank. Due dates and descriptions will follow.
Literature Circles
Literature Circles involve having students select books to read and discuss in a group. Students will select books from a
list, but I will have final say in what group they are in. Student-led discussion will help them gain different insights that they
would with just a whole class discussion.
Students will complete a group project each quarter. Due dates for projects are as follows:
Quarter 1- October 10th
Quarter 2- December 19th
Quarter 3- March 6th
Quarter 4- May 8th

2. Independent Reading
Our independent reading this year will consist of students reading 30 minutes/night or 3 hours/week. Students will
turn in an independent reading sheet every 2 weeks. In addition, students will be completing a log book over one independent
novel, which will be due at the end of the quarter. Students will be required to turn in one part of the log book with their bi-
weekly independent reading sheet as a checkpoint.
Writing Workshop
During Writing Workshop, students will review the basics of writing and the Six Traits. The Six Traits of writing will
help students understand their writing can and should look like this year, in high school, and beyond. I believe that by using the
Six Traits, students will have a better understanding of what teachers are looking for in writing.
Throughout the year, students will be working on a variety of writing. Some will be brought to completion, while others
will be just practice tools. Students will also have the opportunity to review other pieces of writing. Here is a list of papers
students can expect to write this year:
7th Grade
Biography 8th Grade
Character Description Memoir
Literary Essays Persuasive Essays
Short Fiction Literary Essays
Poetry Short Fiction
Thesis Paper Poetry
Thesis Paper
Homework Expectations
Grammar work will mainly be done in class in order to assess student comprehension. Few outside grammar
assignments will be given.
Your student should be reading every night. This could include our current class novel and/or their independent
reading selection.
Generally, writing (including a majority of the writing process) will be done in class.
Spelling/Vocabulary assignments will often be outside of class.
Late Work
If students do not have the assignment completed, it will be counted late and 20% will be taken off of his/her
grade. It will be the student’s responsibility to get the late work turned in or they could lose their privilege of
going to recess for that week.