Textbooks/Novels Used:

Glencoe Literature Course 2

Hatchet - Gary Paulsen

The Devil's Arithmetic - Jane Yolen

The Giver - Lois Lowry

Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Spelling are integrated into a complete literacy program. Through close study of different forms of literature, students will sharpen critical comprehension skills. Also, with increased opportunity to write for varied forms of expression, written communication will improve.

• Students will demonstrate proficiency in decoding sounds, letters and words in written English in order to become independent and fluent readers using a variety of short stories, novels and poems.
  • Apply knowledge of balanced cuing systems by summarizing, paraphrasing and demonstrating dramatic reading skills.
  • Extend vocabulary by illustrating figurative language and using context clues.
  • Apply comprehension strategies activating prior knowledge and using graphic organizers.
  • Apply understanding of literary elements such as plot structure, genre, theme, author's purpose, style, characterization, setting, point of view and tone.
• Students will demonstrate appropriate listening skills to enhance learning through the receptive process.
  • Recognize a purpose for listening by activating prior knowledge and role playing a story (Reader's Theatre).
  • Display a readiness for listening by following dictated directions, paraphrasing and summarizing.
  • Receive and attend to message by presenting a quotation of the day and sharing journal entries.
• Students will demonstrate proficiency in writing across the curriculum in all disciplines, with clarity, organization and structure including the ability to address a wide variety of publics.
  • Students will practice prewriting strrategies by using graphic organizers and brainstorming activities.
  • Students will practice drafting strategies by writing rough draft and peer editing.
  • Students will practice revision strategies by practicing effective teacher to student and peer to peer conferencing.
  • Students will practice editing strategies by learning proofreading marks, following rubrics and completing checklists.
  • Students will practice publishing strategies by presenting a written and oral presentation of their completed work.
  • Students will apply the steps of the writing process across all subject areas.
• Students will demonstrate effective speaking processes at the appropriate level of development including the ability to address a wide vareity of publics.
  • Students will access and organize information for speaking by using outlines, developing effective use of visual display, and participating in literature circles.
  • Students will perform and memorize a poem.
  • Students will develop and maintain a positive environment that inspires students to express individuality through speaking.