“The time has come,” the Walrus said,
“To speak of many things:
Of shoes – and ships – and sealing wax –
Of cabbages – and kings –
And why the sea is boiling hot –
And ‘what Language Arts will bring’.”
-- a la Lewis Carroll J
Welcome to the world of Junior High Language Arts!! I am looking forward to working with you and your children throughout the coming year. It should be an enriching experience; it may open new venues of thought and interest; and, albeit demanding, it will be varied and fun.
The text books will be supplemented heavily with outside reading: books, magazines, newspapers, catalogues, essays, and movies. These materials, in conjunction with the texts, will help the student categorize, analyze and critique literature as well as his own writing.
Please do not expect to see a textbook coming home nightly for homework. Textbook exercises will be completed in class to assure student comprehension. Most homework assignments will be designed to help the students practice their language skills through independent reading and writing. These assignments will include written/oral book reports, essays, research papers, and power point projects.
**Please Note: Reading outside of class & time management are imperative for a successful year.
English emphasis: Grammar and Writing!! 7th & 8th Grade grammar is a review of the myriad rules and technicalities of the English language. It is vitally important, however, that students hone their skills in its proper usage through writing. They must be able to put their ideas on paper coherently, persuasively, and fluidly for high school entrance exams. Therefore they will write prose, poetry, essays, and reports using a formal writing process – outline, draft, and end copy. The final presentation of the assignment must be polished and professional.
Vocabulary emphasis: Connotation and Denotation!! Vocabularies will be enlarged by defining, spelling, and using words in context. Specifically students will address the 100 most common words confused and misused in the English language, as well as the top 100 words all high school freshmen must know.
Reading program emphasis: Respect the power of the written word!! In exploring American, English and World literature, students will improve their comprehension by reading prose, poetry, drama, speeches, letters, articles, and biographies. They will tackle classic as well as contemporary stories -- To Kill A Mockingbird, A Christmas Carol, Silas Marner, 12th Night, Measle & the Wrathmonk, and more. Individually they will explore 8 different literary genres as well as highlight the themes and trends of a variety of authors. As a class they will discuss the persuasive, informative, comparative, and recreational nature of literature.
Classics emphasis: In Libra Libertas!! New this year, junior high students will delve into Latin and Greek root words. This study will not only assist them in decoding English words and enriching their understanding of the English language, it will also give them a leg up on the vocabulary sections of standardized tests.
MARTHA B. RATLIFF: ROOM 15
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