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7th and 8th Grade Language Arts

Urbana Middle School

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Unit of Study:

7th Grade:  "Survival"  

Students read several stories and poems, ("Exploring the Titanic", "Homeless", and "Bums in the Attic"),  revolving around the theme of survival and how setting impacts the actions of characters.  We are currently studying dogsledding and the Iditarod, reading Gary Paulsen's "The Fine Madness of the Iditarod" as well as watching the movie "Iron Will".  Students will take "Timed Writing" # 2 this week.

8th Grade:  "Self-Reliance" 

Students should be working on creating a set of directions for a recipe, craft, or sport.  Written directions are due Fri., Dec. 19.  Presentations will begin Friday, and carry over into Mon., Dec. 22, and Tues., Dec. 23.  Students may bring in food to share if they are presenting a recipe, but need to bring enough for the entire class.  See the assignment sheet for more information.

Students read several stories to further their investigation about self-reliance, as well as identifying an active vs. passive voice, and primary vs. secondary source.  We read about Harriet Tubman, Jack London's newspaper report on the San Francisco earthquake, and several stories written by Mark Twain.  Students will be reading Jack London's "To Build a Fire" and "The King of Mazy May" to become more aware of his  writing style.

ALL GRADES For the week of Dec.15:  MSA Skill Review - Identify the main idea in an informational text and support your answer.  

Home to School Connection:  Have your child read a newspaper article and identify the main idea and supporting details.

Word Study:  Word study definitions  due Thursday, Dec. 18, and test on Friday, Dec. 19. 

7th Grade:  prefix WITH= opposite and/ against

There are five "WITH" words and five survival vocabulary words this week.

Click on the Related Documents at the top of this homepage for a copy of the words.

8th Grade: SUFFIX REVIEW=  Review sheet due Thurs., Dec 18.  Major test Friday, Dec. 19.

Click on the Related Documents at the top of this homepage for a copy of the the review sheet.

New vocabulary words are introduced on Monday.   Weekly word study homework is due at the end of each week.  Students should study vocabulary words at home.  Vocabulary tests are on Fridays.

If a student receives a "D" or "F" on a vocabulary test, they must get the test signed by a parent, and may retake the test for partial credit during Hawk Time.   (It is the student's responsiblity to sign up and report for tutoring.) 

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7th Grade Newbery Challenge:

Students will be reading 6 Newbery books of choice; 3 first semester and 3 second semester. This is a major project grade for both semesters!

Students should respond to the focus question on their reading log using their Newbery novel  whenever possible. Students have 6 different projects to select from.  The project choices and rubric explain specific requirements. 

Click  on Related Documents at the top of this homepage to view the Newbery letter, project choices, and rubric.

The first semester Newbery project deadlines: (Oct. 31), (Dec. 5), and Jan. 16

Students completing the Challenge and reading 6 Newbery books will be eligible to participate in the Newbery Year-End Celebration.

8th Grade Genre Passport Reading:

Students will be reading books of choice from the different genres.  Students must read and complete a report  for 12 books this year; 6 each semester.  This is a major project grade for both semesters. Report forms are available in class. Students completing all 12 book reports will receive a special award.

Click on  Related Documents  at the top of this homepage for the Genre Passport summary, report, and semester deadlines.

The fifth Genre passport report should be due by Tues., Dec. 23.  (Ideally students should turn in 3 Genre Passport report per marking period.) Six reports need to be completed and turned in by Jan. 9.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns at kathleen.reifschneider@fcps.org or call 240.566.9306