7th-8th Grade Writing Programs
Class Description
The Grades 7-8 class focuses on enhancing students' analytical skills and writing fluency. Through diverse literary works and writing assignments, students will learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively. The curriculum includes discussions on various literary elements, the writing process, and developing persuasive/argumentative essays.
In-Depth Literary Analysis
Students will explore complex themes, character development, and narrative techniques to enhance their critical thinking and comprehension skills.
Creative Expression
Regular writing assignments encourage students to explore various genres, including fiction, poetry, and persuasive essays.
Interactive Class Activities
Lessons include debates, role-playing, and group discussions, making the learning experience engaging and dynamic.
Field Trip Opportunities
Students will participate in field trips that connect literature to real-world contexts, providing experiential learning.
Skill-Building Focus
The curriculum targets essential literacy skills, including advanced vocabulary, grammar, and writing mechanics, preparing students for high school challenges.
Peer Collaboration
Students work together on projects and assignments, fostering teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
7th-8th Grade Sample Lesson and Field Trip Example
Sample Lesson
Sample Field Trip: Play Production
Sample Field Trip: Play Production
Topic: Analyzing Rhetorical Strategies in The Giver
- Duration: 2 hours
- Activities:
- 15 min: Introduction to the concept of rhetorical strategies.
- 30 min: Reading a key passage from The Giver and identifying the author's use of imagery and symbolism.
- 20 min: Group discussion on how these strategies influence the reader’s perception of the dystopian world.
- 40 min: Writing exercise in which students craft a scene using an image of a dystopian world and incorporate the rhetorical strategies.
- 15 min: Sharing scene excerpt with the class.
Sample Field Trip: Play Production
Sample Field Trip: Play Production
Sample Field Trip: Play Production
The class will take a field trip to a local theater to watch a live performance of a play. Students will watch a production that explores themes of choice and freedom, paralleling the ideas in The Giver.
This immersive experience will allow students to see similar characters and themes come to life on stage, deepening their understanding of the text.
After the performance, students will participate in a Q&A session with the cast and crew, providing insights into the creative process behind adapting literature for the stage.
To reflect, students will learn about the elements of a play and pick a scene from The Giver to recreate into a drama, turning it into a short play that they will perform for the class with a small group.