English
2012 Summer Reading List for Rising 7th and 8th grade students
Rising 7th Grade Summer Reading Assignments
Each rising 7th grader is required to read at least one book this summer. The book may be either fiction or nonfiction and can be from the FCPS suggested reading list, or it can be a comparable book of the student’s choosing approved by the parent/guardian. Once the student has finished the book, he or she needs to complete a graphic organizer about the book’s key elements; this needs to be brought to class during the first week of school. Although we encourage students to read more than one book this summer, only one graphic organizer needs to be completed.
Rising 8th Grade Summer Reading Assignments
All students must read two books over the summer. One book must be from the genre of fiction, and the other, nonfiction. Students may choose among books on the FCPS Summer Suggested Reading List. Students should retain and bring the following information about the books: title, author, publishing company, place of publication and copyright date. During the first two weeks of school, students will write an in-class essay about the books.
Courses
ENGLISH 7
36 weeks (year)
Grade: 7
Students read and study a variety of literature, building on an understanding of reading as a process that includes analyzing and comprehending texts. Language study includes
vocabulary building, learning about grammar, and spelling. Through varied and frequent writing assignments, students build o n their understanding of writing as a process that
includes drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and publishing. They use writing to develop ideas and learn new concepts . Students also learn discussion skills and oral
communication skills, and learn to adapt speaking and listening to the audience, topic, purpose, and situation. Reading and writing competencies addressed in the Virginia Standards
of Learning are incorporated into the course objectives.Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
ENGLISH 7 HN
36 weeks (year)
Grade: 7
This course extends the standard program o f studies for English 7. As students read and study a variety of literature, build ing on an understanding of reading as a process that includes
analyzing and interpreting the text, they make connections across time, place, and subject; perform as a practitioner or scholar in a d iscipline; and self-assess and reflect on their
learning and the learning process. Instruction is enriched and extended through research-based practices designed to engage and challenge advanced learners, e.g. problem-based
learning, research, and investigations.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
English should be an area of both strength and interest for students. They should be avid readers who read above grade level and demonstrate fluent writing skills.
ENGLISH 8
36 weeks (year)
Grade: 8
Students read and study a variety of literature, building on an understanding of reading as a process that includes analyzing and interpreting the text. Language study includes
vocabulary building, learning about grammar, and spelling. Through varied and frequent writing assignments, studen ts build on their understanding of writing as a process that
includes drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and publishing. Students practice a variety of writing forms including informational/technical and essay writing. All students learn
to adapt speaking and writing skills to the audience, topic, purpose, and situation. Reading and writing competencies addressed in th e Virginia Standards of Learning are incorporated
into the course objectives.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
ENGLISH 8 HN
36 weeks (year)
Grade: 8
This course extends the standard program o f studies for English 8. As students read and study a variety of lite rature, building on an understanding of reading as a process that includes
analyzing and interpreting the text, they make connections across time, place and subject; perform as a pra ctitioner or schol ar in a discipline; and self-assess and reflect on their
learning and the learning process. Instruction is enriched and extended through research -based practices designed to engage and challenge advanced learners, e.g. problem-based
learning, research, and investigations.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
Language Arts should be an area of strength for students. Students should demonstrate a strong work ethic and critical think ing skills. Students should also be capable of producing
varied assignments of high quality at an accelerated pace. They should be avid readers who read at or above grade level. Th ey should demonstrate fluent writing skills, including
consistent use of a variety of sentence patterns and meaningful transitions. Conventions, usage and vocabulary acquistion should be at or above grade level.