Readings in literature text on challenges

Book report on a challenge

Study skills for middle school

ISTEP preparation

Unit Two- Telling Stories and Folktales

Various stories and folktales from the text

Learning about culture through folktales

Writing a story

Unit Three- Story Elements

Studying plot, setting, characterization, and theme

Outlining a plot

Writing a character sketch

Description of a setting

Exploring universal themes

Unit Four- Drama and Poetry

Figurative language and poetry

Reading a play

Service learning project- Challenge Team

Unit Five-Author Focus and Adventure

In depth study of Gary Paulsen

Read Woodsong, by Paulsen

Learn about the Iditarod and follow the race

Unit Six- Individual Rights and The Common Good

Various stories about rights and responsibilities

The Giver, Gathering Blue, or The Messenger by Lois Lowrey

Discussions and projects on the novel

*** Grammar, mechanics, spelling, and vocabulary study throughout the year