For any student, middle and high school can be challenging. But for an English learner or striving reader--and the myriad words, phrases, syntax, texts, and concepts they must negotiate on a daily basis--the stakes seem a whole lot higher. Fortunately for content-area teachers, Margarita Calderón and Shawn Slakk make available in a single resource…

Describes a two-column notetaking strategy for use with eighth grade remedial students. Notes that students regain a sense of independence and control using the strategy. (RS)

Describes how semantic mapping and semantic features analysis were used to teach reading skills and social studies in two eighth grade classes. In mapping the word "transportation," students listed examples of and relationships between vehicles, fuel, and place concepts. In the semantic features analysis, they compared characteristics of…

Describes Reading Apprenticeship, an approach to adolescent reading improvement in which teachers apprentice students into the strategies skilled readers use. Demonstrates the program at work in one seventh and eighth grade classroom. Discusses four key dimensions of classroom life: social (building community); personal (connecting to reading);…

This curriculum guide is designed for use with the Charles E. Merrill textbook "Focus on Earth Science" and with the laboratory manual, teaching guide, and student review and reinforcement guide which accompany the textbook. Suggested time allotment, major concepts, instructional objectives, assessment items, available materials (such as…

Developed for eighth grade students reading on or above grade level, this self-correcting unit covers the background of the Constitution, the Preamble, the seven articles, and the amendments. Material is divided into two sections. The teacher section outlines activities, materials, evaluation options, and follow-up activities. A crossword puzzle…

This book offers teachers a handbook for teaching literacy to diverse students in grades 3-8. The balanced literacy method combines the best practices of phonics and other skill-based language instruction with the holistic, literature-based approach in order to help teach reading, writing, and speaking in a clear and approachable format. This…

Contends that historical fiction can generate lively discussions among students about relevant social science concepts and contemporary social problems. Discusses why literature is a preferable alternative to many history and social studies textbooks. Presents a literature-based unit for eighth-grade U.S. history. (CFR)

Eighth grade students whose reading achievement scores fell between second and fourth grade level were given an individualized self-concept approach to reading instruction in home economics. Causes for their reading difficulties were identified as lack of interest in school, no set goals, poor attitudes, poor attendance and suspensions, and…

Designed as a guide for remedial teachers, this handbook offers strategies for imparting standard eighth grade curriculum content, even as students are improving their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The first part of the handbook contains the following: (1) a discussion of assessment for instructional planning, including…

Presents practical suggestions for resources and instructional strategies for teaching the Holocaust to middle school students. Describes the experiences of a classroom teacher working with an eighth-grade class on the topic of the Holocaust. Discusses the use of novels and includes a list of 11 recommended titles. (CFR)

Intended for use by teachers of seventh and eighth grade students assigned to a special summer program because they have not met the criteria for promotion, this handbook focuses on strategies by which real reading and its attendant language forms can be maximized within the context of summer and its built-in expectations. The first part of the…

Ways in which social studies teachers can help students in grades 6, 7, and 8 improve their reading comprehension and understanding of social studies ideas and concepts are discussed, and sample reading comprehension activities are provided. First, teachers must choose a textbook with readability and concept levels appropriate for their students.…

This guide presents the "minimum teaching essentials" published by the New York City Board of Education for grades 5-9. The bulletin begins with an overview of each subject area. Subject areas are grouped together under grade levels and information on instructional content is provided. Skills and knowledge objectives for each area are…

This guide presents the "minimum teaching essentials" published by the New York City Board of Education for grades 5-9. Subjects covered include: (1) communication arts; (2) English as a second language; (3) foreign language; (4) home economics; (5) industrial arts; (6) library skills; and (7) typewriting. Study skills for these areas…