Welcome to 78 Language Arts – Fall 2026 – Spring 2027

Introduction

In this class, we will explore the craft and art forms of the English language through reading, writing, grammar study, and critical thinking. This class is designed to assist parents in meeting California CORE standards for language arts while helping students develop stronger reading comprehension, writing fluency, literary analysis skills, and confidence engaging with classic and enduring works of literature.
The goal of this course is to provide a full ELA curriculum experience through literature, composition, grammar, and discussion. However, this cannot be fully accomplished in two 50-minute sessions each week. Therefore, students should expect regular reading and occasional writing assignments to be completed at home. If students need additional time to complete projects due to significant absences, please contact me so we can discuss possible solutions.
As this is an enrichment program, families are welcome to engage with the assignments in a supplementary manner alongside additional homeschool curriculum being completed at home. Good communication between parents, students, and instructor helps ensure students reach their academic goals successfully.

Recommended Grading

As an enrichment facilitator, I do not assign official transcript grades. Parents and/or charter school teachers will determine final grades for the course year. However, I will provide recommended grades and assignment feedback through Canvas based on participation, assignment completion, quizzes, and class engagement.

Canvas Learning Platform

Canvas will be used to post assignments and handouts, provide recommended grades and feedback, share project details and classroom resources, and track attendance and participation. Students will each need a Canvas account. Parents may also create observer accounts to monitor student progress throughout the year.

Course Structure

Tuesdays: • Weekly reading comprehension quizzes (20 mins including review) • Literature discussion and lecture • Reading activities and literary analysis
Thursdays: • Student journal writing (10 mins) • Grammar and writing instruction • Literary discussion and analysis activities • Writing workshops and project work

Student Journal

Students must bring a composition notebook or journal to class. Thursdays will typically begin with a 10-minute journal writing session connected to class themes, literature, or reflective prompts.
Journals will occasionally be collected for participation checks. Journal entries are graded based on completion and engagement rather than grammar or writing quality.

Homework – Spectrum Language Arts

Homework throughout the year will primarily consist of assignments from Spectrum Language Arts workbooks and classroom handouts.
Students must have the grade-level appropriate workbook: 

• 7th Grade – Spectrum Language Arts - 978-1483871417

• 8th Grade – Spectrum Language Arts - 978-1483871424

Homework assignments will reinforce grammar, vocabulary, writing mechanics, and language skills taught during class.

Quizzes

Students should expect regular reading quizzes throughout the year. These quizzes are designed to encourage reading accountability and comprehension rather than “trick” students. Students who complete the assigned reading and participate in class discussions should be well prepared.

Student Engagement and Participation

Respectful discussion, critical thinking, and classroom participation are strongly encouraged throughout the year. Many of our texts raise important philosophical, historical, and moral questions that students will analyze together through discussion and writing.
Participation and engagement are factored into recommended grades, and extra credit opportunities may occasionally be offered for leadership and exceptional classroom participation.

Attendance

Because class only meets twice weekly, attendance is very important. Students who miss class regularly may struggle to keep pace with reading schedules, quizzes, and writing assignments. Attendance will be tracked through Canvas and may factor into recommended grades on a case-by-case basis.

Required Texts

Q1 – The Giver by Lois Lowry – ISBN 978-0544336261

Q2 – Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot – ISBN 978-0842371513

Q3 – Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes – 978-0547614328

Q4 – The Wanderings of Odysseus – 978-0553494822

Quarterly Writing Projects

Q1 – Literary Analysis Essay: Theme and symbolism analysis connected to The Giver

Q2 – Informational / Response Essay: Narrative nonfiction response and historical analysis connected to Through Gates of Splendor

Q3 – Historical Analysis Essay: Character and historical conflict analysis connected to Johnny Tremain

Q4 – Mythology & Hero’s Journey Project: Analytical or creative project connected to The Odyssey

Course Themes

Throughout the year students will explore themes such as: 

• Freedom and individuality 

• Courage and perseverance

• Identity and maturity 

• Leadership and sacrifice 

• Heroism and personal responsibility

• Culture, history, and worldview

By the end of the course, students should demonstrate stronger reading comprehension, improved analytical writing skills, greater familiarity with important literary works, and increased confidence engaging thoughtfully with both fiction and nonfiction texts.

Contact Information

Thomas Hartung [email protected]