8th Grade – December Curriculum Overview
December’s theme is Light. For 8th grade, we’ll explore how wisdom, creativity, and kindness can help us “shine” in our families and communities. We have three instructional weeks before Winter Break (December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026). Always check Google Classroom for assignments, reading logs, and updates.
Week 18 (Dec 1–4): Shining a Light on Understanding
- Language Arts
- Reading: Read a chapter or article about a historical or literary figure who made a positive impact.
Reading Log: Read daily and record title, author, minutes, and a short reflection. Logs are submitted in Google Classroom at the month’s end. - Writing/Grammar: Write a paragraph about how someone’s actions brought “light” to their community. Focus on using strong topic sentences and supporting details.
- Spelling (Academic Vocabulary):
- Week 18 words: illuminate, influence, perspective, empathy, altruism, clarity, resolve, inspire, community, support
- Weekly spelling routine (Mon–Thu):
- Daily: Study flashcards or use StudyStack for practice.
- Monday: Write definitions for each word.
- Tuesday: Use each word in a sentence.
- Wednesday: Copy each word in cursive or type it three times.
- Thursday: Take the online spelling quiz or submit a written test in Google Classroom.
- Reading: Read a chapter or article about a historical or literary figure who made a positive impact.
- Math: Practice solving equations and word problems involving “light”—distance, speed, or time.
- Science: Study properties of light—reflection, refraction, and color. Try a simple experiment with a flashlight and a mirror.
- Social Studies/History: Research a leader or movement that brought positive change. Share your findings in a short presentation or discussion.
- Music: Listen to a song about hope or kindness. Reflect on how music can lift others up.
- Art: Create a drawing or painting that uses light and shadow to tell a story or express emotion.
- PE: 30+ minutes of movement most days. Log activity in Google Classroom (walk, run, dance, etc.).
Week 19 (Dec 8–11): Voices that Shine – Advocacy & Action
- Language Arts
- Reading: Read an article or speech about advocacy or social change.
Reading Log: Continue daily entries and reflections. - Writing/Grammar: Write a persuasive letter or short essay: “How can young people use their voices to make a difference?” Practice using transitions and persuasive language.
- Spelling (Advocacy & Action):
- Week 19 words: advocate, empower, courage, initiative, collaboration, communicate, resolve, justice, fairness, leadership
- Weekly spelling routine (Mon–Thu):
- Daily: Study flashcards or use StudyStack for practice.
- Monday: Write definitions for each word.
- Tuesday: Use each word in a persuasive sentence.
- Wednesday: Copy each word in cursive or type it three times.
- Thursday: Take the online spelling quiz or submit a written test in Google Classroom.
- Reading: Read an article or speech about advocacy or social change.
- Math: Analyze data or create graphs about a real-world issue (energy use, access to education, etc.).
- Science: Research renewable energy sources or how light is used in technology. Present findings in a poster or short video.
- Social Studies/History: Study a historical event or a leader who stood up for justice. Discuss relevance today.
- Music: Learn about a musician who used their art for social change. Listen and discuss the message.
- Art: Create a poster or digital artwork advocating for a cause important to you.
- PE: 30+ minutes of movement most days. Log activity in Google Classroom.
Week 20 (Dec 15–18): Reflection & Growth – Carrying Light Forward
- Language Arts
- Reading: Finish your December book or selection. Reflect on the main themes and lessons.
Reading Log: Complete and submit your December reading log in Google Classroom. - Writing/Grammar: Write a personal reflection: “How have I grown or helped others this year?” Review grammar skills as needed.
- Spelling (Reflection & Growth):
- Week 20 words: reflect, resilience, perseverance, insight, gratitude, summary, theme, evidence, revision, accomplishment
- Weekly spelling routine (Mon–Thu):
- Daily: Study flashcards or use StudyStack for practice.
- Monday: Write definitions for each word.
- Tuesday: Use each word in a reflective sentence.
- Wednesday: Copy each word in cursive or type it three times.
- Thursday: Take the online spelling quiz or submit a written test in Google Classroom.
- Reading: Finish your December book or selection. Reflect on the main themes and lessons.
- Math: Semester review—practice key concepts and problem-solving skills from the fall.
- Science: Review major science topics from the semester. Optional: create a concept map or summary notes.
- Social Studies/History: Reflect on what you’ve learned about leadership, change, and resilience.
- Music: Create a playlist or journal entry about songs that inspired you this year.
- Art: Make a “Year of Light” collage or artwork showing your growth and hopes for the new year.
- PE: 30+ minutes of movement most days. Log activity in Google Classroom.
Fun Fridays (Dec 5, 12, 19)
- Dec 5 – Lanterns of Light: Make a lantern or artwork using light and color. Talk about how people can be “lights” in their communities.
- Dec 12 – Light of Kindness: Write a thank-you note or create a digital message for someone who has helped you this year.
- Dec 19 – Solstice Reflection: Family or solo ritual: reflect on your growth and set a hope for the new year.
Optional Family Fun Day (Dec 26 – During Winter Break)
- Year-in-Light Reflection: As a family, share highlights and challenges from 2025, and how each person brought light to themselves or others.
Recommended Free Resources
- Khan Academy – Literature & Writing
- Purdue OWL – Writing & Grammar
- ReadWriteThink – Middle School ELA
- iCivics – Government & Social Studies
December in 8th grade is about finishing the semester strong, reflecting on how you can be a source of light for yourself and your community, and setting intentions for the new year. Use the break to recharge and celebrate your growth!
