8th Grade English/Reading
ReadingThis year is one of the best years for reading, as far as I am concerned. We will be reading a variety of classroom literature, as well as practicing with some lit circles.
Reading starts with an in-depth look at the Holocaust and WWII. We read Night and The Diary of Anne Frank. Then we will move on to a study of Dystopian Literature, with several short stories and films. This prepares us to read The Giver. Later we look at various teen issues, including the idea of consent and a society of harassment and discrimination. We read Speak, and then end the year with The Outsiders. |
WritingThis year will be heavy with writing, as we all work to improve not only the everyday writing, but also the academic (paper) writing skills.
We will writing things like:
Technology DaysFor the first time, we will be utilizing Google Classroom to ensure that learning continues even if we have snow days and distance learning. Parents will receive more information about this as we begin the school year, but students will be joining the Reading 8 classroom for assignments and discussions.
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Critical ThinkingSo much of the things we learn are not put into practice by students. We will spend time this year working on the skills and putting them into practice with real-world issues and problems. We need to prepare our students to grow into the adults that will take part in the world around them.
Rhetorical Reading and AnnotationIn order to help students think critically, we will be learning the practice of rhetorical reading and annotation.
What does this look like? While reading, students will be encouraged to take notes about what they read, highlighting, doodling, and using sticky notes. When a student needs more information, thinks of a question, wants to define a word, or has a eureka moment, the student should mark this and bring it up in class the following day. |
HOMEWORKYou might wonder why your student rarely brings home work. Well, I don't assign a lot! I think that it is important for students to work on their assignments in class, so that I can help them if need be.
If your students are bringing home work...you might want to talk to them about using their class time wisely, as they were likely not working during work time. |
VocabularyWe will be using Sadlier Connect again this year for vocabulary, but we are now on Level C.
Students will be able to join my class on Quizlet for more study options. Have them search mrsfranglish on Quizlet and look for 8th Grade. |