Mrs. Wright ELA – 8 Rogich Middle School

“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” - John Wooden Students have complete control of their success The quality of their effort is up to the student Be able to hold your head high because you made the effort to do your best 8 th Grade Shared Vision

Course Objective This course is designed to: build on knowledge and skills through close reading of texts build on knowledge and skills through close reading of texts combining elements of different kinds of writing in support of analysis and reflection combining elements of different kinds of writing in support of analysis and reflection participate in comprehensive class discussions participate in comprehensive class discussions

What does 8th grade ELA look like? To read and analyze a wide variety of complex text To respond, reflect, or analyze in writing or speaking with a focus on: how an author develops text structure, style and development of key concepts, identifying relevance and sufficiency of evidence, the way in which the writer or speaker uses structure, word choice, and syntax to make points clear, convincing, and engaging To demonstrate a command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking To support ideas by conducting short research projects, gathering relevant information, and generating related, focused ideas from multiple print and digital sources to use as evidence whether writing or speaking To synthesize information from multiple resources in support of a thesis/claim, use quotes or paraphrase data accurately, and follow a standard form for citations To analyze the elements of text, selected from a range of eighth grade text literary and informational exemplars, to understand how authors use structure, word choice, and point of view to develop theme or main idea, create drama, and advance the meaning or style of a text To analyze the purposes and characteristics of the major genres of texts

Essential Questions: 1 st quarter – The Challenge of Heroism What defines a hero? What defines a hero? Why do we conform? Why do we conform? 2 nd quarter – The Challenge of Heroism With all the diversity of society is conformity worth considering? What do you consider to be a perfect society? Have you ever stopped to think about what life would be like if everything was planned for you and you were never able to make your own decisions? 3 rd quarter – Reflecting on Challenges What are the dangers of conformity? What is the relationship between our stories and our identity? To what extent are we all witnesses of history and messengers to humanity? 4 th quarter – Voice and Challenges How can one person make a difference when encountering a social challenge? How can one person make a difference when encountering a social challenge? How do people communicate effectively? How do people communicate effectively?

Types of Reading/Writing Assignments Written responses Quarterly literature projects and Literature Circles—Reading Quest Weekly current event reading skill practice Close reading/writing of literary and nonliterary text Word study—word origin of words, content/academic vocabulary, Latin/Greek roots and prefixes Independent reading practice Persuasive/Expository/Narrative reading and writing Class novels Grammar skill practice Diagramming

Enrichment Reading Program All students will participate 8th GRADE - Reading Quest Quarterly book project Points are earned upon completion of a book project and Literature Circle assignments

Please have the following items every day! pencils 5 subject spiral notebook with pockets two pocket folder with prongs (1) Composition notebook highlighters writing paper (loose-leaf) red pen/colored pencils (1) package of notecards Standardize student workbook (will be provided) student flash drive Optional classroom items: Kleenex tissues, papertowel copy paper hand sanitizer dry eraser markers glue sticky notes Clorox wipes

SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS Monthly book order information handed out in class Order online using class code

How do I contact the teacher? How do I contact the teacher?

CLASS MOTTO CLASS MOTTO