WELCOME TO EIGHTH GRADE ELA!!

Who am I? Ms. Becky Osterfeld Mother of two (junior in high school and daughter in the working world) Teacher Reader Baker Joker Camper Football mom

What makes me a good teacher for your child? I have felt called to be a teacher since I was about ten years old I have a degree in elementary education with a minor in English I have a master’s degree in reading I am a National Board Certified Teacher and an Ohio Master Teacher I have been teaching for twenty years, fifteen of those at Ferguson and now four at Coy I have eleven years of experience with honors/advanced classes and have applied to become a College Credit Plus adjunct instructor I love what I do!

What do we do for 90 minutes each day, anyway? Mastering Common Core Standards in: Literature Informational Text Writing Speaking and Listening Language

What does this mean in class? Four modules developed around an extended text (two fiction texts, two informational texts) which also include: Short texts (fiction and informational) Text-dependent questions Extensive analysis of meaning and craft Varied writing practice Collaborative and individual work Short research projects Vocabulary study Greek and Latin word parts General academic-level vocabulary Content-specific vocabulary Grammar review Oral presentations

What makes the honors class different? Using advanced curriculum Working towards a more sophisticated understanding of literature Developing increasingly mature writing style and voice More challenging, not “more”

What about the semester choices? Students were given three choices in the spring of thematic semester-long classes: Discovering Your Inner Hero Being a Friend Leadership at Home and in the World Each student will have one theme first semester and one theme second semester. All classes will still be with me. Classes continue to cover eighth grade standards and materials, but through selected works centered around each course’s theme

Leadership at home and in the world Periods 1/2 and 3/4 during first semester Anchor text is A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansbury Optional texts include: Gone by Michael Grant Lord of the Flies by William Golding Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Being a Friend Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Period 5/6 during first semester and period 1/2 during second semester Anchor text is The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas Optional texts include: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Discovering Your Inner Hero Periods 3/4 and 5/6 during second semester Anchor text is Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes Optional texts include: Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne Death Be Not Proud by John Gunther The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Other “fun” stuff that you might want to know… Visit my website for links and resources All homework will be posted in ProgressBook on the Class Information Page

How to reach me: Rebecca.Osterfeld@bea vercreek.k12.oh.us “Staff” section of Coy website Phone: 429-7577 ext. 3689 Notes with your child Planning period 7th (2:11-2:55)