Language and Literature 8th Grade Ms. Amore This is a repeating slideshow, so feel free to take pictures of any slide of interest. Also, it is posted on my teacher page. ☺

Who is Ms. Amore? MEET ME! I was born in Long Island, New York and have a loving family, boyfriend, dog, and cat! I moved out here to Phoenix five years ago to pursue my dream of going to Arizona State University to study education! All was successful, and I graduated in May of this year with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education & English. I am SO excited for my first year of teaching, and I am so glad that it is all of you that I get to spend it with; I know I will never forget my first students. This truly is a dream come true for me! I have a huge passion for literature and writing that I cannot wait to share. Let’s have an amazing year. Go Scorpions!!

8th Grade Language and Literature Pearson myPerspectives textbook focuses on student-centered learning: Unit Introduction Whole Class Learning Small Group Learning Independent Learning Novels tied to unit themes Unit Plans: Quarter 1: Rites of Passage Quarter 2: The Holocaust Quarter 3: What Matters Quarter 4: Human Intelligence

8th Grade Language and Literature Additional Novel/Literature Study House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass Quarterly Projects Based on independently-read novels Multi-Media Menu of choices for analysis and presentation

8th Grade Language and Literature Writing and Speaking opportunities: Students will be engaged in rigorous writing experiences that utilize: Narrative, Argumentative, and Expository modalities of writing Interdisciplinary themes from Social Studies and Science Document-based questions (DBQ’s) Students will respond to literature in their myPerspectives textbook, during novel studies, and in independent projects. Students will engage in Shared Inquiry, Socratic Circles, and Debate as issues presented in our readings are tackled.

8th Grade Language and Literature Grammar and Vocabulary Work: Students will be engaged in proofreading for mechanics, usage, and grammar errors. Mini-lessons will address any reteaching needs. Students will be analyzing Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Using Words Within Words root lists for the first quarter Using Get to the Root of It! word lists for second and third quarter Student-driven vocabulary activities during fourth quarter

8th Grade Language and Literature Students will practice writing effectively with: Varied sentence structure Advanced knowledge and usage of parts of speech Concise language and ideas Analogies, synonyms and antonyms, word usage, word relationships, and figurative language

8th Grade Language and Literature Assignment Policies RAW scores translate into a percentage once entered as such in the grade book:         90 - 100% = A 80 - 89% = B 70 - 79% = C 60 - 69% = D 0 - 59% = F SCALE scores translate to a percentage once entered as such in the grade book: 4 = 100 3.5 = 95 3 = 90 2.5 = 80 2 = 70 1.5 = 65 1 = 60 Grade Weighting 80% = Assessments (including final writing assignments and projects)    20% = Classwork and Homework Posting of Student Grades Grades will be posted in the Parent Portal regularly. Please check student grades there on a regular basis.  Late work, unless absent or prearranged: Five points off per day late. Won’t be accepted after 1 week. (Special Circumstances may be arranged) Absent work: Extension for work accepted 1 day per each day absent.

8th Grade Language and Literature Let’s keep in touch! Email: jamore@kyrene.org Phone: 480-541-6753 (Please try to call before or after school hours) My Kyrene Webpage: kyrene.org Schools Kyrene Middle School Classrooms 8th Grade: Ms. Amore Old school: write me a note! ☺ I will always call or email you if there is a serious slide in academic work effort or behavior. Sometimes, I call or email just to give you positive feedback on your amazing student!