Welcome to 8 th Grade Language Arts Mr. A. Rodriguez

There are a few things you should know about me!

I am not good at math. If you have any mathematics questions, please feel free to ask your designated math teacher. =

However, I do love reading and grammar. Only when we analyze text do we get the opportunity to learn a little bit about ourselves through other characters.

Past Experience! I taught high school language arts and drama at a school in Hialeah. I have been writing illustrated books since the age of 6. –I no longer write illustrated books. This is my first time teaching at Miami Arts Studio. I am thrilled to call myself a WIZARD!

Now, to your Syllabus! AREAS OF STUDY Literature: short story, novel, poetry Writing: Literary Analysis, Descriptive, Informative, Comparison/Contrast, and Argumentation Essays Grammar: 8 Parts of Speech, Punctuation, Conventions of Standard English Speaking: Oral Reading and Presentation, Debates, Skits/Acting

Grading System I will be assessing your work on a 4-point scale. It is broken down as follows: A=4 B=3 C=2 D=1 F=0 Z=“Z” (this will weigh like two “Fs” in the Gradebook. This is what you should all aim for.

Grading System Cont’d Home Learning: 25% Classwork: 30% Quizzes: 15% Tests: 30%

Materials 1.White, clear cover 3-ring binder (1 ½ or 2 inch) 2.Eight dividers 3.Pack of notebook paper 4.Two black and white composition notebooks to be used for Bell Work and Vocabulary. 5.Two marking pens (no blue, black, or yellow) for checking work 6.Pack of 5 color highlighters (yellow, blue, green, pink, orange) 7.Ruler 8.Sticky notes (Post-it Notes)

Novels 1 st Novel (Classic Literature) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (buy the edition you see listed) ISBN:

Novels Cont’d 2 nd Novel (Modern Literature) A Long Way Gone: A Memoir of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah ISBN:

By when do I need the novels? Purchase both novels by September 9 th at Barnes and Noble or at the school. –Websites such as and may sell the novels for a more inexpensive price. Please ensure that you buy the correct edition of the novel.

Homework I do not administer homework every class period, but I do give homework nonetheless. Homework must be turned in completed and on time, otherwise you will receive a detention on the day that I see fit as well as a “Z” in the gradebook. If you have an excused absence, then I expect the assignment to be turned in on the following class period, when you are present.

Where can I get my homework? I will write homework on the board. When I do so, you are expected to document it in your homework agendas. In extension, I will post it online on my website: so make a habit of checking my website regularly. Remind App.

I-Ready You will be required to complete TWO I- Ready assignments per week. Before beginning the program, you will be expected to take an I-Ready baseline test on Week 2 or 3 of Quarter 1. Make sure to grade of 75% or higher to receive a passing score.

Absences If you are absent on a certain day, it is your responsibility to find out about the missed assignment(s).

Behavior and Consequences When you are in my class, expect to learn. I will make the material engaging and allow for student input, but that does not mean it is time to act up and misbehave. I will show you respect, and I expect the same from you. If I call your attention once, I will give you a warning. After a second warning, I will call a parent/legal guardian or administer a detention.

Bathroom Passes You must raise your hand and sign-out before going to the restroom. If you go too frequently during my class, I will withhold all bathroom privileges.

Communication If you have any questions, feel free to me at: I usually respond to s within twenty-four hours.

Summer Reading You all must have read the novel Bruiser by Neal Shusterman during the summer. Assignment Details (found on the MAS website): Part I-Literary Terms and Examples Part II-Plot Structure (through a Plot Diagram) Part III-Post-Reading Activity NOTE: You will be given three grades for this assignment, so it behooves you to make sure it is not only completed, but also done so with maximum effort and impeccable attention to detail.

Due Date for Summer Reading Assignment Due: Friday, August 28 th Test on the novel will take place next week.

I LOOK FORWARD TO AN ADVENTUROUS SCHOOL YEAR!

Step 1: 2 Truths and 1 Lie Guess the lie Step 2: What is your favorite movie of all time?