1. Welcome To 8th Grade English

2. I am Joe Nakamura jnakamura@lgusd.org
hello!
I am Joe Nakamura

3. Our goal as a Professional Learning Community:
To give all of our students a rigorous, common core standards-based English Language arts foundation with an emphasis on writing and critical thinking.

4. Thank you for your support in this journey!
English Pilots
We are excited to explore some cutting-edge practices and principles that will make a positive impact in your child’s education.
Thank you for your support in this journey!
The grade book might look slightly different first and second quarter due to varying tasks and activities.
Unit 2: Amplify digital curriculum
8th graders will explore a biography unit starring Benjamin Franklin
Most lessons include excerpts of Franklin’s writing as well as commentary and analysis from Walter Isaacson’s Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.
Unit 1: Writer’s Workshop from Lucy Calkins and her colleagues at the Reading and Writing Columbia University Teacher’s College
In 8th grade, writers will be analyzing literature and composing literary essays that demonstrate use of evidence and analysis to make meaning of rich text.
Emphasis on revision, conferencing, and choices
school year, our team of English teachers under the district’s Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment Director, began the process of reviewing English curriculum for a new adoption

5. Our five thematic units…
Theme/Topic
Core Literature
Writing
1 The Literary Essay
Various dystopian short stories
Several argument essays
2 Biography & Literature (The American Revolution)
Benjamin Franklin Writings
Analytical writings and essay
3 Overcoming Obstacles
Poetry & Book Choice for
Literature Circles
Explanatory Essay
4 Let Your Voice Be Heard
Various nonfiction articles
Argument Essay & Speech
5 We Are More Alike Than Different
The Outsiders
Narrative Memoir Speech
add info on projects in unit 2 and 4?

6. Powerschool

8. Grade Scale Weighted categories:
Summative Assessments 50%
On-demand writing assessments
Grammar quizzes (No Red Ink)--unlimited make-ups!
Reading assignments
Speeches
Formative Writing Assessments 30%
smaller writing assignments
homework/practice
Projects %
Emphasis is on mastery of the material rather than letter grades

9. A word about advocacy …
8th graders need opportunities to act as self-advocates
Please encourage your child to …
See me before school, lunch, or after school when problems arise
me with questions or concerns
Track his/her own grade in PowerSchool
Fisher is the perfect place for students to learn from their mistakes … better now than in high school.

10. Tips & Tricks for a Successful Year
8th grade workload = challenging. You can help by working with your child to…
Create schedules to balance hw, extracurriculars and free/family/friends time
Keep materials organized
Keep an up-to-date planner
Emphasis is on mastery of the material rather than letter grades
Making a mistake = a chance to grow, not a statement about your intelligence or your abilities
English materials online
School website = hw/most resources/worksheets

11. Reading Core novels Literature circle books Short stories Poetry
Nonfiction articles
Independent Reading
30 minutes daily at home & silent reading time in class

12. Emphasis on analytical writing in preparation for high school
Explanatory
Argument
Narrative
Emphasis on analytical writing in preparation for high school
Focus on writing as a process
Conferences and revisions!

13. Speaking and listening
Project presentations
Speeches
Participation in class discussions & debates

14. Thank you to LGEF and our Home & School Club!
Thank you very much for coming!
Joe Nakamura
Your support counts!
Thank you to LGEF and our Home & School Club!