1. 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. ☺

2. 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!!

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 8th Grade Language and Literature
Assignment Policies
RAW scores translate into a percentage once entered as such in the grade book:        
% = A % = B % = C % = D % = 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.

9. 8th Grade Language and Literature
Let’s keep in touch!
Phone: (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 you if there is a serious slide in academic work effort or behavior. Sometimes, I call or just to give you positive feedback on your amazing student!