1. Mrs. Lambeth ELA – 8 Rogich Middle School

2. “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
- John Wooden
8th Grade Shared Vision
John Wooden an American basketball coach that led his players and team to 10 national championships in 12 years.
Students have complete control of their success
The quality of their effort is up to the student
Be able to hold your head high because you made the effort to do your best

3. Course Objective
This course is designed to:
build on knowledge and skills through close reading of texts
combining elements of different kinds of writing in support of analysis and reflection
participate in comprehensive class discussions

4. What does 8th grade ELA look like?
To read and analyze a wide variety of complex text
To respond, reflect, or analyze in writing or speaking with a focus on: how an author develops text structure, style and development of key concepts, identifying relevance and sufficiency of evidence, the way in which the writer or speaker uses structure, word choice, and syntax to make points clear, convincing, and engaging
To demonstrate a command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking
To support ideas by conducting short research projects, gathering relevant information, and generating related, focused ideas from multiple print and digital sources to use as evidence whether writing or speaking
To synthesize information from multiple resources in support of a thesis/claim, use quotes or paraphrase data accurately, and follow a standard form for citations
To analyze the elements of text, selected from a range of eighth grade text literary and informational exemplars, to understand how authors use structure, word choice, and point of view to develop theme or main idea, create drama, and advance the meaning or style of a text
To analyze the purposes and characteristics of the major genres of texts
Course expectations are adapted from the Nevada Academic Content Standards which are based on the Common Core Standards.

5. Essential Questions: 1st quarter – The Challenge of Heroism
What defines a hero?
Why do we conform?
2nd quarter – The Challenge of Heroism
With all the diversity of society is conformity worth considering?
What do you consider to be a perfect society?
Have you ever stopped to think about what life would be like if everything was planned for you and you were never able to make your own decisions?
3rd quarter – Reflecting on Challenges
What are the dangers of conformity?
What is the relationship between our stories and our identity?
To what extent are we all witnesses of history and messengers to humanity?
4th quarter – Voice and Challenges
How can one person make a difference when encountering a social challenge?
How do people communicate effectively?
10 essential questions were planned this year to challenge students and guide our discussion and learning. All questions are based on the hero theme.

6. Types of Reading/Writing Assignments
Text analysis
Quarterly literature projects and Literature Circles—Reading Quest
Close reading/writing of literary and nonliterary text
Word study—word origin of words, content/academic vocabulary, Latin/Greek roots and prefixes
Independent reading practice
Persuasive/Expository/Narrative reading and writing
Class novels
Grammar skill practice
Diagramming

7. Why Can’t I Skip My 20 Minutes of Reading Tonight?

8. Enrichment Reading Program All students will participate
8th GRADE - Reading Quest
Quarterly book project
Points are earned upon completion of a book project and Literature Circle assignments
Students read 1 book per quarter

9. Please have the following items every day!
pencils and pens
3- subject spiral notebook with pockets
highlighters
writing paper (loose-leaf)
red pen/colored pencils
(1) package of notecards
Chromebook charged and ready to learn
Optional classroom items:
Kleenex tissues, papertowel
copy paper
hand sanitizer
dry eraser markers
glue
sticky notes
Clorox wipes

10. How do I contact the teacher?

11. CLASS MOTTO
IMPRESS SOMEONE