Welcome to 8th Grade Language Arts!
Reading
In my Language Arts class students will read or write every day. As readers, they will participate in independent, small-group, and whole-group lessons. They will be encouraged to share their thinking and listen to (and respond to) the thinking of their peers. Student groupings are flexible. Each reading unit will be taught as a genre. Although students may not be reading the same novel, they will all read novels within the same genre. Class lessons will focus on the literary devices of these genres.
Writing
Students will also compose several expository and narrative writing pieces this year. During Writer's Workshop, students will explore the characteristics of each genre, and will take their writing through the steps of the writing process. After a mini-lesson, while students are writing independently, I will meet with students to support their development as writers.
Vocabulary/ Word Study
Students will study words that correlate with our reading and writing units. They will be assessed on their ability to use and apply their understanding of the words selected, not just recite memorized definitions. Additionally, students will learn common Latin roots.
Grammar
Grammar lessons are taught during the mini-lesson and conferencing portions of Writing Workshop and are in response to student need. Conferencing with students one-on-one gives me the opportunity to address specific concerns in the moment.
Speaking and Listening
This year students will participate in a variety of activities designed to encourage students to find their voice and to listen to, and process, the thinking of others. Some of these activities will include Socratic Seminars, literature circles, and student presentations.