Reading

Students will be reading several class novels this year, including Enrique's Journey;  A Christmas Carol; To Kill A Mockingbird; and Tales from Shakespeare.

Vocabulary

We use the Wordly Wise 3000 vocabulary program.  There are 15 words per chapter which are linked to SAT exams, and the words from previous chapters are reiterated through the nonfiction passages and through other sentences and definitions. Not only are the students building on their academic vocabulary through this program, but they are also enhancing their reading, writing and critical thinking skills.  Students have had much success with this program.

There is also an online component that students can access from home. Here is the link: Wordly Wise 3000. After clicking on the link, students will need to select their book which corresponds to their grade level. Then choose the current lesson. There are flashcards with definitions, fill-in-the blank sentences to practice the word in context, and an audio component to hear the word and definition aloud.

Another helpful website to learn any type of vocabulary (Spanish, history, science, Wordly Wise 3000 vocabulary) is quizlet.com.  Quizlet.com has online flashcards to study or print with a variety of games and practice quizzes as well. There is a huge database, so you have to be specific when searching for a certain lesson.  For example, if you type in Wordly Wise 3000, you will get a long list of flashcards from which to choose.  Be more specific.  In the search bar, type in Wordly Wise 3000 Book 8 Lesson 1.  As with anything on the internet, these lessons are typed in by regular people, students, teachers, etc.  Be careful that the lesson you choose to study has correct information.  You can also create a free account of your own and create your own flashcards, but this is typically not necessary.

Here is the pattern for vocabulary homework (Each unit will last 2 weeks.):

Monday: Intro words.  Assign exercises A, B, C.  Due Thursday.

Thursday: Read and discuss passage (section E) as a class. Begin working on comprehension questions with partners.  Must be written in complete sentences.  Exercises D and E are due Friday. I will grade over the weekend and return on Monday.

Monday:  Possible Google Classroom assignment to review vocab.  Due Wednesday.

Thursday:  Exam.  It will be multiple choice with a writing component. 

Writing and Grammar
Students will write using a variety of genres and formats.  They will learn to take several pieces of writing through the writing process.  At times, students will use technology for peer-editing and publishing certain pieces.      

AR Points

Students in the 8th grade are required to earn 18 AR points per 9 week grading period.  This will be 10% of their report card grade in Language Arts.  Once a student completes a book, they need to take the AR test on the book to earn points.

8th graders have technology class three times a week.  The focus is on Microsoft Office, specifically spreadsheets, power point, publisher and word processing.  Other technology topics include green screen, editing video and layering presentations.

Math at St. Mary School includes daily practice and work with skills in two different course options. Students have the opportunity to take Algebra I-H or Course 3 Mathematics/Pre-Algebra. Students will participate in class practice with white boards, group activities, graphing and daily homework. Tutoring is availble every morning starting at 7:20am in Mrs. Gerken's or Mrs. Johnston's classroom.

Number Sense, Mathematics & Calculator- NTIL and PSIA competition
Students are encouraged to try-out for our Number Sense, Mathematics and/or Calculator teams. Practice for these events is held on designated mornings before school. Competitions are held in the first part of December and in March. Our spring PSIA competition offers the opportunity for students to advance to the state level. 

The eighth grade year of science centers on disciplines of Chemistry and Physics. The fall semester will be spent learning about the chemical and physical properties of matter and the interactions of matter. The spring semester focuses on Laws of Motion, Energy, Waves, and Electricity. This semester will lean on the algebra skills that have been developed through math classes.