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

I 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.  

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:  Make corrections.  Possible Google Classroom assignment to review vocab.  Due Wednesday.

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

Writing

This year, I will be using a new writing program called Excellence in Writing.  It is a a clear, sequential, and effective method of teaching writing that reinforces the other content areas through the development of reading comprehension, vocabulary development, critical thinking skills, and English grammar in a cohesive writing program.  During the first weeks, we will be organizing our binders, developing outlines, determining key words, and developing oral speaking skills.   By the end of the year, each student will have a portfolio of their work.

AR Points

Students in the 8th grade are required to earn 15 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.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me.

Tisha Green

8th graders have technology class three times a week.  The focus is on Microsoft Office, specifically spreadsheets, power point, publisher and word processing.  Time is also spent with Google and the various components conatined in Google Classroom.

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.