Welcome to my English 8 page.  On this page, you will see topics of study, general information and upcoming due dates.  Under English 8, there is a calendar of assignments on which I put the daily agendas for class.  If you are absent or forgot what we did in class for the day, click on the calendar date headline and the daily agenda will appear.

CURRENT TOPIC OF STUDY:  Investigating Characterization-Lucy Calkins reading unit
  This unit focuses on a deep investigation of characters and how readers interact with characters.  Some lessons include point of view (who's telling the story), how our views on characters change throughout a story, observing multiple character perspectives.  We will also explore why authors make the decisions they do concerning their characters.  Students will monitor and notice changes in their thinking with regards to characters.  We will be in this reading unit for most of October.

​Students will continue keep track of their pages on a “Book List” page/calendar.  For homework, I ask students to read for 20-30 minutes five nights a week.  This is a short quarter so I strongly recommend increasing time read at home for students.  I ask parents to monitor their child’s reading at home and make sure they are reading 1.5-2 hours each week.

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
There will be a focus on writing and reading practice.  Students will write much more than I can physically grade.  This is intentional because studies show that when students write only as much as their teacher can grade, they are not getting enough practice.  Each quarter, students will work on one major writing piece that they will take through the revision process and turn in for an assessment grade.  Students will do independent reading by selecting appropriate books for their reading level. 
COURSE GOALS
*To inspire students to develop reading fluency, stamina and accuracy in both reading fiction and nonfiction. 
*To create strong and engaged writers who can express themselves in various writing formats.  These include: narrative, informational and persuasive writing and prompt style writing.
*To help students address individual needs in revising, editing and publishing their writing.
​COURSE METHODS
We will have a workshop style reading and writing classroom.  Several times a week, students will be instructed on a specific skill or technique.  They will then have time to practice the skill or technique individually or in small groups.