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8th Grade - Language Arts

Course Description

Week of December 10th:
 
Reading: 
  • Hatchet Novel Study Chapters 5 and 6
  • Reading Responses 
  • Annotations - Interact with Novel Build Critical Thinking SkillsBuild Comprehension Skills 
  • Vocabulary - 
  • Story Elements:
  • Components of Exposition(Main Character/Setting/Plot)
  • Rise in Action
  • Conflict (Internal/External) 
  • Man vs. Man; Man vs. Self; Man vs. Nature 
Hatchet Comprehension and Vocabulary Assessment - FRIDAY, 12/14/18
 
 
 
Week of November 12th:
Wordly Wise Unit #6
  • Wordly Wise 6E due Thursday, 11/14/18
  • Wordly Wise Test, Thursday, 11/14/18
  • **It is very important that students are studying words nightly so as to be able to apply them to written work
Students will complete Character Sketch Final Drafts on Tuesday, 11/13/18
 
Adverbs and Adverb Clauses 
 
 
 
Week of October 22nd:
Wordly Wise Unit #5:
  • The last seven words on Quizlet (Due Monday, 10/22/18)
  • Sentences (Due Tuesday, 10/23/18)
  • 5E (Due Wednesday, 10/24/18)
  • WW #5 Test - Wednesday, 10/25/18
Writing:
Character Sketch - Typing of Rough Draft (in-class)
 
 
 
 
 
Week of October 1st:
 
Wordly Wise Unit #4:  
  • The first seven words (Due Thursday, 10/4/18)
  • On an Index Card or Quizlet: Write Definition, POS, (1) Synonym, and (1) Antonym 
  • On a separate sheet of paper, write a sentence using each word - **It is in your WW notebook, how many sentences are required for each word. 
Writing: 
  • Character Sketch Essay - 
  • Pre-Writing Stage:
  • Identify (3) Character Inner Traits
  • Create Strong Character Visualization using text evidence - specific incidents, dialogue, and colorful imagery/language
  • Writing of an Introductory Paragraph 
 
 
 
 
Week of September 17th:
 
Vocabulary:
  • Wordly Wise Unit #3 Test - Friday, September 21st**It is VERY important that each student is studying NIGHTLY!  In fact, a part of their homework is to study these words NIGHTLY.  The most difficult part of these assignments is the ability to use the words correctly, whether it be in conversation or writing.  Please be sure they are studying by either using the Quizlet Review Activities or their own practical application.  Application is the key!  
Writing:
  • Character Sketch -  Based on a character from their Independent Novel Study
Pre-Writing/Research Stage:
  • Classwork has been centered around modeling and brainstorming so students can complete the pre-writing stage independently 
  • Structured template/graphic organizer ~ completed both at home and school 
  • Each section is assigned and broken down into parts ~ completed both at home at school 
We will complete the pre-writing stage towards the end of the week and then begin the writing of the Introduction Paragraph. 
 
After the break, we will finish the rough drafts and then begin typing the final drafts.  
 
I hope you all have a wonderful Fall Break!
 
 
Week of September 10th:
 
 
Vocabulary:
  • Wordly Wise Unit #3 - I have begun to divide each unit in TWO weeks; therefore, I will test every two weeks.  Please be sure that your child is utilizing the many benefits of studying using the computer application, Quizlet.   Also, it is important that they are studying words every night, so they will be able to better apply them to their written work. Unit Test #3 - Friday, September 21st.
Reading and Writing:
  • Independent Novel Study:  The students have begun typing their responses using the computer application, OneNote.  They have caught on quickly and doing a great job! 
  • Character Sketch:  The students have chosen a character from one of the Jerry Spinelli novels they have read during the independent novel study.  This character sketch will be a 3 to 5 paragraph essay.
Grammar: 
  • Review and Application of skills throughout Wordly Wise Development as well as Written Responses. 
 
 
August 27th - August 31st:
 
Grammar: 
  • Review through Application ~ Wordly Wise and Literary Reflection Entries
Wordly Wise:
We will complete one unit per week.  **Once we begin a novel study, we may replace Novel Study Vocabulary for Wordly Wise Vocabulary. 
 
         THIS WEEK - Unit 2:  **Study for Friday Assessment Nightly, **each night add 5 new words, and continually circle back to words studied from previous nights.
  • Tuesday:                                                                                                                                               Due: Quizlet and 2A                                                                                                                                  In-class assignment: 2B & 2C                                                                                                    Homework: 2E

     

     Thursday:                                                                                                                                                             Due: Part E                                                                                                                                                               In-class assignment: Review activity                                                                                                      Homework: Study for Quiz 

  • Friday:                                                                                                                                                     In-class assignment: Unit #2 Assessment                                                                                 Homework: Complete Quizlet Unit #3 - For each word, complete: Definition, Part of Speech, Synonym, and Antonym
Reading/Writing:
  • Independent Novel/Author Study - Jerry Spinelli
  • Using/Citing Text Evidence to support writing
  • Compose Literary Reflection - Do you connect with any of the characters’ feelings or actions?  
  • Character Traits