Mrs. BarcelonELA – 8

Rogich Middle School

“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of

self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to

become the best that you are capable of becoming.”

- John Wooden• Students have complete control of their success• The quality of their effort is up to the student• Be able to hold your head high because you made the effort to

do your best

8th Grade Shared Vision

Course ObjectiveThis course is designed to: • build on knowledge and skills

through close reading of texts• combining elements of different

kinds of writing in support of analysis and reflection

• participate in comprehensive class discussions

 

What does 8th grade ELA look like?

To read and analyze a wide variety of complex text

To respond, reflect, or analyze in writing or speaking with a focus on: how an author develops text structure, style and development of key concepts, identifying relevance and sufficiency of evidence, the way in which the writer or speaker uses structure, word choice, and syntax to make points clear, convincing, and engaging

To demonstrate a command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking

To support ideas by conducting short research projects, gathering relevant information, and generating related, focused ideas from multiple print and digital sources to use as evidence whether writing or speaking

To synthesize information from multiple resources in support of a thesis/claim, use quotes or paraphrase data accurately, and follow a standard form for citations

To analyze the elements of text, selected from a range of eighth grade text literary and informational exemplars, to understand how authors use structure, word choice, and point of view to develop theme or main idea, create drama, and advance the meaning or style of a text

To analyze the purposes and characteristics of the major genres of texts

Essential Questions: 1st quarter – The Challenge of Heroism• What defines a hero? • Why do we conform?

2nd quarter – The Challenge of Heroism• With all the diversity of society is conformity worth considering?• What do you consider to be a perfect society? • Have you ever stopped to think about what life would be like if

everything was planned for you and you were never able to make your own decisions?

3rd quarter – Reflecting on Challenges• What are the dangers of conformity?• What is the relationship between our stories and our identity? • To what extent are we all witnesses of history and messengers

to humanity?

4th quarter – Voice and Challenges • How can one person make a difference when encountering a

social challenge?• How do people communicate effectively?

Types of Reading/Writing Assignments

Written responses

Quarterly literature projects and Literature Circles—Reading Quest

Weekly current event reading skill practice

Close reading/writing of literary and nonliterary text

Word study—word origin of words, content/academic vocabulary, Latin/Greek roots and prefixes

Independent reading practice

Persuasive/Expository/Narrative reading and writing

Class novels

Grammar skill practiceDiagramming

Enrichment Reading ProgramAll students will participate

8th GRADE - Reading QuestQuarterly book projectPoints are earned upon completion of a book project and Literature Circle assignments

Please have the following items every day!

 

pencils5 subject spiral notebook with pocketstwo pocket folder with prongs(1) Composition notebookhighlighterswriting paper (loose-leaf)red pen/colored pencils(1) package of notecardsStandardize student workbook (will be provided)student flash drive

 Optional classroom items:

Kleenex tissues, papertowelcopy paperhand sanitizerdry eraser markersgluesticky notesClorox wipes

SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS 

Monthly book order information handed out in class

Order online using class code

How do I contact the teacher?

jhbarcelon@interact.ccsd.n

et

CLASS MOTTO