Reading Workshop: In our current unit of study, we are focusing on reviewing active reading strategies good readers use while exploring the Historical Fiction genre. In the novel, Elephant Run, we will review elements of Historical Fiction stories while paying particular attention to author techniques such as foreshadowing, characterization and setting. After Elephant Run, we will venture into book clubs where students collaborate in groups to further explore the Historical Fiction genre. Each group will be reading their own story as we continue discussions about Historical Fiction elements.
Writing Workshop: In this unit of study, eighth graders will be writing pieces relating to Investigative Journalism. In these pieces, they will learn to use sharp observations of life to write news and investigative articles about meaningful topics, crafting vivid narratives, and elaborating multiple perspectives.
Word Work: Every Wednesday in Middle School has been dubbed "Word Work Wednesday". This is a time where students focus on concepts relating to spelling, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and other conventional writing strategies. In eighth grade, we focus much of our studies on mechanic and convention concepts they will see again in high school. We often tie what we are learning on Wednesdays into our writing pieces or books we are reading in Reading Workshop. This term we will specifically focus on: Vocabulary from the novels we are reading, coordinating conjunctions, correcting for run-ons, modifiers, prepositions and clarifying all of the confusion that comes with punctuation.
Some things your child may be working on at home: Close/Intentional Writing & Poetry (Reverse Poems), Reading Elephant Run and reading their own independent novels for the term requirements.
How to Check your child's progress
Check Learning Progress on Google Drive: Daily Spark free writing entries, Elephant Run writing about reading, Reverse Poem
Sent Home Recently: Spelling Test of Personal Survival Words, End-Of-School-Day Closing Prayer, Check point quizzes (every Wednesday) for Word Work Wednesday
Sent Home Recently: Spelling Test of Personal Survival Words, End-Of-School-Day Closing Prayer, Check point quizzes (every Wednesday) for Word Work Wednesday