Course overview/ expectations for ELA

ORANGE TEAM Language Arts 2023-4

Classroom Guide and Expectations

Welcome to 8th grade! Beginnings can be fun, nerve-wracking and exciting. I'm looking forward to getting to know you, growing and learning alongside you, and having a meaningful year together no matter what the year looks like! This year we will continue to be flexible, obviously!

My purpose in writing this guide is to let you and your parents know how you can best succeed in my Language Arts class. No matter what, I want you to have a wonderful and successful year! 

First, what do we learn?

Our Eighth grade Language Arts CURRICULUM

Grade 8 ELA is an important year in preparing you for high school.  In this class we will read, write, speak and listen in order to understand and grapple with the subject matter.  This year we will study a wide variety of texts through a program called AMPLIFY!  (Please see above for the curriculum and policies related to Amplify this year.)

Our readings include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and memoir.  This class also focuses on expanding your vocabulary and how to use grammar and proofreading practice to strengthen our writing skills.  Overall, I hope you’ll find Grade 8 ELA fun and fascinating!

How can you be successful?

I. BE PREPARED! In whatever situation we are in,  you will need to come prepared with whatever it is we are working on. Being organized will help you succeed!

1. BINDER section You will need this for occasional handouts.

2. WRITING UTENSILS: When in class, you will always have several pens (blue and black only please) and pencils. Highlighters, colored pencils, sharpies and colored markers are useful and we suggest keeping all those in a pencil case you can carry around and use for all classes.

3. FOLDER for other papers we will get for reference etc.

4. Other items that are very helpful are stickies, flags etc. for marking up text, white out, and a ruler.

II. Come to class ON TIME. Show up when class starts, and when we are in school be on time!

III. BE RESPONSIBLE. If you are having difficulty, please do not suffer in silence! I am available for Extra Help and will  be happy to work with you. Just let me know that you want to meet me. 

IV. BE RESPECTFUL. This means be respectful to your teachers by listening, following directions, having your attention on what we are doing, and ALSO being respectful of your peers: no putdowns, keep your hands to yourself, etc.

V. Have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Some days that might feel like too much of a challenge :-) but give it your best try!  Remember, with the right attitude, anything is possible!