Welcome to 8th Grade!
About me Ms. Montefinese mjmontefinese@cps.edu
I am a mom and a cat owner as well as a teacher. I have been teaching for 26 years and I LOVE teaching middle school. I remember how hard it was to be in middle school so I understand your many feelings. I am a reading teacher at heart because I have been teaching it for so many years. However, growing up I did not like to read, so again, I know how you feel. No one ever taught me how to be a good reader. No one showed me how to enjoy a great book. I want to help you learn to love reading. This year you will learn to read to help you understand the world and your place in it.
This year you will read a variety of stories that will help you become an analytical reader. The stories you will explore will provide you with windows and mirrors into the lives of the characters. You will have a lot of choice in what you read and how you are assessed. In addition, you will use fine and performing arts in your learning process.
In my room, we have flexible seating! There are couches and rugs. We have wobble seats and yoga balls if you need to move. We have low seats and traditional seats. You get to choose where you sit. But there are rules. It is all about making good decisions.
Also, in our classroom we use Blended Learning. Checklists, videos, collaboration and studios will help you control your learning and allow for me to work in small groups to give you the help that you will need.