Mrs. Keith's 8th Grade ELA

WELCOME!  I'm so glad you are here!  Come take a dive with me into the topic I am most passionate about--READING AND WRITING!

A LITTLE ABOUT ME:  Originally a teacher from Ohio, I lived and taught the past decade-plus in North Carolina.  I will preach lifelong learning to any who will listen, and took my own advice to seek a Master's Degree in Administration late in life.  Wisdom, knowledge and understanding are as pure gold in my book (did you catch the metaphor?).  I now make my home with my husband of over 30 years and 2 onery dogs.

Contact Information:  Mrs. Keith

Email    lori.keith@skyatthey.com

Please email or leave a voicemail to contact me. 

Phone  (941) 999-4775 ext. 129

TEACHER OFFICE HOURS:

I  offer afterschool help on Tuesdays from 3:15-3:45 pm, or by appointment.

In this course, students will:

Read informational and fictional texts closely and independently

Correctly cite strong and thorough textual evidence

Participate in collaborative discussions

Using mulitple sources, form an opinion and take a "stand"

Write objective summaries of texts

Produce writing appropriate to various purposes and tasks

Analyze character development as relates to the plot pyramid

Revise and edit written work

Integrate ideas and information from a variety of media

Study vocabulary as relating to multiple meanings, affixes, and Greek and Latin roots

Assignments and Grading:

40%--Assessments (tests and essays)

50%--Classroom and daily assignments

10%--Employability

Supplies Needed:

Student-CHOICE reading book (on student Lexile level)

Pencil and/or pen

Notebook

Loose-leaf paper

Yellow Folder

Glue/scissors/markers or colored pencils

Other supplies as needed...

LATE WORK POLICY

The expectation is that students will submit all assignments on time.  If an assignment is missing, it will show up as an M in the gradebook.  Grades will be posted weekly for students to monitor their progress.  I will accept late work, but 10% will be deducted each day it is late.  Work that is one week past the due date will not be accepted unless previous arrangements have been made with the teacher.  In the event of an absence, you have one additional day for each day that you were absent to turn in your work.

TECHNOLOGY

Students will use Google Classroom to keep current on class objectives, take most assessments and turn in assignments.  In addition, Progress Learning will be used to advance and supplement the curriculum.  Students must hold themselves to high expectations and the responsibilities encoded in your student handbook as you use school Chromebooks and other devices to access learning websites.  Your time is valuable and must be employed well.  

Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are not permitted in the classroom.  They may turned off and in your backpack.

READING--The best way to get better at reading is by reading!  Texts will be listed in the Sarasota County Course of Study, or referenced in the syllabus.

In addition, students will be expected to be with a book of their choice on their level in their backpack at all times.  (A good fit is usually about 3 words on a page that the student does not know the meaning of readily.)  A good goal is to read roughly 25 pages a day.