WELCOME!

8th Grade Open House, September 4, 2012

ABOUT MS. FOSTER

Attended Oak Mountain High School, Class of 2005

Graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s of

Science Degree in English Education in 2009

Graduated from Auburn University with a Master’s Degree

in English Education in 2010

Worked at J.F. Drake Middle School in Auburn City Schools

for the last two years

Will be Mrs. Acton on November 17th!!

GOALS OF 8TH GRADE LA

•To read, enjoy, discuss, understand, and analyze good works of literature

•To learn and practice the research process, including drawing evidence,

citing sources, and presenting findings to an audience

•To write with clarity, purpose, and grade-appropriate vocabulary

•To understand the grammar, mechanics, and nuances of our strange and

unusual English language

•To be 21st century learners through the use of available technology

•To become critical thinkers and independent learners who are ready to

excel in high school and beyond

STRUCTURE OF BLOCK

BELL WORK

Daily Grammar Practice• Students are asked to break down

sentences varying in complexity.• Each day they have a different

“assignment” with the sentence: identifying parts of speech, type of sentence, purpose of sentence, capitalization, punctuation, diagramming, etc.

BELL WORK

Article of the Week• Students are given an informational text (related to

literature, science, history, or current events) to read, comprehend, analyze, reflect on, and discuss.

• Each day they are given a different “assignment” that has them interacting with that text: source citation, annotating, identifying the main idea, responding to critical questions, peer review, etc.

• It is a great tool for learning MLA source citation and direct quote formatting.

• It also allows students the opportunity to make connections between our class and other subject areas/current events.

READING AND WRITING WORKSHOP

Reading, writing, and grammar are

interwoven in the new English language arts

“block”.

The literature is the “heart” of the lesson.

Grammar, reading, and writing skills identified

in the Course of Study are taught in context of

the literature (as much as possible).

Technology is used as a tool to encourage

student engagement and facilitate learning.

HOMEWORK

Check the blog for homework assignments.

Homework is usually graded for accuracy, but

students may come to my room in the mornings for

extra help.

Students should have a literature and grammar

textbook at home to use for homework and/or

studying.

Students will be asked to post on Edmodo

frequently. If there is an issue with

computer/internet at home, students may come to

my room in the mornings or go to the Media Center.

MAKE-UP WORK

Please, please check the class blog the day of your

child’s absence.

Your student should ask a friend for any notes he/she

might have missed.

Your student needs to check the Make-Up Work

folder when he/she comes to school the next day.

He/she may come see me in the mornings for help

with make-up work.

INDEPENDENT READING PROJECTS

Students will be encouraged and required to have a

novel of their choice with them every day.

Students are required to have an “IR Book”: a novel that

is at least 150 pages, is fiction, and is something that

he/she has never read or seen a film version of before.

Students will have about a month to read the novel and

complete a mini-project on it.

IF YOUR CHILD NEEDS EXTRA HELP…

Please allow them to make

arrangements to come see me on

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

mornings.

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THE CLASS

BLOG!