Eighth grade English/Language Arts is a place for students to develop higher level critical thinking skills, enhance their ability to communicate effectively through a variety of formats, and explore a variety of literature. More importantly, the content supplements all other subjects (and areas of life!) where reading and writing are required; it specifically enhances the American history/Social Studies curriculum of eighth grade. Throughout English/Language Arts, students will be challenged to refine important skills that are essential for high school: reading for information, analyzing a writing style, annotating, essay writing, generating a position and supporting it with evidence and detail, public speaking in both formal and informal situations, executive functioning, and self-advocacy.
Expectations: Students have some time in class to begin assignments, but will certainly need to complete additional work at home. Assignments are generally posted on both the board in class and on the school website.
Students who are struggling with material or have been absent MUST see the teacher about missed class work and discussions; there may be more involved than just completing posted homework. While many students are able to get their questions answered during class, sometimes students may need additional one-to-one support outside of the school day. I am usually available both before and after school for additional assistance; students should email me to make an appointment or set a time in person. I also am happy to respond to questions via email: [email protected].
Assignment due dates are firm, except in the case of absences.
Late work will be accepted with a 10% deduction for each day late; however, if the late work prohibits the student from participating in a class, then no credit will be given. Examples: bringing a book for choice reading or completing a reading assignment for class discussion.
Parents are encouraged to speak with their children frequently about their coursework and performance; please feel free to check the grade portal for specific information about grades. If students are performing below a 70%, more frequent updates will be provided to both students and parents.
Contacting Ms. Widdes:
Michele Widdes
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 847-881-9444
Website: www.sunsetridge29.org
Curriculum Materials and Timing
Students will receive one copy of the following books if they are assigned the material. If copies are lost or damaged, additional copies may be purchased at cost from the district or at a bookstore. Some books are school copies and must be returned. Students should keep all materials throughout the year—do not discard a novel that is completed; we may reference it later in the year! Additional materials and handouts will be provided throughout the year, including selected informational text, poetry, essays, and dramatic scenes.
Vocabulary
Vocabu-Lit
Lessons will be completed nearly every week, with a quiz after every few lessons.
Grammar
noredink.com
Grammar instruction is online and independent, with minilessons provided in class for new concepts and areas of concern.
Students have individual accounts that allow for differentiated instruction.
Novels & Short Stories
First Trimester
Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic, 2008.
Excellent science fiction novel with current relevance.
Selected short stories and poems.
Identity Book Club--students will select/be assigned a book to read from a list of several texts.
Books focus on themes of identity development in America and during adolescence.
Second Trimester
Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Books, 1937.
Classic story about the Great Depression and the American Dream.
Rose, Reginald. Twelve Angry Men. New York: Penguin, 2017.
Play performed as readers' theater in class; about our legal system.
Wiesel, Elie. Night. New York: Hill and Wang, 1958. (2006 translation)
One of the most famous memoirs of the Holocaust.
Selected short stories and poems.
Third Trimester
Selected short stories and poems.
Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: JB Lippincott, 1960.
A novel of race, justice, and growing up in the Great Depression told through the eyes of a child.