Welcome to English/Language Arts! I am very excited for the opportunity to work with the 8th grade students of the HurricanesTeam!
In reading, the CCSS establish a staircase of increasing complexity in what students must be able to read so that all students are ready for the demands of college- and career-level reading no later than the end of high school. Because of these demands, there is a push for an increase in the reading of informational texts. In writing, the ability to write logical arguments based on substantive claims, sound reasoning, and relevant evidence is a cornerstone of the writing standards. Research, both short and long, is also emphasized throughout the standards.
Throughout the school year we will be reading various genres of fiction and non-fiction. We will be using literature anthologies in combination with other books, short stories, articles, plays and poetry. In class, we will be the reading the novels
Monster by Walter Dean Myers,
Night by Elie Wiesel,
Rumble Fish, and
That Was Then, This Is Now, both by S.E. Hinton. Some of the content found in these novels will spark questions and be thought-provoking for the students. I encourage all parents to read these novels as well in order to have conversations with the students about the plots, themes and connections between the stories.
We will be covering different styles of writing during this year. Students will be expected to write expository and narrative essays as well as argument pieces and both long and short research papers. The
Wordly Wise text for 8
th grade will be used this year in correlation with our vocabulary studies.
Please feel free to contact me via email with any questions or concerns throughout the year.
shrussell@westerly.k12.ri.us or 401-348-2750 x 1759.
Come to class prepared to learn. Bring your agenda, notebook, folder, pen, pencil and any assignments that are due.
