Curriculum Night 8th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies Ms. Turnley Curriculum Night 8th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies

Ms. Turnley

My Philosophy Knowledge is socially constructed – colored by past experiences, cultural traditions, authorities’ words Students come with varied learning styles and abilities Knowledge has several dimensions and can be demonstrated in different ways Students learn better when information is directly relevant to their lives Critical that teacher understands students’ levels of understanding

From the IMS teacher website Ms. Turnley’s Website ~ Skyward Communication Teacher Communication Middle School is a transition period in your student’s academic, organizational, and social development. Students with questions or concerns should be encouraged to communicate with their teachers independently. Parents can assist by encouraging and teaching proper in-person/electronic communication strategies (e.g. email etiquette, scheduling a meeting, overcoming shyness, etc.) From the IMS teacher website Ms. Turnley’s Website ~ Skyward

Evaluation of Student Progress Achievements 75% 25% Summative: Written Assessments, Essays, Independent Reading & Oral Presentations Assignments: quizzes, worksheets, homework, reading logs, writer’s notebook Non-Achievement Indicators also assessed SEPARATELY and given a numeric score (3 = consistently, 2 = sometimes, or 1 = rarely): Work Habits, Collaboration, Initiative & Citizenship

Homework Planners: Students record homework daily; every effort made to keep website updated Basic Homework Schedule: 30 minutes of daily independent reading (2 hours weekly) and written responses; occasional written practice and longer term projects Homework Not Turned in Policy: Absent – one day given to make up work for each day absent See syllabus for more details

Language Arts~ Reading Learning Strategies: Whole class discussions Literature circles Guided Reading Groups Teacher/Student Conference Individual Written Responses Genre Studies Integrated Vocabulary Development Materials: Novels Upfront Magazine Short Story Anthologies Independent Reading Reading Journals

Language Arts ~ Writing Strategies: Genre Studies: Narrative, Expository & Argumentative Writer’s Workshop Analyze Student and Teacher Models Integrated Grammar Instruction Written Reflections Materials: Writing Program: Writing Fundamentals, a Workshop Curriculum Student Portfolios Student Journals

Social Studies 1600-1900: Colony-to-Country. Jamestown, slavery, the Pilgrims, French-Indian War, American Revolution, Declaration of I., Continental Congress, Constitution, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Westward Expansion- Civil War, Reconstruction. Junior Achievement: Finance Park field Trip in early-November. Parent volunteers required! More info forthcoming. 9/11 mini-unit (now); student/parent interviews. Mock Congress and Bill Writing

Junior Achievement Monday, Nov. 6 The 8th grade team needs parent volunteers to help on the JA trip. Parents are asked to arrive at the Finance Part in Auburn mid- morning. You’ll receive training about how to help the incoming students. Throughout the morning you will help students build a functioning budget. If you are available, please complete a parent volunteer form and return the form before the end of curriculum night. More communications and reminders will be sent out early October