Welcome to 8B English Mrs. Heldt

Back to School Night 2012 Welcome! Teaching Philosophy Goals for the Classroom So Far This Year… Theme / Curriculum Classroom Policies Parent Communication

Teaching Philosophy Teach ‘how to think’, not ‘what to think’ Provide an in-depth, challenging, curriculum: differentiation for all abilities within the 8 th grade curriculum Set high expectations for quality of work Provide opportunities to work in group settings

Philosophy (cont.) Integration allows for making connections between subjects = ‘Big Picture’ Engage in open-ended tasks which promote new ideas and open-ended thinking Consistently analyze, synthesize, elaborate, create, and think critically (aloud and on paper!) Prepare for the rigorous 9 th grade curriculum

Goals for the English Classroom… Student work will reflect: Original insights and interpretations Development (using concrete details, text references, illustrations, support) Sensitivity and precision of thought Thorough preparation, revision and editing Creative word usage, ideas, and imagination Clear understanding of the purpose and limits of a given assignment

So Far this Year… 8 th grade students get to know themselves and each other through: Writing – Letter to Me – Journal responses to “the Three Questions” and “The Bear That Wasn’t” Discussing theme and characterization in Schooled Creating identity charts – “The Bear That Wasn’t” by Frank Tashlin Addressing the concept of identity & social justice in readings / Socratic discussion – “The Three Questions” (Tolstoy as interpreted by Jon J. Muth) – “The Bear That Wasn’t” (Frank Tashlin) – “Little Boxes” (Anthony Wright) – “The Cutting of My Long Hair” (Zitkala-Ša), – “Cheyanne Again” (Eve Bunting) – Enduring Wisdom (Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve) Developing working definitions of the terms define, stereotype, ethnic group, prejudice, and discrimination Introduction to Daily Grammar Practice (DGP) Team building activities

8 th Grade Theme / Curriculum Themes: “Identity” & “Social Justice” (Cross-curricular content connected to History) Novels Gathering Blue Call of the Wild The Cay The Diary of Anne Frank Short Stories Flowers for Algernon Various selections from Prentice Hall Literature Series Non-fiction Articles / Essays

Curriculum Activities Discuss reading strategies Participate in Socratic discussions Evaluate literature through writing/discussion Develop high-level questions Respond to fiction and non-fiction reading prompts Write for a variety of purposes (academic and creative essays) Debate

Immersion Demonstration Response Use Response Expectations I do, you watch. I do, you help. You do, I help. You do, I watch! ModeledSharedGuidedIndependent Student’s Learning Responsibility Teacher’s Teaching Responsibility

Communication Online Grading enables you to monitor their weekly classroom progress Web Page – Voice Mail Message

How To Help Your Child STUDY HABITS / ORGANIZATION If needed, check backpack after school and in the AM – “See it to believe it” Encourage use of planner, binder, folder Develop homework routine Stress value of homework Encourage problem solving – “I have too many activities.” – “I’ll see if I can get it done.” Long term assignment planning

It will be a great year!

Welcome to Advisory!

ADVISORY PERIOD A TIME… To study To communicate To develop friendships To develop social skills To consider the future A PLACE… To receive help To visit with friends To work and play with others To talk with an adult To read for pleasure PEOPLE care about you work as a team help others understand and accept