1. 8th Grade Advanced Language Arts
Aka… The last year of practice before high school.
Mrs. Jones

2. About Me B.A. and M.Ed. from University of Washington
15th year teaching middle school language arts, social studies and leadership.
11th year at BLMS
Prior to teaching - Human Resources/Recruiter
Originally from California. Lived in Hawaii
Washington resident for over 20 years
Married with a 3lb Chihuahua, French Bulldog and 2 horses
When I’m not at school, I’m at the barn
I love to ride my 2 horses, hike, run and travel
Went to school in Spain
Taught in China for a summer
Have taken groups of students to Washington D.C. in June
I also love to organize!

3. Supply List Three-Ring Binder (2 inch or larger)
Notetaking – 2 composition notebooks
Writer’s Workshop
Reader’s Workshop
Notebook Paper
Several Black/Blue/Red Pens and Pencils
Green, Blue, Pink and Yellow Highlighters
Electronic Storage Supplies (USB preferred)
Colored Pencils, Glue Sticks, Scissors, Sharpies, Markers
Sheet Protectors
Novel to read in class
Replenish supplies as needed (at least twice per trimester)

4. Advanced Language Arts Curriculum
Trimester 1
Writer’s Workshop– all about the writing process: generate ideas of their own, select topics to develop, draft, revise, edit, and publish.
- How Writer’s Work Unit
- Narrative/Multi-Genre Memoir Unit
Reader’s Workshop - students participate in skill development lessons, learn new reading skills, vocabulary, hold discussions, and write about their reading to develop better reading comprehension and deep text analysis.
- Literary Devices and Elements
- Literature Text – readings to reinforce elements and reading comprehension
- Short Stories Unit
Grammar – Sentence Structure, Subject, Predicate, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs, Prepositional Phrases, Direct Objects, Complex Sentences
Outside Reading – Classic/Challenging Historical Fiction

5. Advanced Language Arts Curriculum
Trimester 2
Writer’s Workshop– all about the writing process: generate ideas of their own, select topics to develop, research, draft, revise, edit, and publish.
- Informational Research Report
Reader’s Workshop - students participate in skill development lessons, learn new reading skills, vocabulary, hold discussions, and write about their reading to develop better reading comprehension and deep text analysis.
- Literary Devices and Elements
- Literature Text – readings to reinforce elements and reading comprehension
- Novel – Warriors Don’t Cry
Grammar - Subject, Predicate, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs, Prepositional Phrases, Direct Objects, Complex Sentences
Greek and Latin Roots – 10 per week
Outside Reading – Poetry Anthology

6. Advanced Language Arts Curriculum
Trimester 3
Writer’s Workshop– all about the writing process: generate ideas of their own, select topics to develop, draft, revise, edit, and publish.
- Argumentative Essay
Reader’s Workshop - students participate in skill development lessons, learn new reading skills, vocabulary, hold discussions, and write about their reading to develop better reading comprehension and deep text analysis. Each lesson is aligned with the Common Core State Standards.
- Literary Devices and Elements
- Literature Text – various short stories to reinforce the elements and reading comprehension
- Novels – Various Novels on Life Change
Grammar - Subject, Predicate, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs, Prepositional Phrases, Direct Objects, Complex Sentences
Greek and Latin Roots – 10 per week
Outside Reading – Biography/Autobiography

7. Vocabulary Greek and Latin Root Begin in Trimester 2
One lesson each week – words and roots
Tests on every two lessons
Definitions
Roots – ongoing and cumulative
We will also use words from the Literature text and our various novels as vocabulary practice.

8. Standards-Based Grading
Communicates achievement of the individual student.
Standards-based grading is a system of grading that reflects student growth toward a specific learning target.
Allows for clearer communication of student performance.
Students who do not meet standard (score 75 or below) are expected to correct homework, review notes, ask for help, and schedule a time to retest.
Extra credit is not counted as it inflates the grade.

9. Grading Academic Grade Classwork/Homework
- Skyward is updated regularly
The academic grade is the grade that goes on the report card
The grade is based on assessments - formative and summative
Grades are based on the student’s academic performance
Multiple opportunities to meet standard
Homework – may be counted as part of the academic grade or
As“effort/participation” or “work ethic”
Review assignment(s) in small groups or as a class.
Use some assignments on tests.
Easier to take risks as a learner if work is considered practice.
Academic Grade
Classwork/Homework

10. Absent Work
Absent Work - Students need to check the planner and the missing work crate.
Website - Students also need to check my teacher site for assignments they missed.
Due Dates - For every day absent, students will have a day to turn in their missing assignments including tests.
Test/Quiz Make-up - It is the student’s responsibility to set up a time with me. I will not follow up with them.

11. How Can You Help? Encourage your student to communicate with teachers.
Provide your student with a quiet place to study and do homework.
Unplug them!
Make sure they get enough sleep, eat a good breakfast, and have enough down time.
Encourage them to check grades on Family Access for feedback.
Remind students to check my website for homework.

12. Mrs. Jones 8th Grade Language Arts Contact Information
Phone: (425)
Website:
Available: Before or after school. Feel free to call or to set up an appointment.
Please take a moment to complete the Student Information forms.