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

2. Ms. Turnley

3. 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

4. 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. etiquette, scheduling a meeting, overcoming shyness, etc.)
From the IMS teacher website
Ms. Turnley’s Website
~ Skyward

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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