Welcome Take a moment to tell your

neighbor:• What was the best book you read

in Junior High?• What was the worst book you read

in Junior High?• What book should everyone be

required to read? Why?

My Family

Lauren Ring

• Master’s of Education specializing in Educational Media & Technology

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

Highly qualified and Arizona certified in Grades 9-12 English, Middle Grades Language Arts, Journalism and Library/Media

K-12 Library Media Specialist

Our Routine • The Systematic Daily Review marks the

start of most days. The questions are comprised of grammar, vocabulary, informational text and literary topics.

• Grammar mini lessons deepen understanding of the eight parts of speech – Elements of Language and Write Source textbooks.

• There is a weekly rotation of Holt Vocabulary and Greek and Latin Roots.

What are Common Core Standards?

• The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort to establish a shared set of clear educational standards for English Language Arts.

Common Core Standards Adoption by State

8th grade Writing focus

• Persuasive – Prompt responses, essay, letter• Expository – Summary or Informative• Functional - Personal and Business Letters• Expressive – Poetry, Personal Narrative,

Character Unit, Portfolio Pages• Literary Response/ Analysis – Quarterly book

responses, Theme responses to novel, Character analysis

• Research - Project

6 Traits of Quality Writing

• Strong Ideas & Content• Good Organization• Voice• Smooth sentence fluency• Controlled Grammar and Conventions• Excellent Word Choice

8th grade Reading focus

Novels -• Charlotte Doyle• The Wave• Lottery Rose• Monument• The Giver• Diary of Anne Frank

• Elements of Literature – short stories, literary elements

Independent Reading Program

• Students have an individual quarterly goal (500-1,000 pages)

• The first quarter reading log is due 9/28/11. A literary analysis focusing on character is due 9/19/11.

• Students should be reading each night, in addition to homework!

• Library check-out every other Tuesday. Students should have a book with them at all times.

How You Can Help!

You are the most influential people in your child’s life. Your presence is evidence of the commitment to your child’s success.

• Ask your child to share one part of his or her day with you… (sweet/sour, highs/lows, best/worst)

• Check the website and online grades• Let me know when things go “right.”• Read with your child.• Look for progress reports 4-5th week.

Contact Information

lring@kyrene.org (preferred)

480-541-6141

8A Team webpage8A Language Arts webpage

Thank you for attendingCurriculum Night!

Nine-tenths of education is encouragement.

-Anatole France