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“Roam around in books; find what really speaks to you.I’ll make you a promise:
The more you read, the better you’ll write.”
-X.J. Kennedy

"Read like a wolf eats." -Gary Paulsen
I am excited to have the opportunity to work with each of you as you continue to grow as readers and writers. I believe that the more you read and write; the better you read and write. Therefore, we will be reading and writing a lot this year. I look forward to learning and growing together as readers and writers. You are required to read at least three books each nine weeks.

Welcome to English language arts and the Outriders. We will be reading and writing a lot this year through reading and writing workshop. During workshop students will read and write independently and in small groups applying new strategies as we explore and respond to the topics that we are studying. My goal is for each student to grow as an independent learner so that reading and writing become lifelong habits we build connections between the reading and writing processes. Reading - Writing Workshop challenges you to be responsible for your learning and development as life-long reader and writer.

Curriculum Focus

As students continue to grow as a readers and writers this year, we will focus on the following essential literacy skills based on the 2007 South Carolina Academic Standards for English Language Arts :

~Read and comprehend a variety of literary texts in print and nonprint formats.

~Read and comprehend a variety of informational texts in print and nonprint formats.

~Build and use word analysis and vocabulary strategies to read fluently.

~Developing Written Communications and create written work that has a clear focus, sufficient detail, coherent organization, effective use of voice, and correct use of the conventions of written Standard American English. ~Produce written communications in a variety of forms for a variety of purposes and audiences.

~Apply the skills of inquiry and oral communication while accessing and use information from a variety of sources.

A Guide for Parents and Families About What Your EIGHTH GRADER Should Be Learning In School This Year

from

The South Carolina Education Oversight Committee

Carol McGarry

Eight Grade English Language Arts

Curriculum Focus