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 8th 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 9th 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…8th 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

8th Grade Theme / CurriculumThemes: “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

UseResponse

Expectations

I do, you watch.

I do, you help.

You do, I help.

You do, I watch!

Modeled Shared Guided Independent

Student’s Learning Responsibility

Teacher’s Teaching Responsibility

Communication

• Online Grading enables you to monitor their weekly classroom progress

• Web Page • E-Mail

– sheldt@cusd220.org

• 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