|
Phoenix Language Arts Eighth Grade--Ms. Weir
|
This image came from: http://www.literaturtipp.com/rezensionen2003/harryPotterAndTheOrderOfPhoenix.html
|
This image came from: http://www.literaturtipp.com/rezensionen2003/harryPotterAndTheOrderOfPhoenix.html |
|
Eighth Grade Language Arts with Ms. Weir Contact info: weirw@nclack.k12.or.us, 503-353-7156 Welcome to Eighth Grade Language Arts! This year we will read a range of great texts including short stories, non-fiction and novels. The nonfiction includes funny travel essays, nature writing and texts that connect to Social Studies and Science. We will practice strategies to improve reading and writing skills, examine our learning habits, and make individual goals. Language Arts texts and discussions are infused with multicultural perspectives and social justice. My philosophy, gleaned from my work as a teacher in Japan, a detective for a literacy study, a freelance writer and a world traveler is wrapped into three goals. I want to help students: develop excellent learning habits communicate well use critical thinking skills to interpret the world around them Some of the routines and materials students can expect in L.A. class are: fifteen minutes of reading in class and fifteen minutes at home daily, a text of their choice journals and learning logs graphic organizers, discussions and collaborative work to interpret information tools and strategies to help students read and write well in all classes and beyond exciting and fascinating stories, poems, essays and novels to read and support in reading them Some of the amazing authors we will study are: Alice Walker Daniel Keyes Sandra Cisneros Garrison Keillor Anne Frank Benjamin Franklin Maya Angelou Bill Bryson Yoshiko Uchida Mark Twain Nikki Giovanni Jack London Naomi Shihab Nye Here are some example of units we will be studying this year (subject to change). Unit One: Learning is Power (LIP) Themes: Why is literacy important? What can I do with good reading skills? How will I struggle without them? learning habits, styles & strategies literacy & successreal life examples learning strengths, weaknesses, goals Texts: Angelou, articles, science text Writing: learning log Unit Two: Alienation and Integration (AAI) Themes: what does it mean/feel like to be on the outside of a group? Why did settlers first come to America? What are other examples of people being alienated? How do people deal with being on the outside? How does alienation lead to change? Texts: US Constitution (excerpts), Outsiders, House on Mango Street, Children of the River, chosen texts Writing: Expository Unit Three: Identity, Self, Home (ISH) Themes: Many ways to live, Who/what decides how I live? Culture & community Texts: literature circles (choice) Writing: Personal Narrative Unit Four: American Critical Experience (ACE) or Social Justice What has shaped our national psyche? What is justice? How have writers influenced change? Readings: Mark Twain, historical narratives from the Civil War, multicultural stories Writing: choice research paper or writing project |