Hello!
I am so excited for this year! Many changes are underfoot, and I promise to do all I can to prepare my students for high school and beyond. In keeping with the Common Core State Standards, my
Language Arts classes will focus on Reading Literature, Reading Informational Text, Writing, Speaking & Listening, and Language.
We will be utilizing our anthology and various novels throughout the year to delve into the richness of both classic and current literature. In that much of the reading we all do in our careers and in life
revolves around informational text, I will be engaging students in how to read and therefore better comprehend various types of expository and persuasive writings. This includes using such publications as
ASD's 8th grade science and social studies textbooks, newspaper articles, autobiographies, and biographies.
Writing well is an absolute in our world. Though there are times and places for the language of text messaging, our focal point will be on correctly using the English language by way of grammar,
punctuation, and capitalization. We will compose many essays this year, including narratives, persuasive arguments, descriptions, and expository compositions. For each of these, The Six Traits of
Writing will be utilized. We will also target how to write well-thought-out, well-written responses to particular readings. Our focus in these instances will be to prove our answers based on evidence that stems
directly from the text we read.
Varying types of discussions will take place daily. Students will have numerous opportunities to share their thoughts as well to become active listeners as others share theirs. Students will also be
required to create and deliver speeches throughout the year.
Homework will be assigned as situations arise. However, having your son/daughter read at least 20 minutes a night is always a good idea!
Feel free to contact me at lake_noel@asdk12.org with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Thank you!
Yours in education,
Mrs. Noel Lake
