The document provides information about an 8th grade language arts class agenda and assignments. It includes: 1. The class will have a vocabulary diagnostic test, work on binder organization, independent reading, and peer conferencing for summer reading papers. 2. Assignments include a BINGO worksheet due on Monday and the summer reading paper also due on Monday. 3. Details are given on the spelling/vocabulary plan, literature concepts, independent reading expectations, writing workshop focus areas, and homework policies.

1. 8th grade 8­16­13.notebook
1
August 16, 2013
8/16/13
8th Grade Language Arts
Agenda:
1. Vocabulary Diagnostic Test
2. Binders
3. Independent Reading
4. Summer Reading Paper- peer conferencing
Assignments:
-BINGO (M)
-Summer Reading Paper (M)

2. 8th grade 8­16­13.notebook
2
August 16, 2013
1. A
2. D
3. C
4. A
5. A
6. A
7. D
8. A
9. A
10. B
11. D
12. B
13. D
14. A
15. A
16. C
17. D
18. B
19. D
20. B
21. B
22. B
23. B
24. A
25. A
26. C
27. C
28. B
29. C
30. B
31. D
32. C
33. C
34. C
35. D
36. B
37. C
38. B
39. B
40. C
41. A
42. A
Answers to the diagnostic test

3. 8th grade 8­16­13.notebook
3
August 16, 2013
Binder Information
Spelling/Vocabulary:
We will follow a differentiated spelling/vocabulary plan. You will pre-test on curriculum words and then choose
additional words based on your need. You will have a spelling post test on any words missed in the pre-test and the new
words you have chosen. You will complete vocabulary bubbles and a writing assignment over the vocabulary and possible
choice words. The same words will be used for the spelling test, the bubbles, and your vocabulary writing as follows:
• 5 words from the pre-tests
• 5 words from your independent reading novel
• 5 words from a subject area (math, science, history, etc)
You will keep a running “list” of vocabulary that you need to focus on from your subject areas in your binders (1st page
of the vocabulary tab). Vocabulary bubbles are assigned homework. You will choose 3 from each category to “bubble.”
All filled in bubbles must remain in the vocabulary section of your binder and will be due every other Monday. Vocabulary
writing will be due every other Friday. We will complete one Spelling/Vocabulary Unit every two weeks.

4. 8th grade 8­16­13.notebook
4
August 16, 2013
Binder Information
8th- Literature concepts taught in class will be applied to our independent reading novels as well as
whole class novels like The Outsiders, The Giver, NPITW, and The Diary of a Young Girl. We will also
read several short stories and poetry in our thematic units.

5. 8th grade 8­16­13.notebook
5
August 16, 2013
Binder Information
Independent Reading:
You will be doing independent reading in class this year during the first 15
minutes of each class period; therefore you must always have an independent
reading book in class with them. You will be keeping a reading response log each
week for the novels you are choosing to read. Mrs. Slavens will conference with
you weekly on your independent reading and any concepts taught in class. You will
be expected to read novels from several different genres, including but not limited
to realistic fiction, historical fiction, Christian fiction, science fiction, non-fiction,
and poetry.

6. 8th grade 8­16­13.notebook
6
August 16, 2013
Binder Information
Writing Workshop:
During Writing Workshop, you will review the basics of writing and the Six
Traits of Writing. The Six Traits of Writing will help you understand what your
writing can and should look like this year, in high school, and beyond. I believe that
by using the Six Traits, you will have a better understanding of what teachers are
looking for in writing.
Throughout the year, you will be working on a variety of writing. Some will
go through the entire writing process, while others will be just practice tools. You
will also have the opportunity to review other pieces of writing. Here is a list of
papers you can expect to write this year:
8th Grade: Memoir, persuasive thesis paper, book review, letter to the author,
literary essays, short fiction, poetry, etc

7. 8th grade 8­16­13.notebook
7
August 16, 2013
Binder Information
Homework Expectations:
• Grammar work will mainly be done in class in order to assess your comprehension. Few outside grammar
assignments will be given.
• Though you will be reading every day in class, I encourage you to read every night. This could include our
current class novel and/or your independent reading selection.
• Generally, writing (including a majority of the writing process) will be done in class.
• Spelling/Vocabulary assignments will often be outside of class.
Late Work
• If you do not have the assignment completed, it will be counted late and 20% will be taken off of your grade.
It will be your responsibility to get the late work turned in or you could lose your privilege of going to recess for
that week. Unless worked out beforehand, assignments more than one week late will not be graded and a grade of
‘zero’ will be recorded in Teacher Ease.