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RILEY, LAUREN

Welcome to 8th Grade ELA!

Welcome! I am incredibly excited to guide you through your 8th-grade ELA journey this year.

To give you a little background, I have taught ELA for 12 years. This school year, my entire focus is strictly on 8th grade, and I am ready to help make this final year of middle school a smooth and successful transition toward high school.

In our classroom, reading and writing are about so much more than just earning a grade. Right now, these skills give you a powerful voice to express your unique ideas and navigate the world. Looking ahead, the ability to think critically and communicate clearly is what sets you up for success in whatever you choose to do next. We will place a big emphasis on independent reading and student choice this year. I can't wait to work with you and help foster your love of ELA, so come ready to share your interests—we will absolutely find the right books for you!

Grading Policy

Students can stay on top of their academic progress by regularly checking the Genesis Student Portal. Our quarterly grades are calculated using the following breakdown:

  • Major Assessments: 40%

  • Minor Assessments: 35%

  • Independent Assignments (Classwork & Homework): 25%

Extra Help

If you ever need a little extra support or skill reinforcement, I hold morning sessions on Mondays at 7:15 a.m. in Room 304. To make sure I am fully prepared to assist you, please remember to sign up on the sheet in my classroom at least one school day before you plan to attend.

I am genuinely looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing a wonderful year together!

Best,

[Your Name]

ELA Supply List:

  • Charged Chromebook (school issued) 
  • THREE subject notebook (must be a FIVE STAR with folder included
  • Pens or pencils
  • Earbuds
  • Highlighters
  • Post-its

 

Here is an overview of what we will be covering in ELA this year:

  • Unit 1- Unraveling Themes Through A Whole Class Novel Study

    Unit 2- Moments That Matter: Crafting Powerful Narratives Through Prompts

    Unit 3- Critically Reading Informational Text

    Unit 4- Crafting Compelling Arguments

    Unit 5- Shifting Views: Exploring Perspective Through Book Clubs

    Unit 6- Informative/Explanatory  Writing

    Unit 7- Poems from the Holocaust

    Unit 8- Reflecting on Life Stories: Reading and Writing Memoirs

Mrs. Riley's Extra Help Day:
Thursday
7:15-8:00