Teacher: Mrs. Sue Miller
18 Years Experience
B.S. in Education
Master’s Degree in Speech/Language Pathology
Accreditation Team
Grade: Eighth Grade Homeroom
Subjects: English, Reading, Religion & Computer (grade 8); English (grades 5, 6, & 7); Spelling (grades 5 & 6)
Email: smillersjs@yahoo.com
Voicemail: 988-4244 x315
As the homeroom teacher for 8th Grade, I will be teaching 8th Grade English, Reading, Religion, & Computer; 7th, 6th, & 5th Grade English; and 5th and 6th Grade Spelling.
LANGUAGE ARTS 8th GRADE:
Our Language Arts Program covers English Grammar & Composition, Reading (all genres), Vocabulary, and Spelling. We will be reading novels, short stories, plays, poetry, nonfiction, and other types of fiction. We will work on our reading comprehension, fluency, and story elements. I will be taking the students to the library once a week so they can continue independent reading. I require students to read at least one additional book and an ARP test be taken and passed per quarter.
As we read and discuss the various classroom literature, the students will also be working on their writing skills. We will work on practical writing, responding to literature, research writing, narrative, persuasive, and expository writing. We will also cover the parts of speech, sentence structure, usage, and mechanics. Vocabulary books are used with one lesson completed a week. Vocabulary tests are given at the end of each lesson.
Oral communication is an important part of Language Arts as well. Students will work on their speaking, listening, and viewing skills through participation in class discussions, giving speeches and presentations, dramatic interpretations, and media literacy. We will use the computer as a tool for writing and researching. My goal is for the students to become well-rounded communicators.
ENGLISH 7th, 6th & 5th GRADE:
Students will study Grammar and Composition, including parts of speech, sentence structure, and mechanics. We will practice personal, descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive writing.
SPELLING 7th & 8th GRADES:
Students will not have spelling workbooks or formal spelling tests. Instead, each student will be required to keep their own spelling binder with all the words they have misspelled so that they will have a personal dictionary. With this method, students will learn how and where to look up words they do not know how to spell and how to recognize misspelled words in their own writing. Students will not have a separate spelling grade on their report cards – it will be counted in their English grade. I highly encourage students to purchase an electronic speller (Spelling Ace) to use when they write. They can be found in many discount stores including Target, Kmart, and Walmart. These will be helpful to the students throughout the rest of their school years.
SPELLING 6TH & 5TH GRADE:
Students will have a spelling workbook and traditional spelling tests with a separate spelling grade on their report cards. Tests will be given weekly. Spelling will be graded in written assignments as well.
RELIGION 8TH GRADE:
Religion classes will include the use of a weekly magazine entitled Visions. The students need to have a three ring binder to put all of these magazines in; this binder will become their textbook. Visions includes the Sunday readings each week along with other articles relevant to Junior High students. Our classes cover the moral teachings of Jesus and our Church, social justice, worship, community, and service. Participation in weekly liturgies will also be a part of their grade.
Please Note: There will be some Religion activities reserved for the 8th graders only. On those days, the 7th graders will participate in their own Religion activities.
DISCIPLINE:
I expect students to respect each other and their teacher. I encourage students to solve their problems in any way that doesn’t cause a problem for anyone else. I use a Love and Logic approach to help students to make good choices and learn from naturally occurring consequences.
SCHEDULE:
- Band Monday at 1:35
- Art Monday at 12:50
- Computer Friday at 1:35
- Spanish Wednesday at 1:35
- Phys Ed Tuesday & Thursday at 12:50
- Music Thursday at 1:35