The main focus in eighth grade is to prepare our students for high school. To that end, we insist on students responsibility and accountability.

We began the year with a week of "getting acquainted" exercises.These included a public speech in class and the writing of a personal narrative. The papers were given back to students after a "one-on-one" conference with the teacher.

Week two began with a study of the short story. After learning about the elements of a short story, the students will be learning to write an academic essay analyzing the story form.

Animal Farm will be the next unit of study. This will include information about the Russian Revolution. The book will be read in class with vocabulary work and a study guide to further understanding. Projects will conclude the unit.

All lessons are based on the Arizona State Standards for Reading and Writing.