Welcome to Grade 8

Middle School Teaching Philosophy• We value young adolescents, and we are prepared to teach

them.• Both students and teachers are engaged in active, purposeful

learning. • Our curriculum and topics of study are challenging,

exploratory, integrative, differentiated, and relevant. • We have varied and ongoing assessments (formative) that

advance learning as well as measure it. • Our classrooms are inviting, safe, inclusive, and supportive of

all. • Every student’s academic and personal development is guided

by an adult advocate.

Teaming• Teaming is an essential part of our middle school• The core team meets every week to discuss and plan the

following:• Share curriculum and topics of study so that we may make

curricular connections within the content area classes• Discuss student concerns/successes, and strategies to help those

in need of assistance (academics, behavior, organization, etc. )• Plan advisory/Imbizo• Share instructional practices

Parent-Student-Teacher• Communication is important and necessary for student success• Student Planner is the best place to check for homework• Contact us directly via email if you have any questions or concerns.• Oops Slips are a means of communication and a way to ensure that

students are responsible for missed work

Math• Math 8 and Math 8 Enriched • Focus on essential skills:• Concepts and Procedures – actual mathematical processes• Problem solving – inquiry and exploratory learning• Communication and Application – both are foundational for

effective learning and use of mathematics in daily life and the future

• Math is a forum for critical and creative thinking - learning is interactive

• Focus on using technology as a tool for understanding and exploring mathematical ideas

Language Arts• Reading, Writing, Oral/Visual Communication:• Concepts examined through reading and writing:• Community, Change, Challenge, and Courage

• Writing (6+1 traits): • Essays (informative, compare/contrast, persuasive, analytical)• Narrative (memoir, short story)• Poetry

• Vocabulary• Taught through Word Study (assessment-guided spelling and vocab instruction) and

words within context of reading and concepts• Students encounter 200-5000 new words through consistent independent reading

• Supported Independent Reading:• Provides an opportunity for students to read individually in self-selected texts• It is a chance to apply targeted skills and strategies with teacher support as needed• Addresses the individual comprehension and engagement needs of each individual

student• 30-45 minutes of reading per night

• Use reading log and reading notebook to reflect on reading

SciencePhysical, Life and Earth Science:

Topics of Study & Skills• Scientific inquiry • Design & implement scientific investigations• Energy: types, transformation & applications• Matter: atomic structure & chemical reactions• Forces & motion & applications• Composition and structure of the universe• Genetics, variation & evolution

Social Studies• Focus is on American History and how it relates to

the world• Also look at connections between what happened in

the US with what has happened or happening in other countries

• Class is split between whole class instruction, small group work/partners and individual work

• Students have a lot of choice-how they want to learn, what they want to explore, what products they want to produce, etc.

Teacher Blogs • Websites are an effective way to communicate current

information, news and announcements to students and parents because they are accessible from anywhere

• Parents can subscribe to a specific site page via the “subscription” widget on the right, bottom side of the page to be notified by email when the page has been updated

• It’s a space for students to collaborate with teachers and other students, display work, and reflect and comment on work

• Gets students writing in a real context• To access AISJ’s virtual learning site go to:

Web address - http://tw.aisj-jhb.com

How You Can Help• We are seeking your expertise!• Become involved in our service learning• Ask your children what they learned on an assignment they did. I’m sure

they would love to teach YOU something!• Provide a quiet place for your child to complete their homework each

night-do not let TV or the computer be a distraction and incorporate a reasonable, regular bedtime into their daily routine.

• Discuss current events with your child. The more they know about the world around them, the more interested in learning they become.

• In some cases it may be necessary to check your child’s planner to see what homework they have for the evening and to follow up as needed

• Model good reading behaviors, read with your child or ask them about what they are reading. Also make suggestions as to what they might like to read.

Contact Information• Jillian Miller: jmiller@aisj-jhb.com• Jessica Roberts: jroberts@aisj-jhb.com• Steve Coia: scoia@aisj-jhb.com• Sarah Walker: swalker@aisj-jhb.com

Questions?