During the week of April 5, the students will begining the poetry unit in reading class. We will be reading and discussing a variety of poems in class. In a few weeks the students will be writing some poetry of their own. The students will also be doing some creative writing in language arts class. Throughout the year we have given specific formats and guidelines for them to follow and now it is time for them to let their creative minds flow.

The weather is finally warming up! I hope all of you enjoy spring break!!!

week of march 22

Next week the 8th graders will give their persuasive speeches that they have been preparing for all week. The requirements for the speech are listed below. For Monday, their typed outlines are due.


LANGUAGE ARTS 8
PERSUASIVE SPEECH REQUIREMENTS

1. The speech must be 4-5 minutes long. YOUR GRADE WILL DROP A FULL GRADE IF YOU DO NOT STAY WITHIN THE DESIGNATED TIME FRAME.
2. You must use your OUTLINE, placed on NOTECARDS, to deliver your speech.
3. Eye contact is crucial for persuasion. Do not read from your note cards. Use them as a guide only. Reading your speech will result in a grade NO HIGHER than a D.
4. You must have a catchy introduction and a solid conclusion. DO NOT use the words "My speech is on..." or "I'm going to try to persuade you..." in your introduction, nor "I have just given you..." or "I have just told you..." in your conclusion.
5. Your persuasive purpose or intent must be CLEAR. It should be stated in your thesis statement, which is the last sentence in your introduction. Take a stand on an issue and convince your audience to side with you.
6. Be prepared to go on the day you are assigned. Failure to present your speech at that time will result in a ZERO.
7. You will be graded on delivery, length of speech, and persuasiveness.
8. Give me your final draft outline and bibliography on the day you deliver your speech, right before you begin speaking. You will need 2 copies of your outline. One typed to give to me, and one placed on note cards to use during your speech.
9. You must use at least five sources for your speech. You may not use two of the same source. For example, you may not use two 3Newsweek magazines.
10. You should use approximately 10 pieces of borrowed information in your speech, citing your source for each borrowed piece of information.
11. You will have approximately 5 class periods to do research. Any additional research must be done on your own time.
12. Speeches will begin on Tuesday, March 23rd.

week of March 8

ISAT testing is over! Thank you to all the 8th graders for your hard work during the week. I am sure all the extensive preparation we put you through helped!!1

On Monday in language arts we will beginning preparation for the persuasive speeches. Through out the week, you will receive an explanation of the requirements of the speech as well as the topic you will be speaking about. All speeches will be between four and five minutes long. You will be completing an outline as well as a bibliography. On Tuesday, you will be selecting a topics. Research for the speeches will begin on Monday, March 15 and speeches will begin on Monday, March 23.