Welcome to Grade 8 English Language Arts With Ms. Ricker
Welcome Class of 2026!
I am so excited to be on this journey with you! For the next ten months, we'll be diving into a variety of texts through our literary units, including:
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (novel unit)
- Animal Farm by George Orwell (novel unit)
- Twelfth Night by Shakespeare (drama unit)
- A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry (drama unit) *Corresponds with a writing unit
- Maus by Art Spiegelman
- Book clubs (2/year)
- Independent reading activities once per marking period (These will often correspond with our in-class readings which means students will often be reading two books at a time. Students should bring their books to class everyday, especially on days we have advisory.)
- And more!
Please note: Whole class novel lists will be available on individual classroom pages and will be updated, as needed.
In writing, we will be focusing on the three major types of writing plus a full research paper:
- Narrative (MP1) *We will be starting with personal narratives! This unit includes literacy readings and questions.
- Explanatory (MP2)
- Argumentative (MP3)
- Research (MP4)
In addition, we will continue building vocabulary skills throughout the year and will be working on various independent skills through the district provided online programs.
It will be a busy year. Be sure you are prepared for school each day. If you find yourself falling behind or just not quite understanding something, reach out to me sooner rather than later.
***The best way to reach me outside of school hours is via my school email. I generally answer emails by the end of the next school day.***
Check the class needs list below. I do not require a lot in class, but there are a couple of necessary items. Please make sure you are prepared for class each day.
I look forward to meeting every one of you and spending the next ten months exploring the written word together!
Class Needs
- A positive attitude
- A charged Chromebook, which must be in its district-provided case
- Wired headphones (not Bluetooth) ~ Please have these available every day!
- Pen and/or pencil (Most materials will be delivered online, but occasionally you will need one of these old-fashioned contraptions!)
- Post-it Notes for marking passages in novels
- A folder for loose papers (Alternatively, you can use a section of a binder you share with another class.)
- Access to a planner - either the school-provided planner OR the digital calendar and "To Do" list available on Google Classroom.
- Optional: We complete many creative presentations that may require project materials throughout the year. Students will have access to markers, project posters, construction paper, etc. in class, but many students often prefer their own materials.
About Ms. Ricker
After growing up in Southern California, I attended California State University, Sacramento where I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in English ('97) before moving to New Jersey in 1999. I attended Georgian Court College (now GCU) where I earned my Master's in Education ('02). I have been working as an 8th grade language arts teacher in Marlboro since 2001.
When I'm not in the classroom, grading papers, or planning lessons, I have two sons who keep me on my toes. My oldest is a freshman at West Chester University while my youngest is a sophomore at MAST. Despite being my only one at home, my youngest stays busy with travel, high school hockey, community service, his commitment to the JROTC unit at MAST, and finding time to hang out with friends while applying himself to his studies.
What does this mean for me? Driving. A whole lot of driving! My summer was spent walking the county beaches during the Monmouth County Parks Beach Sweeps as my son worked on community service hours. During the school year, we drive throughout the state of New Jersey as well as Pennsylvania (and the odd trip to Long Island) for hockey games and his orienteering events (think cross country, but you have a map and compass to find checkpoints). Thankfully, my Kindle remains full of books to keep me occupied!
Access Google Classroom assignments through the links provided.
Be sure you have selected the correct class period to ensure access to the most accurate information.
Please feel free to reach me via email at [email protected]
