What is Humanities?
Simply put, humanities is the study
of us – humans! In this class, we will
be studying people, communities,
and societies – both real and
fictional, from the past and the
present. Each unit of study will
integrate reading, writing, and
social studies through teacher-led
lessons, student-centered
discussions and debates,
partnership and group work, and
independent student work. We will
read a wide variety of studentselected texts, book club books,
various short texts, poems,
historical documents, and primary
sources, and we will write a literary
essay, an argument essay, and
various shorter essays and
responses on a regular basis.
ATTENTION: Reading is a
graduation requirement. You must
maintain a cumulative average of a
“C” or higher in order to graduate 8th
grade!!!
8th Grade Humanities
Mrs. Solarski
Room 316
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Be ready to read, write, think,
and discuss every day!!!
Classroom Norms
1. Be a risk taker.
2. Be an active participant.
3. Rise to the challenge –
don’t be afraid to fail!
4. Do you.
5. Don’t judge a book by its
cover!!!
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Student Responsibilities:
Read at least 40 minutes every night
and track reading on a reading log
Be an active reader by jotting thoughts
and ideas on Post-its
Use interactive notebook format to
complete various reading, writing, and
social studies assignments both in class
and as homework
Be prepared to discuss ideas in
partnerships, small groups, and as a
whole class
Materials: Avoid getting a
“materials” checkmark by
bringing the following materials
to class every day:
 Humanities binder
 ELA notebook
 Social studies notebook
 Independent reading
book (and book club
book when necessary)
 Pen/pencil
 Post-its
 Agenda/Planner
Homework Policy:
 Homework not turned in during the class
period when it is due will be considered late
and receive partial credit.
 Homework not turned in by the end of the
day will not be accepted and you will receive
a zero for that assignment.
 It is your responsibly to turn in late work and
to ask about missing assignments when you
are absent. (See 8th grade make-up work
policy.)
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8 Grade Website:
http://tarkington8thgrade.weebly.com
I use this site to upload important documents to
my “Humanities “page and to post homework and
due dates on the “Homework” page.
CONTACT INFO:
Please feel free to
contact me at any time with questions
or concerns.
School Phone: (773) 535-4700 X 13322
Email: cpsolarski@cps.edu
Grade Distributions
Reading Workshop
50% = End-of-Unit
Assessments
 Projects
 Tests
 Essays
35% = Classwork
 Reader’s notebook
 Book clubs/group
work
 Participation/
discussions
 Quizzes
15% = Homework
 Reading logs
Other h.w.
Writing Workshop
50% = Published Pieces
35% = Classwork
 Writing process work
 Participation
15% = Homework
Social Studies
50% - End-of-Unit
Assessments
 Projects
 Tests
 Essays
35% = Classwork
 S.S. notebook work
 Participation/
discussions
 Group work
15% = Homework