8th Grade Educational Milestone (Age 13 to 14 Years Old) 

Source:Core, Lead4ward

8th Grade Math

Math Main Topics: Linear Algebra, Functions, Pythagorean Model, Interest Rates

Your 8th graders will begin to learn more complex problems. Some of these problems get more complicated. In math class, they will work with linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations. They will be looking to find the rate of change (also known as slopes) and y-intercepts of graphs within mathematical and real-world problems. Problems will include unknowns. They will look at linear proportional problems (y=kx) and nonlinear situations where (y=mx+b). They will work with functions to model quantity relationships and work with triangles using the Pythagorean Theorem. Remember SOH CAH TOA and a2+b2=c2 formula? Don't worry if you don't remember. Their geometric skills will involve finding volumes of cylinders, cones, spheres, and expanding their knowledge of surface areas. They will also learn the idea behind simple interest and compound interest. This lesson includes how interest rates and loan lengths can affect how much you pay. As you can tell, middle school math lessons include a lot of complicated concepts that we may have already forgotten. Remember, you're not here to do your child's homework for them. It's enough to know that they have your support, and you are taking an interest in what they are learning. 

Math Goals: 

• Solve linear equations  

• Work with different Functions

• Learn about the Pythagorean Model and the geometry of triangles 

• Strengthen geometric skills for other shapes Learn About Interest Rates

8th Grade Reading

Reading Main Topics: Genre and Literary Analysis

As of 8th grade, students will be exposed to different types of literature and will begin to know the characteristics of multiple genres. They will learn what makes a story a fantasy, science fiction, or realistic fiction. They will increase their knowledge of different parts of poetry, including learning about the stanzas, rhyme schemes, and the use of figurative language. By reading, they can find evidence to determine what is the author’s purpose, what is the story’s theme, and what is the central idea. They will practice analyzing plot developments such as flashbacks or foreshadowing and how they affect the story’s progress. They will look at the characters of the story and determine their motivations, their behaviors, their values, and beliefs. They will describe how the author uses different tools, such as the story’s structure or the use of literary devices can contribute to the story’s mood, purpose, and tone. It will no longer be about just reading but truly understanding what goes on within the pages and words of a story. 

Reading Goals: 

• Know the different characteristics of multiple genres as it applies to both works of fiction, poetry, drama, and other literature

• Determine themes and central ideas

• Analyze how lines or events in a story or drama move the events of the story, to make a decision or reveal a character trait

Action Steps for 8th Grade Parents: 

Middle School Content will be more complicated, and even if we might not know the material, there are still a lot of ways we can remain involved. 

• Remind your kids that intelligence doesn’t stay the same. The effort they put in, hard work, and persisting through hardship matters and affects your brain capacity. 

• Praise EFFORT and not just success. When you see your child overcome difficult math problems and continue to work at it, notice it. 

• Spend time to go over your child’s homework whenever you can. 

• Encourage the use of planners, and help your child go through and make sure they’ve completed their task. 

• Attending parent-teacher conferences is a great way to know how your kid is doing at school. It is also a great way to build relationships with their teachers or school counselors.

• Parents and counselors are great resources for questions on college and test scores for your kids. They also know what resources are available to students who are struggling.