42 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Eighth Grade

Preparing for 8th grade is a critical transition period as students approach their final year of high school. This year will bring academic challenges and increased responsibilities, setting the stage for high school success. Here's what you can do to help your rising eighth grader prepare:

• Strengthen Independent Learning Skills

Encourage your child to manage their time effectively and solve complex problems independently. Practice setting aside specific study periods and providing a quiet, organized workspace that promotes concentration.

• Develop Strong Study Habits

Emphasize the importance of consistent study habits, including reviewing class notes, organizing study materials, and using active learning techniques such as summarizing and self-testing.

• Prepare for Standardized Tests

With high school entrance exams approaching, consider enrolling your child in a test prep course such as the SAT, ACT, or ISEE. Provide resources and support to help them become familiar with testing formats and strategies.

What Your 8th Grader Should Know

8th Grade Math 

Students in 8th grade explore various math concepts in more detail, building a strong foundation for learning math in high school. Here's what your child will learn:

1. Calculate slope using points and interpret points on a graph to determine slope relationships.
2. Master the graphing of linear equations using points, tables, and slope-intercept.
3. Solve systems of linear equations using graphing, substitution, and elimination techniques.
4. Represent and solve linear inequalities graphically, understanding their relationship to linear equations.
5. Interpret relationships between data sets using scatter plots.
6. Learn functions using I/O tables, writing functions, and defining scope and range.
7. Manipulate exponents, including negative exponents, and solve exponential and radical equations.
8. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find missing side lengths of right triangles and solve word problems.

Tips for Parents

• Encourage regular practice with math concepts through worksheets, online resources, or educational apps to reinforce learning.
• Create a positive attitude toward math by praising effort and perseverance rather than just getting the answers right.
• Encourage your child to ask questions and seek clarification from teachers or peers when faced with difficult math problems.
• Celebrate your child's math successes and achievements to boost their confidence and motivation to continue learning.

8th Grade Reading and Reading Comprehension 

Eighth-grade reading and comprehension skills deepen understanding and analysis of various texts. Here's what your 8th grader will learn:

9. Draw logical conclusions based on text data.
10. Identify and interpret similes, metaphors, personifications, and other figurative language elements.
11. Analyze the similarities and differences between two or more texts regarding characters, themes, plots, and settings.
12. Study character development and the interaction of a story's theme, plot, and setting.
13. Understand different points of view and how they influence storytelling.
14. Evaluate texts with opposing points of view and identify inconsistencies in facts or interpretations.
15. Work in various literary forms, including fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry.

Tips for Parents

• Provide access to various reading materials, including fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry.
• Engage in conversations about what your child is reading, focusing on themes, characters, and plot development.
•  Encourage your child to think critically about the information they read and identify different points of view.
• Encourage using new, domain-specific vocabulary in everyday conversations and writing activities.
  
  

8th Grade Writing 

Eighth-grade writing skills focus on improving students' abilities to communicate clearly and effectively through various types of writing. Here's what your 8th grader will learn:

Tips for Parents:

• Encourage your child to write regularly through journaling, creative writing, or essay completion.
• Help your child develop the habit of planning, drafting, checking, and editing their work.
• Offer constructive feedback on your child's writing to help him improve.
• Encourage reading various texts to expose your child to different writing styles and techniques.

8th Grade Social Studies

Eighth-grade social studies deepen students' understanding of historical events, geographic concepts, and civic responsibilities, preparing them for high school and beyond. Here's what your 8th grader will learn:

Tips for Parents:

• Discuss historical events and their implications for the modern world. Encourage your child to ask questions and seek deeper understanding.
• Plan trips to museums, historical sites, and cultural festivals to gain hands-on experience.
• Encourage your child to consider different points of view and form their own opinions based on facts and reasoned arguments.
  
  

8th Grade Science 

Eighth-grade science focuses on learning key concepts through hands-on experimentation, critical thinking, and practical application. Here's what your 8th grader will learn:

31. Understand the basics of chemical reactions and equations.
32. Study ecosystems, biodiversity, and interdependence of organisms.
33. Understand the systems of the human body and how they work together to maintain homeostasis.
34. Study the solar system, stars, galaxies, and basic astronomy.
35. Research human environmental impacts, including pollution, resource depletion, and sustainable practices.
36. Participate in projects that combine science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve real-world problems.

Tips for Parents:

• Foster a love of learning by encouraging your child to explore science through hands-on experiments and projects at home.
• Expand your child's learning opportunities by visiting science museums, planetariums, nature reserves, and aquariums.
• Help your child with science fair projects or other extracurricular science activities.
• Encourage your child to participate in STEM clubs, coding camps, and other programs that develop technical skills and promote innovation.
  
  

8th Grade Social Skills and Abilities

Eighth grade is a critical time for developing social skills and abilities that help students navigate relationships and prepare for the transition to high school. Here's what your 8th grader will learn:

Tips for Parents

• Create a safe space for your child to express himself and actively listen to his problems and feelings.
• Encourage group activities, clubs, or sports participation to promote teamwork and cooperation.
• Talk about respecting diversity and inclusion and encourage your child to stand up to bullying and exclusion.
• Monitor your child's emotional well-being and support them as they navigate social challenges and changes.
  
  

Genie Academy offers personalized after-school learning tutoring in math, reading, writing, and coding for students in preschool through 9th grade throughout New Jersey. We also specialize in SAT, ACT, and ASVAB exam preparation. Our conveniently located centers in Plainsboro, Hillsborough, East Brunswick, South Brunswick, South Plainfield, and Marlboro are designed to meet various academic needs. Contact us today to book a free assessment and support your child's learning.

Read the Rest of the Series!

Have multiple children in multiple grades? Read the rest of the series!

• 21 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Kindergarten
• 45 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering First Grade
  
• 45 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Second Grade
• 43 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Third Grade
• 48 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Fourth Grade
• 49 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Fifth Grade
• 48 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Sixth Grade
• 48 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Seventh Grade
• 42 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Eighth Grade
• 37 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Ninth Grade