8th Grade Language Arts Syllabus
Margaret Boyer
Year Long Course
[email protected]
(402) 366-9598
Course Description
This year long course is designed for eighth grade students. In this class, the student will cover different categories of literature, including the novel, short stories, and poetry. Students will identify plot, setting, theme, character, and literary techniques used by authors. Students will also develop an understanding of informational text structure and be able analyze text for needed information. A variety of comprehension strategies will be taught and practiced to help students increase their level of comprehension and vocabulary development.
New vocabulary will be presented throughout the year and students will learn to edit and revise writings using knowledge of grammar, mechanics, usage, and sentence structure.
Students will concentrate on the descriptive writing mode which is tested at this level. Students will receive direct instruction on the six traits and organization of writing pieces. Students will familiarize themselves with the state and other rubrics to evaluate their own and other writing samples provided.
This course is also designed to develop/improve speaking, social media, and listening skills through development of questioning, answering, and speech related skills.
Course Objectives
• By the end of the course, students will:
o Demonstrate mastery of the Nebraska state standards and Riverside core curriculum in the area of Language Arts.
o Apply reading skills and strategies to comprehend and analyze various types of literature and text.
o Develop vocabulary appropriate for grade level and apply knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and roots to determine meaning of words.
o Give speeches on assigned and chosen topics.
o Improve and apply writing skills and strategies to communicate effectively.
o Develop spelling strategies.
o Identify, locate, and evaluate information.
o Complete a research project and formal research paper using MLA.
Required Texts and Other Supplies
• Holt Second Course of Elements of Literature
• Holt Second Course of Elements of Language
• Step Up to Writing materials
• Classroom novel
Other supplies:
! Spiral notebook to leave in classroom for journal
! 1-2 pocket portfolios
! Writing utensils (pencils and pens)
! Spiral one subject notebook
Grading Policies:
17% Homework/classroom work – My philosophy is that homework is a time to practice new material and to explore and make mistakes without a huge penalty; therefore, homework is not weighted heavily and a student should feel free to try doing the homework without fear of making errors. Through practice, skills and retention improve.
33% Quizzes – Quizzes provide me with information on student understanding. If a majority of students do not score well, I will reteach and quiz again. These quizzes check for understanding of the taught material.
49% Tests – Tests provide information on the mastery level of learning. If students have not achieved at least 70% mastery, material will be retaught and tested.
Literature:
• Tests and/or projects are given at the end of each literature selection and during and after completion of novels and over key reading skills.
• Book Reports/Talks - Students are expected to read a book at their appropriate reading level outside of class each quarter and give a book report/talk on it. Students are encouraged to complete a book in a timely fashion to maximize comprehension.
Writing:
• Students are graded using the state assessment rubric over the 6 traits of writing
Speaking / Listening
• Students are graded using a rubric for speaking, participation in discussions and generating appropriate questions and use of questioning strategies.
• Students are graded on responses to questions asked and following of grade appropriate directions.
Grammar/spelling/vocabulary
• Students are graded on weekly assignments given for spelling and vocabulary, and editing of daily sentences. Students are also given weekly quizzes over assigned vocabulary, spelling words, and previously edited sentences. The 50 words to be mastered for each semester can be found on Quizlet.
** All work is to be completed on time or 10% of the points will be deducted per day late. Students will be strongly encouraged to stay after school and complete work that is due that day, so that they are not penalized. If students are unable to stay after school then he/she must attend lunch detention and complete their late assignment.
**Students will receive one homework pass each semester. It cannot be used for a project or test/quiz.
• You are encouraged to keep track of your own grades using PowerSchool. Please feel free to ask about your grade if you feel there is an error.
• The grade you receive is the grade YOU earn.
** All work is to be completed on time or 10% of the points will be deducted per day late. Students will be strongly encouraged to stay after school and complete work that is due that day, so that they are not penalized. Parents will be notified if the student has not completed work and is staying after school. If students are unable to stay after they are expected to see me during homeroom the following morning. After 3 days stricter consequences are incurred.
**Students will receive one homework pass each semester. It cannot be used for a project or test/quiz.
• You are encouraged to keep track of your own grades using PowerSchool. Please feel free to check your grade with me BEFORE OR AFTER CLASS or at any time using PowerSchool.
• The grade you receive is the grade YOU earn.
While all areas of Language Arts (English 8) are taught each quarter, there will be an emphasis on:
Literature in quarter 1
Writing in quarter 2
Speaking in quarter 3
Coordination of all areas by completing research project/MLA paper in quarter 4
Class Policies
• Attendance- If a student is to be absent from class for any reason, please see Mrs. Boyer for make-up work and get notes, etc. from other classmates.
• Promptness/Tardy-If a student is not in his/her designated seat by the time Mrs. Boyer starts the daily editing review or journal assignment, the student will be marked tardy for that period, unless prior permission is given.
• Passes-bathroom passes will only be honored once a week during work time unless it is an emergency.
• Behavior Expectations
o Responsibility!
! Be Prepared! Have pen/pencil, textbook if needed, notebook, and
assignments. Arrive to class on time. Come in quietly and start on Daily
sentences.
! Please use work time appropriately! Work time is for class
assignments, not other classes, unless all work is completed. Stay on
task and keep conversation to a minimum.
! Please complete assigned tasks on time! Place completed
assignments in inbox drawer for your designated class and pickup graded
assignments from mailboxes to put in your portfolio. It is your responsibility
to know when assignments are due and to get make-up/missed
assignments. Use your planners!!!
! Please ask for assistance when needed! Please ask for clarification or questions when something is not clear to you.
o Respect! Please demonstrate respect for people and property.
! Keep furniture and equipment looking new. Speak positively of others.
Refrain from put-downs and name-calling. Use appropriate language at all times. Treat substitutes with respect. You must have permission to leave room.
!Food and Drink--You may have water in classroom as long as you clean up after yourself. If Mrs. Boyer has to clean up, the privilege will be revoked.
! Cell Phones/MP3 players are only allowed with PERMISSION from Mrs. Boyer. They are to be kept away in backpack for the entire period. If not, they are property of Mrs. Boyer for the rest of the day and the student can come in after school to get the device, consequences may be stricter depending on the situation and frequency of violation.
o Respond! Please respond appropriately to staff directives when you are
asked to do something.
! Give your attention when it is asked for such as during presentations, lectures, discussions, activities, speakers, etc.
Academic Support
•Mrs. Boyer is available to assist students during morning study hall and after school (usually until 5 p.m--if prior arrangements are made). You may also see me at 7:40 a.m. with prior arrangement and a pass.
• Check out Mrs.Boyer’s webpage!! Click on the link on the school webpage.
Year Long Course
[email protected]
(402) 366-9598
Course Description
This year long course is designed for eighth grade students. In this class, the student will cover different categories of literature, including the novel, short stories, and poetry. Students will identify plot, setting, theme, character, and literary techniques used by authors. Students will also develop an understanding of informational text structure and be able analyze text for needed information. A variety of comprehension strategies will be taught and practiced to help students increase their level of comprehension and vocabulary development.
New vocabulary will be presented throughout the year and students will learn to edit and revise writings using knowledge of grammar, mechanics, usage, and sentence structure.
Students will concentrate on the descriptive writing mode which is tested at this level. Students will receive direct instruction on the six traits and organization of writing pieces. Students will familiarize themselves with the state and other rubrics to evaluate their own and other writing samples provided.
This course is also designed to develop/improve speaking, social media, and listening skills through development of questioning, answering, and speech related skills.
Course Objectives
• By the end of the course, students will:
o Demonstrate mastery of the Nebraska state standards and Riverside core curriculum in the area of Language Arts.
o Apply reading skills and strategies to comprehend and analyze various types of literature and text.
o Develop vocabulary appropriate for grade level and apply knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and roots to determine meaning of words.
o Give speeches on assigned and chosen topics.
o Improve and apply writing skills and strategies to communicate effectively.
o Develop spelling strategies.
o Identify, locate, and evaluate information.
o Complete a research project and formal research paper using MLA.
Required Texts and Other Supplies
• Holt Second Course of Elements of Literature
• Holt Second Course of Elements of Language
• Step Up to Writing materials
• Classroom novel
Other supplies:
! Spiral notebook to leave in classroom for journal
! 1-2 pocket portfolios
! Writing utensils (pencils and pens)
! Spiral one subject notebook
Grading Policies:
17% Homework/classroom work – My philosophy is that homework is a time to practice new material and to explore and make mistakes without a huge penalty; therefore, homework is not weighted heavily and a student should feel free to try doing the homework without fear of making errors. Through practice, skills and retention improve.
33% Quizzes – Quizzes provide me with information on student understanding. If a majority of students do not score well, I will reteach and quiz again. These quizzes check for understanding of the taught material.
49% Tests – Tests provide information on the mastery level of learning. If students have not achieved at least 70% mastery, material will be retaught and tested.
Literature:
• Tests and/or projects are given at the end of each literature selection and during and after completion of novels and over key reading skills.
• Book Reports/Talks - Students are expected to read a book at their appropriate reading level outside of class each quarter and give a book report/talk on it. Students are encouraged to complete a book in a timely fashion to maximize comprehension.
Writing:
• Students are graded using the state assessment rubric over the 6 traits of writing
Speaking / Listening
• Students are graded using a rubric for speaking, participation in discussions and generating appropriate questions and use of questioning strategies.
• Students are graded on responses to questions asked and following of grade appropriate directions.
Grammar/spelling/vocabulary
• Students are graded on weekly assignments given for spelling and vocabulary, and editing of daily sentences. Students are also given weekly quizzes over assigned vocabulary, spelling words, and previously edited sentences. The 50 words to be mastered for each semester can be found on Quizlet.
** All work is to be completed on time or 10% of the points will be deducted per day late. Students will be strongly encouraged to stay after school and complete work that is due that day, so that they are not penalized. If students are unable to stay after school then he/she must attend lunch detention and complete their late assignment.
**Students will receive one homework pass each semester. It cannot be used for a project or test/quiz.
• You are encouraged to keep track of your own grades using PowerSchool. Please feel free to ask about your grade if you feel there is an error.
• The grade you receive is the grade YOU earn.
** All work is to be completed on time or 10% of the points will be deducted per day late. Students will be strongly encouraged to stay after school and complete work that is due that day, so that they are not penalized. Parents will be notified if the student has not completed work and is staying after school. If students are unable to stay after they are expected to see me during homeroom the following morning. After 3 days stricter consequences are incurred.
**Students will receive one homework pass each semester. It cannot be used for a project or test/quiz.
• You are encouraged to keep track of your own grades using PowerSchool. Please feel free to check your grade with me BEFORE OR AFTER CLASS or at any time using PowerSchool.
• The grade you receive is the grade YOU earn.
While all areas of Language Arts (English 8) are taught each quarter, there will be an emphasis on:
Literature in quarter 1
Writing in quarter 2
Speaking in quarter 3
Coordination of all areas by completing research project/MLA paper in quarter 4
Class Policies
• Attendance- If a student is to be absent from class for any reason, please see Mrs. Boyer for make-up work and get notes, etc. from other classmates.
• Promptness/Tardy-If a student is not in his/her designated seat by the time Mrs. Boyer starts the daily editing review or journal assignment, the student will be marked tardy for that period, unless prior permission is given.
• Passes-bathroom passes will only be honored once a week during work time unless it is an emergency.
• Behavior Expectations
o Responsibility!
! Be Prepared! Have pen/pencil, textbook if needed, notebook, and
assignments. Arrive to class on time. Come in quietly and start on Daily
sentences.
! Please use work time appropriately! Work time is for class
assignments, not other classes, unless all work is completed. Stay on
task and keep conversation to a minimum.
! Please complete assigned tasks on time! Place completed
assignments in inbox drawer for your designated class and pickup graded
assignments from mailboxes to put in your portfolio. It is your responsibility
to know when assignments are due and to get make-up/missed
assignments. Use your planners!!!
! Please ask for assistance when needed! Please ask for clarification or questions when something is not clear to you.
o Respect! Please demonstrate respect for people and property.
! Keep furniture and equipment looking new. Speak positively of others.
Refrain from put-downs and name-calling. Use appropriate language at all times. Treat substitutes with respect. You must have permission to leave room.
!Food and Drink--You may have water in classroom as long as you clean up after yourself. If Mrs. Boyer has to clean up, the privilege will be revoked.
! Cell Phones/MP3 players are only allowed with PERMISSION from Mrs. Boyer. They are to be kept away in backpack for the entire period. If not, they are property of Mrs. Boyer for the rest of the day and the student can come in after school to get the device, consequences may be stricter depending on the situation and frequency of violation.
o Respond! Please respond appropriately to staff directives when you are
asked to do something.
! Give your attention when it is asked for such as during presentations, lectures, discussions, activities, speakers, etc.
Academic Support
•Mrs. Boyer is available to assist students during morning study hall and after school (usually until 5 p.m--if prior arrangements are made). You may also see me at 7:40 a.m. with prior arrangement and a pass.
• Check out Mrs.Boyer’s webpage!! Click on the link on the school webpage.