Grade+8+syllabus

Middle School Language Arts- Grade 8
This is a brief overview of expectations in the Middle School Language Arts department. Please refer to this as a reference.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: Language Arts

Language Arts 8 continues to focus on literature and writing and often through topics related to our Social Studies curriculum. The writing process exemplified by 6+1 Traits is employed in the creation and assessment of writing assignments. Students write daily reflections on relevant topics or 'freewrite'. Students explore novels, non-fiction essays, and short stories that add personal dimension to Social Studies themes. We will begin the year with a series of short stories, and later move into more lengthy subject matter. Novels taught this year include: __Of Mice and Men__, __Fahrenheit 451__, and possibly, __Girl Coming in For a Landing__. Toward the end of the year, we will read Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet". We will also read short stories and Native myths. Other support novels, small group novels, biographies, autobiographies, letters, speeches and memoirs will be used to supplement the curriculum.

MATERIALS: Students should come to class prepared each day with their three-ring binder, planner, pens, pencils and USB. Binders must be kept organized as instructed in class. In Language Arts, students are also required to keep a journal, which will be provided by the teacher.

GRADING: Grades will be assigned on a point basis. Points are assigned based on the amount of time expected for proper completion. The more points an assignment has, the more weight it will carry. The following are categories used in grading:

Homework Classwork Quizzes/ Tests Projects/Formal Writing

HOMEWORK: Homework will be assigned regularly to reinforce concepts and supplement class lessons. In order for homework to be effective, it must be completed and brought to class on time.

LATE WORK POLICY: No late work will be accepted. All work must be completed, printed (if required) with proper heading //at the beginning of class.// Under extenuating circumstances, late assignments may receive credit at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

ABSENCES POLICY: In the case of excused absences, students will have an opportunity to make up work and receive full credit for the work missed. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teachers to make up the work that is missed.