COURSE SYLLABUS 2011-2012

 8th Grade English

  • COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Students will learn and/or increase skills in the following areas throughout the course:
    • Increase vocabulary through word origins, context, comparisons
    • Build comprehension through inference, pre-reading strategies, summarizing, etc.
    • Literary genres, elements, figurative language, cultural and historical awareness
    • Research and organize information
    • Writing for a variety of purposes and audiences using the writing process
    • Grammar and Mechanics
    • Listening and Speaking skills
  • Interpret, evaluate, and compose visual images
  • INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: 
    • Holt Literature Textbook (will be provided as a class set)
    • 3 ring binder with dividers or folders for organizing assignments, notes, and graded work- does not have to be a separate binder
    • Black/blue ink pens and pencils- (please no glitter or other colors)
    • Package of index cards (will be used for literary terms flash cards)
    • Composition notebook- no spirals- this will be used on a daily basis for daily bell work; bring it every day.
    • Independent reading book- we will be reading every Tuesday
    • Agenda- This is a life skill to organize assignments and daily activities.
  • USB Drive
  • MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS included but not limited to:
    • Persuasive, Expository, and Narrative modes of writing
    • Year long Soundtrack Project
    • Bi-weekly Non-fiction of the week  (aka- “NOW”)
    • Bi-weekly Writing Prompts of the week (aka- “POW”)
    • Outsiders novel study
    • Research Unit- paper
    • Holocaust Unit- viewing Life is Beautiful, reading the drama Anne Frank, and a novel study of Night
    • Weekly spelling and/or vocabulary
  • GRADING POLICY: 

The quarterly grade is weighted 70% for tests and summative projects, and 30% daily learning activities. I expect all work to be done on time. If a student is absent, he/she will have 2 days per absence to make up the assignment. If a student is absent for a school activity, he/she is responsible for getting homework turned in or picked up BEFORE the expected absence. Students will be able to make up two low daily grades by the eighth week of each quarter.

 

My grade book will be updated every Monday on Infinite Campus, and students will receive a weekly printout of the grades to keep updated on their progress throughout the quarter.

  • CLASSROOM PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS:
    • Be respectful of all people and materials.
    • This includes visitors, substitutes, and each other. You are representing our school, core, and this class, so please treat others how you would like to be treated (or maybe even better J).
    • Be prepared- be on time in your seat with your materials out on your desk when the bell rings.
    • Be responsible for your own work and actions- cheating will not be tolerated since I want to grade what YOU know, not what your friends know.
    • All papers must have the correct heading in the upper right hand corner of the outside cover: Name, Hour, Date, and Assignment Title. This keeps assignments organized for the both of us!!

(Papers passed up in class must also be folded lengthwise so that only your heading is showing)

  • CURRICULUM CALENDAR

First Quarter

  • Flowers for Algernon, Raymond’s Run
  • Edgar Allen Poe
  • Literary Elements/Spelling/Grammar

Second Quarter

  • The Outsiders
  • Research Papers
  • Literary Elements/Spelling/Grammar

Third Quarter

  • Writing CRT
  • Poetry Unit
  • Literary Elements/Spelling/Grammar

Fourth Quarter

  • Holocaust Unit
  • READING CRT
  • Literary Elements/Spelling/Grammar

 

Communication between home and school is an essential component of a student’s academic success.  Ask to see your student’s agenda from time to time to stay informed.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that may arise at 366-5956. My email address is hclarke@norman.k12.ok.us. My website is www.pearsall.webnode.com which has calendar dates, assignments, and other helpful links and updates for you that will be updated on a weekly basis.  If you would like to set up a time to meet for a conference, please e-mail me so that we can find a time together that works best for the both of us.