8th Grade English Syllabus
Groesbeck Middle School
Course Description: Eighth Grade Language Arts is designed to involve the student in applying reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing skills in an independent manner through meaningful interdisciplinary tasks. Students will continue to develop an appreciation for literature through the study of literary elements in classic and contemporary selections. Emphasis is placed on moving from the literal to the abstract in the students’ critical thinking skills and in the use of language.
Methods of Instruction: Students will be engaged in the learning process by:
Individual exploration and research
Group lectures and discussions
Small group team oriented activities
Hands-on activities such as projects and portfolio work
1. Use word recognition and vocabulary skills to communicate.
2. Apply strategies and skills to comprehend, respond to, interpret, or evaluate a variety
of texts of increasing levels of difficulty.
3. Express, communicate, evaluate, or exchange ideas effectively.
4. Apply Standard English to communicate
Specific Course Goals by the end of the year:
1. Students will increase their academic vocabularies through word analysis, discovering meaning through
context, and integrating new words into their writing.
2. Students will increase their reading levels by learning reading strategies and acknowledging when to apply them to understand a variety of texts.
Attendance is necessary to keep up with the class. If a student misses class time, they are missing the instruction time needed to learn a skill. However, if a student must miss class, they are required to make up missed work in a timely manner (1 day for each excused day missed, after which deductions may be made for late work).
Students are expected to be in the classroom when the tardy bell rings. If not, they will be counted tardy. Excessive tardies will earn a lunch detention.
Students are required to participate in class and be respectful to their peers, themselves, and their teacher. Consequences for misconduct may include detention, written assignments, parent notification, or office referral.
Plagiarism and cheating have no place in a community of learners. Each student is required to put forth their personal best. Everyone has something important and valuable to add to our learning experience. If a student is suspected of plagiarism or cheating, the parents and the principal will be notified and consequences will be determined.
Students are required to keep up with their assigned reading and turn in assignments on time. Students will lose valuable learning experiences if they come to class unprepared.
Major Works and Assignments: We have many exciting and enriching activities to look forward to this year. Here is a list of required major projects that each student will be responsible for.
Research Paper and PowerPoint: Each student will go through the process of researching a person and creating a 2 page research report and PowerPoint presentation (Accelerated). This activity will count as several grades. It is imperative that your child keep up with their work and deadlines. They will be responsible for 20 note cards, 5 sources, an outline, works cited page, rough and final copy of their paper.
Class Novels: We will read and study several novels as a class. Various activities and projects will be tied to the novels. These readings may include, but are not restricted to:
The Diary of Anne Frank
“Flowers for Algernon”
And Then There Were None
A Christmas Carol
Substitute Teachers: If I am absent, I expect that you will treat the substitute teacher, each other, our classroom, and our materials in the classroom with respect. Any negative student behavior that is reported to me will result in either a lunch detention, referral, ISS, or a parent conference.
Thank you for being involved and active in your student’s educational experience. We look forward to a great year!
Eighth Grade English
Ms./Coach Roberts (email@example.com)