Syllabus English 8, Section III


Syllabus for Second Semester

Syllabus and Plans are all subject to change during the course of the semester.

 

3rd Quarter

Poetry

Poetry Project

Poetry Memorization

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Grammar and Writing

 

4th Quarter

Short Stories

Speech

Grammar and Writing

Diary of Anne Frank

The Merchant of Venice

 

 

Goals for the Year

The second sememster of 8th grade English, Section III will continue to focus on literature, grammar, and writing. We will also complete the Vocabulary workbook and add additional vocabulary units related to our reading and writing units.

 

 

Course Description

The 8th grade English course consists of vocabulary, literature, and grammar studies which are designed to help students enhance their reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students increase their vocabulary through specialized instruction in understanding word origin, context clues, and other vocabulary skills. In the area of literature, students continue to develop vocabulary, comprehension, and interpretive skills as they study various works of literature. These will include short stories, poetry, non-fiction, novels, and drama.  Particular emphasis is given to interpreting an author’s message and intent according to a Biblical worldview.  Students also develop speaking skills through oral presentations and poetry recitations. Special emphasis is placed on grammar and writing skills in the 8th grade English in order to prepare students for the increased writing requirements of the high school classes.  Students will continue to study parts of speech, sentence patterns, and mechanics rules as they refine their writing skills in order to become better communicators of God’s truth. These skills are refined as students learn to write various paragraphs, essays, and a short research project.

 

 

Teacher Expectations (Classroom rules!)

There are certain things which I expect from you which I want you to keep in mind all year.

1. Be on time

2. Be prepared.

3. Be attentive

4. Be a positive contributor to the class.

Materials Needed for Second Semester

Three-ring binder with loose-leaf paper, either college-rule or wide-rule for classwork and homework; no spiral notebooks will be used.  No assignments will be accepted on spiral notebook paper.

A one inch three ring binder or a folder with prongs for the poetry project.

Pencils and pen--no pen will be used for class work.  Blue or black pen many be used for writing assignments and essays.  Do not use red, pink, purple, etc. pens.  You will write in cursive or word process all assignments.  

 

Textbooks

Writing and Grammar 8, BJU Press
Introducing Literature,  Scribner
Vocabulary Workshop, Level C,
Sadlier-Oxford

 

Additional Reading Books for 8th Grade:

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The Diary of Anne Frank (in textbook)

The Merchant of Venice

Other readings as time allows

 

Grading Policies and Procedures

Grades will be given based on the following percentages

50% for tests, essays, projects, poem memorization

30% for homework assignments, vocabulary workbook units, etc.

20% for quizzes (i.e. vocabulary quizzes, grammar quizzes, pop quizzes, etc. )


UNEXCUSED LATE WORK POLICY:  There will be an automatic 25% deduction in points for work which is not done at class time on the due date.  Late work turned in the following day will receive this 25% deduction. Work turned in on two days late will receive an automatic 50% deduction in points.  Late work will not be accepted after the second day.

 

WHEN ABSENT, students are expected to check the web page for missed work or check with the teacher and turn it in to the teacher in a timely manner.  It is the student's responsibility to meet with the teacher upon returning to school and to complete all assignments and tests which were missed.

 

IF AN UNEXPECTED EMERGENCY hinders the student from competing the assignment, the parent should email, phone, or send a note to the teacher as soon as possible.  In this case, extra time to complete the assignment will be granted.

 

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as unto the Lord rather than men."
                                                                                                                                    Colossians 3:23