8th Grade English

Course Description

Eighth grade English class will provide students with the skills necessary to respond to literature,
compose several different types of writing, and develop the use of proper grammar and mechanics
when writing. Students will develop research skills and learn how to work through the six steps of the
writing process. We will be using hands-on, interactive strategies to make learning exciting and relevant.

Throughout the year, we will address:

Types of Writing: narratives, informational writing, persuasive writing, and informal writing (journals,
poetry, short stories, etc…)

Quality of Writing: focus, content, organization, style, conventions

Research: selection of topics and research, location of information, organization of a research paper

Keys to Success

I have five basic expectations for students in my classroom. I understand that some students may have
test anxiety or may not be great writers, but if you do your best and follow these five principles, you’ll
do great! They are:

Think- Challenge yourself to think about the topics at hand. Do your best to evaluate literature,
explore research topics, and learn grammar and mechanics.

Work- Homework and assignments must be completed on time and to the best of your ability.
Time designated for in-class assignments and projects should be used wisely.

Ask- If you are confused about assignments, don’t know where to start with a project, or need
help with a problem, ask. I will not accept the excuse that homework or assignments were not
completed because you did not understand the directions. Come see me during the school day
or email me in the evening and I will be happy to help. There are no stupid questions—always
ask!

Listen- Be respectful of your peers, classroom guests, and the teacher when they’re speaking. If
directions are being given, listen carefully the first time. Also, the study of literature naturally
inspires greater levels of peer interaction and discussion than may be used in other areas of
study. Be respectful and listen to your peers.

Participate- This class will use a lot of group activities and assignments, as well as individual
work. You are expected to participate in all activities and contribute to the class.

Grading
Every day when you walk through the door, you will automatically receive 5 Key points. If you follow the
five expectations listed above, you’ll keep the points. If you miss any of them (didn’t do homework,
disrupting class, not participating in group work, etc.), you’ll lose one or more points, depending on the
offense.

Other grades for class include quizzes, projects, journals, and tests. We will work on a point system. Each
assignment will be given a point value, and students will receive points for correct answers. For instance,
if an assignment is worth 10 points and a student earns 8, then I will write 8/10 on their papers.

Late Work

Assignments and projects are not optional. Students are expected to turn in all work, regardless
of the point value. Late work will be worth half credit. If a student does not turn in a late
assignment within a week of the due date or small assignments, or sooner for a large
assignment, I will call/email home and the student will be required to stay after school to
complete the assignment.

Missed Work/Absence

If you miss class for any reason, you will have one day to make up your missing work for each
day that you were gone. So, if you missed 3 days of school, you will have 3 days to make up your
work. All assignments will be posted on the class website, or you can come see me at the
beginning or end of the school day to get your missed work. If you know ahead of time that you
will be missing class (field trips, lessons, doctor’s appointment, etc.), I expect that you will be
responsible and see me beforehand to get your work.

Discipline

We will follow the discipline guidelines outlined in the student handbook. Please review your handbook
for more information. I will notify parents/guardians of any disciplinary issues or concerns.