English Language Arts 8

“There is nothing to writing, you just sit down at a typewriter and bleed”
~Ernest Hemingway~

Teacher: Mrs. Oslund Remind: Text @ims82020 to (306)993-4543

Contact info: aoslund@cesd73.ca Weekly Newsletter: https://www.smore.com/9suq4

Rationale
The development of one’s language is continuous, cyclical, and recursive throughout one’s education. Students
are continually enhancing their language abilities in increasingly sophisticated circumstances. To learn, one
must reflect on prior knowledge and extend understanding through every new experience. Each person does
this through listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing. In Language Arts students will do
this in a variety of ways, through a variety of mediums, and with a variety of texts (Program of Studies, 3). As
students move through Language Arts 8 they should develop a firm understanding of the five general learning
outcomes listed below:
1. Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and
experiences
2. Students will listen speak, read, write, view, and represent to comprehend and respond personally and
critically to oral, print and other media texts
3. Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to manage ideas and information.
4. Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to enhance clarity and artistry of
communication.
5. Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to respect, support and collaborate with
others.

Course Overview
Throughout the year students will work to develop sentence and paragraph organization while they develop a
more extensive vocabulary to use in their writing. Students will develop their organization of writing which
will aid them in their writing of two essays. During specific periods of study students will be expected to
collect information from reliable sources and cite them using the approved Modern Language Association
format. There will be many opportunities for students
to present their information in different ways in projects and
verbal presentations. Reading makes up a cornerstone of
Language Arts 8 and comprehension strategies will be
implemented and utilized in every class. Some of the
Texts referenced during grade 8 are: The Black Cat,
Clockwork, The Little Prince, There Will be Wolves,
The Giver, The Sniper, and Mother Earth.
Summative Assessment Breakdown
Assignment Name: Tentative Due Date:
Writing Mechanics Bootcamp Summative September 30th

“The Black Cat” critical paragraph October 14th

Write a children’s mystery storybook October 30th

Book Talk #1 November 3rd

Blackout Poem November 9th

Mother Earth Poetry Analysis November 27th

Clockwork/The Little Prince Essay December 15th

Book Talk #2 December 17th

There Will Be Wolves Brochure January 22nd

Book Talk #3 February 18th

There Will Be Wolves Book Report March 10th

Article writing and media analysis assignment April 2nd

Book Talk #4 April 22nd

The Giver alternate ending writing assignment May 19th

Teach Me How to assignment June 16th

Behavioural Expectations
● I expect that cell phones will be turned on silent before class begins; phones that ring, chime, vibrate etc. will be
confiscated until the end of the day. If phones are being used during class other than when we as a class are
using them for learning, your phone will be confiscated.
● I expect that distracting food will not be consumed in this class (Ex. loud packaging) Beverages with sealable
lids will be allowed.
● I expect that you will treat your teacher and fellow classmates with respect. Everyone has the right to be heard
and to learn in a secure environment.
● I expect that you will always do your best. This means that you will participate in all activities involved in this
class, including listening and viewing activities, and you must hand assignments in on time and complete.
● I expect that you will treat the property of the school and the property of others in a proper manner.
 Attendance
IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY EVALUATIVE ACTIVITY HAS BEEN MISSED.

If a student is excusably absent from class on days during which an assignment, quiz, examination or other
evaluation activity occurs, the student shall be given the opportunity to make up the missed work through
either the original or replacement work if the following conditions are met:
● If a student is absent, a parent must call the school to indicate the reason for the absence.
● In the case of a missed test, the student must provide a note from home explaining the absence and a
plan should be put into place to ensure the learning objectives are met.
● An alternative learning session may be required in order to make up any missed work.

Discipline Cycle
● If a student disrupts learning in the classroom or fails to adhere to school and/or classroom policies, s/he
will be verbally warned.
● If the behavior continues s/he will be asked to stay after class or return for an informal break / lunch
discussion about his / her behavior.
● If the behavior continues, then parents / guardians will be contacted and a formal meeting will be set up.
● If the student continues to disrupt learning in the classroom, or fails to attend detention, parents and
administration will be contacted to discuss further disciplinary action.

Cut and return bottom section only. Keep in L.A Binder

PARENT / STUDENT SIGNATURE:

Signing below indicates that you have read and understood the contents of this outline. If you have any
questions please feel free to contact me (aoslund@cesd73.ca).
Please return to Mrs. Oslund by September 10th, 2020

______________________ ______________________ ______________________

Student Name Student Signature Date

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Parent Name Parent Signature Date