8^th Grade English Syllabus

York Country Day School

2007 / 2008 

Description: English in the 8^th grade encompasses four major areas: Writing, literature, vocabulary, and grammar. Writing includes a continuation of the Five-Step writing process and features descriptive, narrative, expository (compare-contrast / cause-effect), persuasive, creative, literature responses, and research writing. Literature focuses on short stories, novels, poetry memorization/ recital, and independent reading requirements. Vocabulary will be strengthened through exercises in our Greek/Latin roots series and from words in our reading and writing. Grammar continues with a review of the eight parts of speech, sentence/ paragraph development, mechanics, usage, and self / peer editing skills. 

Format:  In this course, I will use a variety of teaching methods that include: lecture, discussions, small group activities, student generated projects and reports. 

Objectives:

1. To improve the student’s communication skills.
2. To develop student understanding of literary terms, concepts, and themes.
3. To foster the student’s reading comprehension skills.
4. To advance the student’s vocabulary skills.
5. To have students authentically apply their grammar skills.
6. To utilize and develop the student’s drafting and writing skills.
7. To improve the student’s ability to study effectively, process information, and think creatively.
8. To encourage students in transferring all the above across the content areas.

Texts:

a. Explorations in Literature; Millet, Roderiques Ed.; Scott Foresman, 1991.

2. Junior Great Books Series 8; The Great Books Foundation; 1992.
3. Reader’s Handbook; Houghton Mifflin, 2002.
4. Vocabulary Workshop Level C; Sadlier-Oxford, 2005.
5. Write Source Grade 8; Serbanek, Kemper and Meyer; Houghton Mifflin, 2005.
6. Literature:  To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee / Coming of Age in Mississippi, Moore/ Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck / Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hurston / The Killer Angles, Shaara / Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare / Where the Red Fern Grows, Rawls / Various short stories and poetry.

Assessment: Students are evaluated periodically via tests, quizzes (40%), written assignments and projects (30%), as well as homework (20%), participation (10%).    

Classroom Expectations:

1. Students will follow directions the first time given.
2. Students will come to class on time and be prepared with homework, agenda, pens / pencils, books etc.
3. Students will stay on task and give their best effort.
4. Students will not disrupt others.
5. Students will consciously live by our Honor Code and Core Virtues.
6. Students will accept responsibility for their academic and social actions.

If the previous expectations are not met, these consequences will occur.

1. Warnings
2. Detention and or written explanation of behavior.
3. Middle School Head / Teacher / Student conference.
4. Parents notified.

Parents,

We encourage and welcome your support and comments throughout the year.  Ensuring that the students grow and improve in their ability to communicate is of primary importance. 

Mr. Tomevi