Name: Date: Class:

Welcome to Mrs. Davis’s 8th Grade Language Arts Class!

2015-2016

Can reading and writing make people change? This year we will develop insight into the use of words as a source of strength, comfort, communication, and understanding.

“Sometimes there’s no one to listen to what you really might like to say at a certain moment. The paper will always listen. Also, the more you write, the paper will begin to speak back and allow you to discover new parts of your own life and other lives and feel how things connect.”

Naomi Shihab Nye, poet

“A book can be a vehicle for communication, and a book can alleviate the sense of isolation that sometimes makes growing up lonely. Walking through a scary place is easier if you know that someone else has walked there once and survived.” Lois Lowry, author of The Giver.

Course Description

Language arts is a rich mix of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. In 8th grade, our focus will be on the following:

  • Read as much non-fiction as fiction
  • Learn about the world by reading
  • Read more challenging material closely
  • Discuss reading using textual evidence
  • Find evidence to support arguments
  • Write non-fiction using evidence
  • Increase academic vocabulary
  • Practice speaking and presentation skills

Course Expectations

What you should expect in this class

  • You will arrive in class on time with everything that you need.
  • You will bring supplies (see below) and your AGENDA (daily planner).
  • You will bring the appropriate book and handouts with you.
  • You will be ready to work when it’s time for class to begin.
  • You will work independently, in small groups, with a partner, and as a class.
  • You will participate in mature class discussion and respect the opinions of your peers.
  • You will write, revise, and revise again.
  • You will hand in assignments on time.
  • You will be responsible for making up work from an absence.
  • You will be a thinking, curious, energetic, and respectful participant in class! Ask questions! Be an active learner!

Supplies needed

  • 3-ring binder (1-2 inch) divided into the following sections:
  • Fictional Text
  • Informational Text
  • Vocabulary
  • Grammar
  • Writing
  • Loose leaf paper in the binder
  • Composition book – wide ruled (this will be left in classroom for writing instruction)
  • Pencils and pens
  • Pencil Case – 3-ring to clip into binder
  • Post-it notes– small
  • Flash drive (optional)

Expected behavior – Your Role

A dynamic language arts classroom is enriched by the participation of each and every student! Come to class prepared to ponder and discuss the issues we are studying. Even if you tend to be a quiet person, I will help you find ways to share in the discussion. If you are a person who enjoys talking, great! However, I expect you to listen to the person whose turn it is to speak and not participate in side conversations. We will consider many viewpoints and engage in respectful and thoughtful dialogue. We will also engage in role plays, reading, writing, debates, and project work.

Much of the time in class, we will be engaged in partner or small-group activities. The success of your group’s work depends on your courtesy, cooperation, and respect for your classmates. When offering criticism, make it constructive, not destructive. Language and demeanor should be appropriate and productive. I will let you know if your behavior needs to improve.

Expected behavior – My Role

You already have the power to learn and think! I aim to make our classroom a place you feel safe to express yourself in conversation and in writing. I will strive to make our classroom a place in which people respect the ideas and beliefs of others and actively listen to each other. I will create situations in which you may improve your current skills and develop higher levels of knowledge. I will try to help you become more aware of how you learn best, encouraging you to learn new ways to learn.

Assignments

I expect you to come to class each day having completed the assigned homework. Reading, note taking, writing summaries, creating charts, writing paragraphs reacting to reading, grammar and vocabulary exercises are some examples of daily homework assignments. Many of our assignments will require Internet access and/or use of a computer for word processing. Please let me know if this is a problem for you. Daily homework assignments are due on the date announced and will not be accepted late. No passes will be given to return to your locker for forgotten homework.

Point value will vary based on the activity assigned. These assignments may be collected and checked for accuracy but will more likely be checked for completion. A class review will allow students to check their own accuracy. Only partial credit will be given for homework that lacks completion.

How can I find out homework assignments?

Homework assignments and in-class hand-outs are posted daily on Edmodo. Edmodo is an easy way for my students to get connected so they can safely collaborate, get and stay organized, and accessassignments and hand-out materials. This is helpful for every student, but especially helpful for an absence.Each student will receive directions on how to access this information and will also receive directions so that parents can check daily assignments too!

Long-term assignments/projects might include writing essays or poetry, preparing a book project, and writing or practicing a speech. These types of assignments will be accepted late with a point reduction. If you are absent from class on the due date for a long-term assignment/project, the assignment/project is due on the first day you return to school.

Absent from Class

Being absent from school or missing class for a band lesson, etc. does not excuse a student from the assignments done in class or given for homework that night. A summary of what we do in class will be posted on Edmodo every day. Along with the summary, there will be links for the hand-outs that were either done in class or assigned as homework. You are expected to check Edmodo and complete the missed work. In addition, you are responsible to make arrangements with me if you need help on missed work or missed an assessment (quiz or test). Work that is not made up in a reasonable amount of time will result in a zero.

Writing

Writing is a process. You should expect to revise your work. Writing assignments should beword processed(typed) using 12-point Calibri, Times New Roman or Ariel fonts and double spaced.Word processing is strongly encouraged; however, work may also be handwritten neatly on lined paper, using black ink, and remembering to skip a line between written lines for comments. Work not meeting those requirements will be returned. For those assignments that are word processed and collected in class, please make sure they are printed out PRIOR to class! All writing assignments will be graded according to a rubric or checklist.

Plagiarized assignments will result in a grade reduction and disciplinary action. That’s the bad news. The good news is this: I will take the time to teach you how to take notes and synthesize information so that you will not plagiarize. Talk to me if you do not understand. Do not cheat!

Please review these pages with a parent/guardian. When you and your parent/guardian have completed discussing these pages, please sign and ask your parent/guardian to sign the last page. Please bring all pages back to schoolby Wednesday, September 16.

Dear Students and Parents,

I hope this information clarifies the expectations for 8th grade language arts. I am always available to discuss progress or to provide extra help. I am available before school, during lunch, and after school. Students, please let me know either by an e-mail or by talking with me in class when you would like to come for help to ensure that I will be in my classroom.

I hope that all my students will feel comfortable discussing any concerns with me. If you (students) don’t feel comfortable talking in person with me, please e-mail me. I stressed on the first day of class that I’m not a mind reader. If something is bothering you, please let me know. I can’t fix it if I don’t know about it!! Parents, please feel free to contact me as well. The best ways for you (parents) to contact me are:

First choice: E-mail 

Second choice: Write me a note!

I look forward to working together to make this a successful year for you.

Best,

Mrs. Davis

When you and your parent/guardian have completed discussing these pages, please sign below. Also, please provide me with the two best ways to reach parent/guardian during the school day

(e-mail, home phone, business phone, cell phone, etc.). Please return by Wednesday, September 16, 2015.

I have read the course expectations:

Student’s Name:

Student’s Signature:

Don’t forget that you can access all homework assignments for language arts on Edmodo this year!

Parent/Guardian’s Name:

Parent/Guardian’s Signature:

PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:

Parent/Guardian’s e-mail(s):

During the school day, what’s the best way to reach you?

  1. Parent/Guardian’s Contact (First Choice):

(Please print your name and best way to reach you during the school day: e-mail address, home/cell or work phone number)

2.Parent/Guardian’s Contact (Second Choice):

(Please print your name and best way to reach you during the school day: e-mail, home/cell or work phone number)

Any other parent response?