WEIMAR HILLS SCHOOL ☼ 200 WEST WEIMAR CROSS ROAD, WEIMAR, CA 95736
SYLLABUS for 8TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS 2007-2008
Mrs. Scotten ☼ Room 13 530-637-4121 ext. 113 ☼
Class Website: http://www.mrsscotten.com
www.schoolnotes.com
Syllabus: a summary or outline, especially of a course of study
(Webster’s New World Dictionary 3rd College Edition 1994)
Course Description:
8th Grade Language Arts Classes address the state mandated standards. Over the course of the year we will engage in numerous activities that are designed to help you reach these standards and prepare you for high school.
Textbook: Holt Literature & Language Arts & Holt Handbook (grammar) by Holt, Rinehart & Winston. Mastering Spelling by Globe Fearon
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will have:
· experienced systematic vocabulary building and worked on improving spelling skills
· composed essays on a variety of topics using a variety of writing styles
· completed an extensive research project
· demonstrated an understanding of various styles of poetry as well as the use of simile, metaphor, and other poetic devices
· composed poetry in a variety of different styles
· recited poetry to an audience
· developed critical thinking skills and applied them to their writing assignments and class discussions
· increased their organizational skills
· increased their knowledge of English Grammar and applied that knowledge to their writing
· demonstrated the ability to edit and revise their writing
· recognized the structural elements of literature: plot, theme, characterization, etc.
· demonstrated their ability to explore and respond to a variety of literature in both oral and written form
· demonstrated their ability to work effectively in a group
· read at least 9 novels
Student expectations & Class Procedures:
This class is designed to allow students the opportunity to participate and learn through a variety of learning experiences. It is a student-centered class, which means it is crucial for the student to:
· Be prepared at all times with materials necessary for class including AR book, Student Reading Log, and Study Skills materials
· Be in seat and working when bell rings
· Obey the school rules.
· Read at least one Accelerated Reader book per month and take AR test.
· Be willing to participate in group work and class discussions
· Be responsible for reading assignments and homework. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILTY TO CHECK THE WEB OR CALL A FRIEND AND GET THE ASSIGNMENTS. HOMEWORK IS DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH CLASS. LATE WORK IS MARKED DOWN ONE GRADE FOR EACH DAY IT IS LATE.
· Be protective of our environment: no putdowns are allowed in my classroom; we want a safe place to learn and grow together.
Parent Expectations:
· Check assignment calendar each night
· Monitor reading log each night
· Contact me immediately if you have questions or concerns.
Helpful Hints for Parents:
· Support the school and your child in developing a positive attitude toward homework.
· Provide children with suitable study conditions; choose a quiet and well-lit place for your child to work, turn off the phone and TV, turn away visitors.
· Encourage your children to do their best at all times and to avoid depending upon others for too much help, including from yourselves.
· Avoid undue pressure about homework by helping your child regulate his or her time on long term assignments.
Grading:
I have very high expectations of my students! All grading is based on points accumulated by the student. There is no grading curve, and I do not give ‘extra credit’. Everything you do in my class will be worth points, which are averaged together for your final grade. Participation and homework can count up to 20% of your grade! Other factors in grading are tests, quizzes, and writing projects. Grading scale is as follows:
100-97% A+ 79-77% C+
96-93 A 76-73 C
92-90 A- 72-70 C-
89-87 B+ 69-67 D+
86-83 B 66-63 D
82-80 B- 62-60 D-
Message to Parents & Students:
I am committed to being the best teacher I can be. I believe that I can make a difference in my world, and that small differences add up to big changes. As an educator, I can help create positive changes in the attitudes of today’s youth—the youth that will lead us into the future. My goal is to inspire kids to dream, and then to inspire them to reach for those dreams. To facilitate this, I hope to help develop in my students a deep sense of curiosity, a desire to learn and keep learning, and the ability to think independently and critically.
Because of my beliefs, I am committed to helping all my students in any way I can. You can always find my in my classroom before school if you need extra help. I am also available during lunch or after school if you let me know you need my help. If you have problems or concerns, please talk to me as soon as they arise, so that we can work together towards solving the problems and creating your success.
Thank you for your help and support! It’s going to be a great year!