8th Grade Language Arts
Mr. Alex Gallant
425-746-4220 ext. 5428
In this class we will be reading and analyzing a variety of texts including short stories, novels, poetry, speeches, letters, songs, and essays. Each student will gain an increased knowledge of the world around them as well as a strengthened ability to comprehend what they read. In addition to our reading, each student will learn how to communicate ideas and express themselves through formal and informal writing and speaking activities. We will be writing in various styles throughout the year including narrative, expository, persuasive, and descriptive. Students will also construct a research paper in MLA format. Each lesson or skill will be taught in class, formatively reinforced in classwork and/or homework, and assessed through quizzes, tests, projects, papers, and/or presentations.
TEXTS:
Elements of Literature/Second Course, Holt, Rinehart and Winston
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Various texts/handouts in class
EXPECTATIONS:
Be Prepared- Come to class with a sharpened pencil, pen, textbook, book, notebook, and completed homework.
Be Respectful- Our class is a learning community and we must work together to fully realize our goals.
Participate- Each day students need to come to class ready to positively participate in the day’s activities.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Essays/Formal Writing Assignments: Approximately every 2-3 weeks, students will be constructing a larger piece of formal writing either during an in-class assignment or for homework. Approximately every 4-6 weeks, they will bring their piece of formal writing through the full writing process to be turned in and graded. Students will also keep a portfolio of their writing. This portfolio is meant to showcase student achievement, as well as growth throughout the school year.
Classwork/Homework: Most days the students will have work to do during class and/or at home to formatively reinforce the material learned during instruction. This work must be completed by the given date and time to receive full credit. Late work will be accepted, but only under certain conditions. Please see the next page for a full late work policy.
Test/Projects: At the conclusion of each unit, students will be assessed via a formal test. Periodically, students will complete an individual or group project in place of the test. Students may use notes on all writing assignments and some quizzes, but never on tests.
Quizzes: Reading quizzes will be given periodically. Students may use notes on these reading quizzes. Vocabulary and/or grammar quizzes will be given periodically. Notes are not allowed for vocabulary and grammar quizzes.
Participation/Writing Journals: Each student is expected to come to class and be an active participant during instruction. This can include verbal participation, as well as simply remaining attentive and responsive to directions and expectations. Everybody will benefit from each student’s participation. Students can lose points off their participation grade for reasons including, but not limited to: disruptive and/or off-task behavior, working on assignments for other classes during class, disrespect towards the teacher, other students, and/or classroom property. Additionally, students will write in their journals daily, often at the beginning of class. The journals will be collected every 2-4 weeks for grading and will count towards their overall participation grade.
Research Paper: During the third trimester, students will construct a research paper in MLA format. This is a major assignment and will make up a large portion of their grade for that term only. This will be the only essay for that trimester.
GRADING:
Essays/Formal Writing Assignments 30%
Classwork/Homework 20%
Tests/Projects 20%
Quizzes 15%
Participation/Writing Journals 15%
Absences: If possible, students must let the teacher know before missing a class and the missing work can be made up during the absence. Students must complete a Planned Absence Form with parent signature to receive work prior to a planned absence. If the absence can’t be prearranged, the student must see Mr. Gallant the day the student arrives back at school to receive work.
Late Work Policy: Students are expected to complete and turn-in any assignment for this class on the date it is due. Students who do not turn-in an assignment on-time can receive half credit for that assignment if it is turned in no later than 2 school days after the original, scheduled due date. Any work turned in after this time frame will not receive credit. Extenuating circumstances can always be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Student Name: ______
Student Signature: ______
Parent Signature: ______