“Literature is no one’s private ground, literature is common ground; let us trespass freely and fearlessly and find our own way for ourselves.” – Virginia Woolf.
Welcome to 8th grade English/Language Arts! Our focus this school year will be learning and developing our skills as critical thinkers, readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. The development and mastery of these important literacy skills not only is important to achieving success in the Language Arts classroom, it is a critical component of achieving success in other school subjects, building strong relationships with others, and attaining a flourishing career as an adult. Basically, the quality of life you experience now through adulthood will depend a lot on how well you read, write and communicate with others.
Class Expectations
1. Be in your seat upon entering the classroom.
2. Put the proper heading on all papers: Name, Date, Block.
3. Do not use electronic devices in class without teacher permission.
4. Use restroom before class.
5. Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
6. Bring all of your supplies to class daily.
7. Complete all of your work and turn it in on time.
8. All school rules and policies shall be observed within the classroom.
9. All class expectations apply when there is a substitute in the classroom.
Positive Rewards for Following Rules
Your appropriate behavior in class assures everyone of an environment conducive to learning.
Some possible rewards for continuous appropriate behavior are: satisfaction of learning, improved skills,
verbal praise, positive notes to parents / guardians, tangible trinkets, and special class activities / privileges.
Consequences for Breaking Rules
1. Warning: the teacher provides a verbal reprimand / reminder to student.
2. Stay after class: short time spent after class to contemplate and discuss conduct with teacher.
3. Parent / Guardian Contact: a phone call or e-mail home regarding student’s conduct.
4. Referral to Administration: a student will be immediately referred to administration for severe behavior problems.
Technology Usage Policy
I plan on integrating technology into our classroom as much as possible. When we do use tablets,
laptops and any other kind of tech, the school’s technology usage policy applies. I will not tolerate any abuse of this privilege.
If a student chooses to use school technology for personal use, they will no longer have the privilege of using the technology in my classroom.
Late Work & Absence Protocol
Late work will only be accepted within two days of the original date. 10% will be deducted from the original
assignment for each day the assignment is late. Any class work, quizzes/tests, or assigned homework that was due on a day when a student
was absent must be made up and turned in within two days of the student’s return to school.
Please check the class “Makeup Work” folder for a list of work completed / assigned and any handouts.
Feel free to also visit the class blog for any work, as well.
Areas of Study
Literature: Short Story, Novel, Poetry, Non-Fiction, and Folklore
Writing: Narratives, Expository Essays, Creative Writing
Grammar: Parts of Speech, Punctuation, and Diagramming Sentences
Vocabulary: Greek & Latin Roots
Speaking: Oral Reading and Presentations
Grading System Categories
Vocabulary: Greek/Latin Roots lists and tests are given weekly.
Literature: Reading assignments vary by unit.
Composition: Journals, writing practice, and formal essays
Grammar: Daily oral language, parts of speech, punctuation, etc.
Miscellaneous: Projects, participation, group work, presentations, etc.
Bell Work: Daily skills practice at beginning of class
Required Materials
1. Organized 3-ring binder split in six (6) sections: Bell Ringers, Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Writing, Graded Work
2. College ruled paper (this can either be loose-leaf or a notebook)
3. Writing utensils – pencils, pens (blue or black) and highlighters
Welcome to 8th grade English/Language Arts! Our focus this school year will be learning and developing our skills as critical thinkers, readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. The development and mastery of these important literacy skills not only is important to achieving success in the Language Arts classroom, it is a critical component of achieving success in other school subjects, building strong relationships with others, and attaining a flourishing career as an adult. Basically, the quality of life you experience now through adulthood will depend a lot on how well you read, write and communicate with others.
Class Expectations
1. Be in your seat upon entering the classroom.
2. Put the proper heading on all papers: Name, Date, Block.
3. Do not use electronic devices in class without teacher permission.
4. Use restroom before class.
5. Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
6. Bring all of your supplies to class daily.
7. Complete all of your work and turn it in on time.
8. All school rules and policies shall be observed within the classroom.
9. All class expectations apply when there is a substitute in the classroom.
Positive Rewards for Following Rules
Your appropriate behavior in class assures everyone of an environment conducive to learning.
Some possible rewards for continuous appropriate behavior are: satisfaction of learning, improved skills,
verbal praise, positive notes to parents / guardians, tangible trinkets, and special class activities / privileges.
Consequences for Breaking Rules
1. Warning: the teacher provides a verbal reprimand / reminder to student.
2. Stay after class: short time spent after class to contemplate and discuss conduct with teacher.
3. Parent / Guardian Contact: a phone call or e-mail home regarding student’s conduct.
4. Referral to Administration: a student will be immediately referred to administration for severe behavior problems.
Technology Usage Policy
I plan on integrating technology into our classroom as much as possible. When we do use tablets,
laptops and any other kind of tech, the school’s technology usage policy applies. I will not tolerate any abuse of this privilege.
If a student chooses to use school technology for personal use, they will no longer have the privilege of using the technology in my classroom.
Late Work & Absence Protocol
Late work will only be accepted within two days of the original date. 10% will be deducted from the original
assignment for each day the assignment is late. Any class work, quizzes/tests, or assigned homework that was due on a day when a student
was absent must be made up and turned in within two days of the student’s return to school.
Please check the class “Makeup Work” folder for a list of work completed / assigned and any handouts.
Feel free to also visit the class blog for any work, as well.
Areas of Study
Literature: Short Story, Novel, Poetry, Non-Fiction, and Folklore
Writing: Narratives, Expository Essays, Creative Writing
Grammar: Parts of Speech, Punctuation, and Diagramming Sentences
Vocabulary: Greek & Latin Roots
Speaking: Oral Reading and Presentations
Grading System Categories
Vocabulary: Greek/Latin Roots lists and tests are given weekly.
Literature: Reading assignments vary by unit.
Composition: Journals, writing practice, and formal essays
Grammar: Daily oral language, parts of speech, punctuation, etc.
Miscellaneous: Projects, participation, group work, presentations, etc.
Bell Work: Daily skills practice at beginning of class
Required Materials
1. Organized 3-ring binder split in six (6) sections: Bell Ringers, Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Writing, Graded Work
2. College ruled paper (this can either be loose-leaf or a notebook)
3. Writing utensils – pencils, pens (blue or black) and highlighters