8th Grade English Syllabus
Curriculum
Grammar – practice the Shurley Method to learn and review the parts of speech, sentence patterns, and
correct usage and mechanics to develop English language standards.
Writing - develop the Common Core standards in writing a variety of discourses including narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive using the writing process to produce written compositions and/or presentations/projects.
Textbooks
Shurley English and The Write Source will be used as reference texts in class. These books are not issued to individual students and will not be needed for out-of-class assignments. Instead, students will keep a binder with all necessary notes and class materials to be used in the classroom and at home for reference. It is imperative that students keep an organized binder that is used just for English all year so they have the necessary papers, notes, and activities that will be referenced throughout the year.
Scholastic Scope magazine will also be used as a class text and can be accessed at home online.
In addition, students should bring their Holt Collections text to class each day.
Supplies (Be sure to replenish when running low)
Writing FoldersFinal copies of written compositions will be kept in students' writing folders. These folders are kept in the classroom until the end of the year to reference and monitor writing progress. If parents would like to review their student's portfolio or a specific piece of writing, they can stop in and view it or send me an email or note, and I will send it home. Just be sure to return it promptly!
Class Expectations
Grading
Grades in English will be based on total points earned using the district grading scale. Daily assignments will range from 10-30 points each while tests, papers, and presentations will each be worth 100 or more points.
Absent Make-Up WorkWhen absent from class for any reason, students are expected to check the team/class website and see each teacher before school begins upon returning to determine what was missed and what needs to be turned in. This is the STUDENT'S responsibility, not the teacher's. There is one day for each day missed to make up the work; after that, the work will not be accepted for credit.
Assistance
Curriculum
Grammar – practice the Shurley Method to learn and review the parts of speech, sentence patterns, and
correct usage and mechanics to develop English language standards.
Writing - develop the Common Core standards in writing a variety of discourses including narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive using the writing process to produce written compositions and/or presentations/projects.
Textbooks
Shurley English and The Write Source will be used as reference texts in class. These books are not issued to individual students and will not be needed for out-of-class assignments. Instead, students will keep a binder with all necessary notes and class materials to be used in the classroom and at home for reference. It is imperative that students keep an organized binder that is used just for English all year so they have the necessary papers, notes, and activities that will be referenced throughout the year.
Scholastic Scope magazine will also be used as a class text and can be accessed at home online.
In addition, students should bring their Holt Collections text to class each day.
Supplies (Be sure to replenish when running low)
- 3-ring binder, 1.5” with dividers (to be used for English only!)
- 2-pocket folder (to be kept in the classroom)
- loose-leaf paper
- blue/black pens OR pencils (your preference)
- red pens
- assignment notebook
- AR book and Collections text
Writing FoldersFinal copies of written compositions will be kept in students' writing folders. These folders are kept in the classroom until the end of the year to reference and monitor writing progress. If parents would like to review their student's portfolio or a specific piece of writing, they can stop in and view it or send me an email or note, and I will send it home. Just be sure to return it promptly!
Class Expectations
- Come to class prepared (materials and assignments).
- Participate in class activities (both written and oral).
- Turn in all assigned work on time.
- Keep all work (both in progress and completed) in binder until the end of each quarter.
- Follow all team and school policies regarding tardies, gum chewing, absent work, etc.
- Respect others and their property.
Grading
Grades in English will be based on total points earned using the district grading scale. Daily assignments will range from 10-30 points each while tests, papers, and presentations will each be worth 100 or more points.
Absent Make-Up WorkWhen absent from class for any reason, students are expected to check the team/class website and see each teacher before school begins upon returning to determine what was missed and what needs to be turned in. This is the STUDENT'S responsibility, not the teacher's. There is one day for each day missed to make up the work; after that, the work will not be accepted for credit.
Assistance
- Website at rmssteward.weebly.com
- On-line grades through Parent Portal at Power School (call office for password to access)
- Individual help before school during zero hour, 8:40-9:10 a.m.
- Email: [email protected]
- Call 815-623-2837 (ex. 4272)