Eighth Grade Syllabus
Welcome to Eighth Grade - Andrea Parker - school: 868-1603 X210 / Home: 663-8318 (call before 8:00 p.m.) Content and Skills based upon California 8th grade English-language Arts Content Standards. Written Language: Students will master a variety of types of writing and skills. One focus of our language program is the writing process. Students will effectively use all the steps in writing, from generating ideas to writing a final draft. Students will write consistently throughout the week, both in class and for homework. They will practice a variety of writing types, including: expository (essays, compare/contrast, persuasive, research, summary, etc.), narrative (autobiography, biography), poetry writing and free forms. Language mechanics -punctuation, grammar, structure are important and will be explicitly taught. Spelling will be assigned weekly and will consist of words in literature, roots, suffixes prefixes, and words in context. Reading: Students will use reading strategies to deepen their comprehension, to understand what they read in literature, a text book, or in real life situations such as news articles, directions, etc. We will read a required book in literature, one or two a trimester. In these books students will have guided discussions and learn strategies for interpretation and awareness of style. At the same time students will read another book outside of class. They will account for their reading in weekly reading logs and once a month book projects. Students should be reading a minimum of 30 minutes outside of class every day. History/Social Science: History is a mixed grade level class. One year students study the Seventh Grade standards for history which is world history and the next the Eighth Grade standards which are for U.S. history. This year is the U.S. history rotation. Students will read a variety of grade level text books and supplemental material. In addition students will read current events - newspapers and magazines. The content of the class is outlined in the state standards (will set up link). Students will have opportunities to learn the following skills: note taking compare and contrast sequencing and timelines analyzing cause and effect predicting framing questions to research - research papers distinguishing fact from opinion selecting useful information sources: credible - primary and secondary forming conclusions identifying bias, stereotyping and propaganda Every other week students will complete a current events assignment: (set up link to assignment) Homework: Students need to have a life outside of school. Homework combined from English and history (excluding the reading) should not exceed an hour. Often students will have some time in school to start their work. If they use their time effectively it should not be overwhelming. Starting assignments early is the key. If you (student or parent) feel too much time is spent on homework or not enough time, see me. If students keep up with assignments during the week they should not have any homework on the weekends or on holidays. Text Books: English: Write Source 2000 (text and student skills books) spelling and writing workbooks will also be used History: The Story of America History Alive:The United States Through Industrialism supplemental material used including primary and secondary sources Communication: It is important that students communicate with me. Please let me know if you need help. If I cannot help you immediately, I will find time. There is a "See Andrea" list, on the chalk board in class; be sure to write your name there. Parents feel free to call and we'll set up an appointment. Assessment: The information students have learned and what can they do is a crucial part of student growth. Students will show what they know and what they can do in a variety of ways including: portfolio, tests (a variety) speaking (speeches, recital, etc.) writing - narrative & expository, projects and performances. Please feel free to call or drop by. I want your feedback and you should always be clear about how your child is doing (and so should your child). You can see our grade book and samples of writing. I like to keep all their writing in class when they finish so we can work on it, and so I can assess progress over time at the end of the trimester. I give students a lot of feedback so please feel free to come in and see how I respond to their work. Parent Involvement: The work is designed for the average eighth grader. Please resist the urge to edit. It's fine to discuss your child's work with him/her, and review a rule if you see an error; let them identify or try to identify an error on his/her own. Please discuss literature with your child; it's a great way to connect and reinforce reading skills. If you have ideas about class or your involvement please feel free to let me know. . |
||