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English Syllabus Grade 8
Mr. Anderson
Email: janderson @ montrose.k12.mo.us
Phone: 660-693-4812 ext. 0310
Plan period: 4th hour 10:50-11:25
Description:
Eighth-grade English is designed to have the students read fiction and non-fiction materials, write and revise papers, develop speaking and listening skills, and learn to use appropriate technology and technological sources. It is aligned with the Missouri Learning Standards and involves taking a state assessment exam towards the end of the school year.
Texts:
Holt McDougal Literature Series—literature textbook
Language Network—writing textbook
Novels, short stories, plays, computer resources—supplemental materials
Background:
Look at the Montrose district website for my bio, helpful links, this syllabus. I will add links to the website as the year progresses.
Overview:
Most everything we do will be found in Google Classroom which is linked to the web-based instructional resource Aristotle. This is a work-in-progress and my learning curve is steep. There is a parent signup within Google Classroom that allows parents to view assignments and due dates. All who are interested should sign up. Ask your student for details on how to do that or send me an email.
I will gladly answer any questions the student may have. Parents, too. The quickest responses have been from emails in the past and are the easiest for me to use.
Specifics:
The school handbook takes care of the rules and expectations for classes. Tardys, grading policy, dress code, and the such are all dealt with in the handbook. All assignments will be turned in electronically this year and Google Classroom requires me to put a due date and time. Google Classroom time stamps all submitted work.
Textbooks and novels:
I plan to read the novels I Heard The Owl Call My Name, Freak the Mighty, Walk Two Moons at least. We may read others. I also want to read a selection of Edgar Allen Poe’s stories, too. Our writings will be focused upon writing in response to what we have read along with interpretations of written material. We will also address academic researching and how that is different from other kinds of researching. We will continue to create a common vocabulary for the discussion and interpretation of written material. Finally, we will continue to perfect how to create and deliver all sorts of presentations and the expectations of the audience watching those presentations.
Book reviews. Each quarter, each student is to read a book of his/her choice outside of the classroom. There will be no class time devoted to the completion of this assignment—no “reading Fridays” or any other class time devoted to the reading of self-chosen, pleasure reading books. Books to read should be on or above a student’s reading level and cannot be books taught this or any year.
Late work is a District Policy. Work is not to be late. After two days, students lose 25%. After four days, students lose ½ credit. Students are expected to turn work in complete and on time.
Let’s have a fun, safe, healthy school year. Go Bluejays!