Syllabus for English 8

Ms. Godfrey

Room 42

Edna Brewer Middle School

School Year 2005-2006

 

 

Course Description:

We will focus on reading, writing and proper language use. During the course of the year we will write a personal narrative, a persuasive essay and write about literature. While we will use the textbook extensively, we will also read novels. We will address the curriculum standards for the 8th grade. If you are interested in looking at these standards, they are available on the web at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/index.asp

 

Textbook:

Holt Language and Literature, Course 2 and Ancillary Texts for grammar, vocabulary and spelling

 

Materials needed:

  • One five subject spiral notebook
  • Two black or blue pens
  • One highlighter any color
  • One editing pen, any color other than black or blue
  • Oakland Public Library Card
  • Loose leaf paper

 

Homework:

Students will have homework every week day. They may be required to bring home one of the workbooks for the textbook. There will be several longer term projects (essays or reports) as well. They will never be assigned the night before. Any work word processed would be appreciated! Typically, there will be a spelling/vocabulary test each Friday.

 

Outside reading:

All students will be required to read and report on one outside reading book per marking period. Students may choose a book from the classroom or school library or a book from home. Students should bring this book to class since they will be given time to read and reflect on the book during class time.

 

Grading:

Grades are determined by dividing points available into points received. The resulting decimal should be directly converted to a percentage and applied to the following scale:

A

Above 91% of available points

A-

88-90% of available points

B

81-87% of available points

B-

78-80% of available points

C

71-77% of available points

C-

68-70% of available point

D

61-67% of available points

D-

58-60% of available points

 

What we will do when:

Monday: Vocabulary and Spelling

Tuesday/Thursday: Silent Reading

Wednesday: Grammar Work

Friday: Journal Writing