Harrells Christian Academy

Hardin-Henderson

2007-2008

 

8th Grade Language Arts

Syllabus

 

Description

Students will be taught speech making, performing, researching and critical interpretation through the discovery of myths, tales, novels, drama, prose and poetry.  Integration of grammar and writing skills will be practiced through papers, essays, skits, journals, sketches and letters. 

Textbooks

Literature:  Prentice Hall

Writing & Grammar:  Prentice Hall

 

Required Materials

Two -1 ½ inch binders (clear pocket on the front and on the spine)

Package of clear sheet protectors

Divider sheets with tabs

Notebook paper

Index cards

Two highlighters

#2 Pencils

Blue or black ink pens

Notebook pencil pouch

One box of tissue

 

Objectives

The North Carolina Curriculum for Language Arts - Grade Eight states learners will “express individual perspectives, refine use of argument, critically analyze print and non-print, use effective sentence structure and interpret literature.”

1.       Express individual perspectives through various issues.    (Examples:  connect events to self, book/media & evaluate backgrounds that         shape texts)

2.       Use and evaluate information from resources. (Examples:  recognize informational materials, research, organize, note taking & citing resources)

3.       Refine and use argument.   (Examples:  evaluate author’s purpose, construct problem solution essays &                        persuade an audience)

4.       Develop critical thinking skills. (Examples:  evaluate bias and propaganda, draw conclusions & construct a critical response)              

5.       Respond to literary genres.  (Examples:  discuss literary devices & notice impact of literary elements to the meaning)

6.       Apply conventions of grammar. (Examples:  sentence types, unfamiliar vocabulary words & edit papers)

 

Areas of Focus

 

Ø      Vocabulary & Literary Terms

Ø      Literature-Short stories, Nonfiction, Poetry, Drama, Legends, Tales, Myths and Novels through Literature Circle

Note:  Students in small groups make up Literature Circle.  They read a novel and discuss characters, main ideas, plot structures and themes through various roles such as Director, Connector, Correspondent, Word Finder and Illustrator.

Ø      Grammar-Parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, subject-verb agreement, pronouns, modifiers, capitalization and punctuation

Ø      Writing-Research, narrative, descriptive, expository, informative, and creative

Ø      Writing Portfolio-Writing pieces go within this binder for a collaborative   project

Literature Focus for Grading Periods

 

Ø      1^st Six Weeks=Short Stories

Ø      2^nd Six Weeks=Tales & Myths

Ø      3^rd Six Weeks=Nonfiction

Ø      4^th Six Weeks=Poetry

Ø      5^th Six Weeks=Drama

Ø      6^th Six Weeks=Articles, Speeches & Documents

*Note:  One novel will be read and one essay will be written every Six Weeks.  Grammar will be dispersed throughout the year.

 

“The real purpose of books is to trap the mind into doing its own thinking.”  -- Christopher Morley

 

 

Work to Receive Grades in Language Arts

 

1. Homework (counts once)
2. Tests (counts twice)
3. Quizzes (counts once)
4. Writing Assignments (counts twice)
5. Writing Portfolio (counts twice)
6. Projects & Presentations (counts twice)
7. Class Participation (counts once)
8. Literature Circle (counts once)

 

Personal Information

 

Shaula Hardin-Henderson

304 South Bay Street

Rose Hill, NC 28458                                        

910-289-2854 (Home)

910-619-9260 (Cell)   

shenderson@harrellsca.org

 

 

HCA Middle School Teacher’s Website

www.harrellsca.org/academics/middleschool.htm

 

 

Expectations and Rules

 

1. When the bell rings everyone must be seated and be prepared to work.  If someone is not seated and ready for class, the result equals a tardy.
2. Everyone made the choice to come to school.  School is a student’s job.  Consider HCA a work place.  Therefore, make your personal paychecks successful.

      (Your paychecks are your grades/report card.  These paychecks can parallel the

      type of lifestyle you desire one day.)

3. What people say in class is significant.  Do not blurt; raise your hand to be heard.
4. My classroom environment is meant to be pleasant.  I will not tolerate vulgar language and actions.  Let us create an atmosphere of enlightenment.
5. Everyday we will begin the journey into literature.  Notice the agenda on the board and follow the directions.  Sometimes we will begin with a writing reflection, silent reading, grammar exercises or vocabulary.  During this quiet time everyone is expected to work individually until I begin instruction.
6. When absent do not interrupt class time with the question, “What did I miss yesterday?”  There are two options:  see me after class or ask a classmate.
7. At the end of every Six Week Grading Period, I will drop ONE low grade.
8. I support and adhere to ALL policies in the HCA Student and Teacher Handbook.

 

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I will supply the students with tools and knowledge to overcome the obstacles. I will pass on the wisdom of my years and temper it with patience. I shall impact in each child the desire to fulfill his or her dream. I shall teach.”  -- Henry James