
8th Grade English
Contact:
Kellie Adelgren
kelliea0713@gmail.com
Course Time:
This course is offered on Thursdays.
Course Pre-Requisites:
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None
Course Texts:
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Write Source (2009)
Student Book Grade 8
ISBN- 0669006459 -affordable used copies available on Amazon
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Unabridged copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare
(not needed until 2nd semester)
ISBN- 0547550294
Course Description:
This course will be a study of the various genres of literature-
short story, poetry, non-fiction, drama, and novel.
It will also cover a through review of grammar and basic writing skills,
with an emphasis on preparing the student for high school English classes.
Course Class Time:
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1/3 going over homework, quizzes and tests
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1/3 discussion of the pre-read literature assignments and note-taking
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1/3 reviewing the learned grammar concepts and introduction of new ones
Course Homework Requirements:
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Every quarter I will provide the students with a detailed syllabus that includes
homework assignments.
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Homework will include reading the assigned literature selections and sometimes
completing a summary activity, usually a graphic organizer or comprehension questions. -
It will also include reading passages in their texts and doing exercises and writing assignments to accompany it.
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In quarters 2 - 4 they will be assigned a project that will go along with the literature material they are studying.
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Time spent doing English will vary, depending upon how quickly the student reads.
An average student might expect roughly 1 hour per school day (estimating four days
per week) for reading and completing written assignments.
Grading:
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30% homework
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30% essays
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20% quizzes
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20% projects/quarter tests
Specific Requirements:
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Internet access is required for this course.
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Most of the literature (short stories, poems, and non-fiction) that the students will be
reading will be provided as PDFs, so it is required that students have regular access
to a computer. The selections may be printed out as well, but some of the stories are
several pages long.
Course Supplies:
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textbook
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novel for second semester
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1-1.5” three-ring binder with 4 tabbed dividers
-labeled: notes, homework, quizzes/tests, writing -
blue or black pens and pencils
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colored pens and/or pencils (other than blue and black) for peer grading and editing
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loose-leaf, lined paper
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a dictionary and thesaurus are also suggested for home use, but will not be required in class