Atlantic Middle School ~ 86 Hollis Avenue ~ 617-984-8727
Email:
SYLLABUS
TEACHER Ms. Patricia Dunne
COURSE/GRADE LEVEL English/Language Arts - Grade 8
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Write Source 2000, Building English Skills, Counterpoint in Literature, Literature,
Common Core Standards, selection of informational texts, nonfiction, short stories, variety of genres/reading materials
Novels may be selected from the following: The Contender, The Call of the Wild, Friedrich, The Diary of Anne Frank (a play), Farewell to Manzanar
MAJOR TOPICS
I. Composition
5 Step Writing Process: Previewing, Drafting, Revising, Editing, and Publication
Formal and Informal Language Comparison/Contrast
Creative (e.g. poetry) Descriptive
Expository Letter Writing
Narrative Persuasive
II. Composition / Literature Connection (Students will analyze and/or apply the following literary elements to student writing.)
III. Reading
Elements of Fiction
Setting Theme
Character Plot
Narration Conflict
Mood Tone
Symbolism
Elements of Nonfiction
Informational Texts
Nonfiction selections
Autobiography
Biography
Other (e.g. Essays, Newspapers, Speeches, etc.)
Elements of Poetry
Figurative Language (e.g. simile, personification)
Form (e.g. ballad, haiku)
Sound Devices (e.g. alliteration, assonance)
Imagery
Literary Devices
Flashback, Foreshadowing, Point of View
Literature
Vocabulary
Genres: Novels, Short Stories, Drama, and Poetry
Speaking and Listening Skills / Discussion Skills/Presentations
Conventions and Structures of English Language
Parts of Speech
Grammar
Usage
Sentence Structure
Mechanics (e.g. Capitalization, Punctuation)
*ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Portfolios Rubrics
vations Projects
Oral Presentations ic testing
linary activities ions
Tests/Quizzes Writing Assignments
Focus Correction Areas (FCA’S) Essays
Class Participation Homework
*See Individual Student Education Plans or 504 Plans for modification where applicable.
HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS
Homework is assigned on a regular basis. Homework includes overnight writing assignments, long-term writing assignments, reading, studying, or other activities related to the class instruction that day/week. Completed homework is expected the next day or on due dates.
GRADING POLICY
Term grades are based on tests/quizzes, writing assignments, projects, class work and homework.
MAKEUP PROCEDURE
Students are responsible for missed work. Each student will be given sufficient time to complete any missed assignments.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Students must be prepared for class by bringing homework, books and/or needed materials, notebook, pen or pencil, and agenda book to class each day.
*Adjustments may be made in this syllabus to meet student needs.