English Language Arts: 8th Grade

Instructor: Mr. Dean Patterson

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Google Classroom Codes: ei91kmy (Section A) p5vfhcp (Section B)

English Language Arts Department Philosophy

The goal of the English Language Arts department is to create literate, thoughtful communicators, capable of controlling language effectively as they negotiate an increasingly complex and information-rich world. To grow in any profession, an individual must be able to read new materials, understand and analyze those materials, and respond through speaking, writing and listening. English Literature is essential because reading, writing and listening are the most vital skills for any person to master and allow deeper analysis of the most essential passions of the human race. Finally, students will acknowledge that no matter how creative or intelligent an idea is, it only becomes powerful if it is presented properly. In order for students’ opinions to be seen as credible and important of others’ time they need to be communicated successfully. Successful communication requires correct grammar, organization, critical thinking, synthesis, analysis and structure.

Course Description

The curriculum includes study of short stories, novels, drama, poetry, informational texts, and grammar. Students will participate in meaningful class discussions, creative projects, and integration of technology applications. Writing and analysis skills will be developed through construction and support of a thesis in a multi-paragraph essay as well as experimentation with a variety of writing types.

COURSE OVERVIEW & TIMING
Unit / Unit Length
Unit 1 (Quarter 1): Classroom Culture / Diagnostics / Reading Closely / August
2-3 weeks
Unit 2 (Quarter 1): Sentence Diagramming Introduction/Inside Out and Back Again / September
4 weeks
Unit 3 (Quarter 2): Chronicle of a Death Foretold/Point of View / August
9 weeks
Unit 4 (Quarter 2): Semester 1 Review/Midterms/Winter Break Reading / December
1 week
Unit 5 (Quarter 3): A Midsummer Night’s Dream/Drama 101 / January-March
7 weeks
Unit 6 (Quarter 4): Speeches/Research/MLA Workshop / March-April
3 weeks
Unit 7 (Quarter 4): Short Stories/Poetry/Diction / April-May
4 weeks
Unit 8 (Quarter 4): Semester II Review/Finals / June
1 Week

*Calendar is subject to change at teacher’s discretion.