Vocabulary – 8.1.A; 8.2.A-E
Reading fluency; roots/affixes, meaning in context, analogies, foreign words used in English, dictionary/thesaurus use / Reading: Fiction & Literary Nonfiction, Poetry
Fiction
R - 8.6.A Linear plot development for conflict resolution
R - 8.6.B Characterization influences central theme and conflict resolution
S - 8.6.C Forms of point of view (e.g., limited vs. omniscient)
Sensory Language
S - 8.8.A Effect of similes and extended metaphors
Theme and Genre
S - 8.3.A Works that share similar themes across cultures
S - 8.3.B Comp/contrast similarities and differences in mythologies from various cultures (e.g., ideas of afterlife, deities’ roles and characteristics, purposes of myths)
8.3.C How values and beliefs of characters are affected by the historical and cultural setting
Literary Nonfiction
S - 8.7.A Structural patterns, features, and appeal to audience through literary devices and word/phrase choice
Poetry Pairings
S – 8.4.A Structure, elements, and comp/contrast purpose, characteristics of different forms
Independent Reading - Reading Comprehension
S/R—8.Fig 19.A-F Establish reading purpose, ask questions, monitor comprehension, infer, summarize, make connections with text evidence / Vocabulary – 8.1.A; 8.2.A-E / Reading: Drama, Expository, Poetry Pairings
Drama
S – 8.5.A Structure, elements, characterization of protagonists/antagonists in dialogue/stage directions
S - 8.3.A Multiples themes in a work of fiction
S - 8.3.B Conventions in myths/epic tales
8.3.C How setting influences theme or message
Poetry Pairings
S – 8.4.A Structure, elements; comp/contrast purpose, characteristics of different forms
Expository
R - 8.10.A Main ideas, supporting details, and succinct ideas while maintaining meaning and logical order
S - 8.10.B Facts vs. opinions; inferences and their logic
R - 8.10.C Inferences and conclusions about text’s ideas and organizational patterns
R - 8.10.D Connections of similar/different genres
S - 8.9.A Authors’ purposes with works written on same topic;
Procedural – Embedded Within Expository
8.12.A Analyze missing/extraneous info in multi-step directions
S – 8.12.B Evaluate graphics for clarity in communicating meaning/purpose
Paired Fiction or Literary Nonfiction 8.6.A-C; 8.3.A-C; 8.8A
Independent Reading - Reading Comprehension S/R—8.Fig 19.A-F
Conventions
8.19A-C; 8.20..A-B; 8.21.A / Writing: Narrative & Interpretive
Personal Narrative
R/S - 8.14.A-E;8.16.A;
Interpretive (Introduction to Short Answer Response))
S - 8.17.C; 8.Fig.19.D
Additional Writing: Poem or Letter
R/S - 8.15.A or 8.17.B / Conventions
8.19A-C; 8.20..A-B; 8.21.A / Writing: Expository & Interpretive
Expository Essay
R - 8.14.A-E; 8.17.A.i-v
Interpretive (SAR)
S - 8.17.C; 8.Fig.19.D
Additional Writing: Poem, Letter, or Imaginative story
R/S - 8.15.B.i-iii, 8.17.B or 8.15.i-iii
Research (8.22-25) Listening and Speaking (8.26-27) – TEKS must be addressed during the school year
Teacher: Ms. Butler Grade: 8th
Course: English Language Arts (ELA) Room #: B222
Email: Phone #: 281-229-7187
Instructional Goals: My goals as a language arts teacher are to help my students become better at critical thinking, reflective writing, and analytical reading. I also would love for my students to enjoy reading and writing!
Curriculum units: narrative and expository writing assignments, analysis of fiction and non-fiction literature, and poetry analysis and composition
Grades: Percentages are as follows per District requirements:
Description / Academic / Pre-APFormative Assessment (daily, homework, classwork) / 55% / 50%
Summative Assessment (major grades, tests) / 45% / 50%
*There will be weekly reading assignments for homework. There may be additional assignments/work not completed in class. Projects will be assigned throughout the year. Students will have time in Advisory to work, but will also have to work at home.
Late Work Policy: Late work is work not turned in when requested even though there was no absence from class. Students will have up to 3 days after the initial due date to turn in late work. However, full credit will not be given to late work. The following penalties will be applied:
1 day late = -10
2 days late = -20
3 days late = -30
Make-up Work Policy: Students are expected to make up missed assignments and/or tests after absences. Each student should have all make-up work/tests completed within 2 weeks of returning to school. The student should plan to attend tutorials on Monday or by appointment to ensure that they master the skills covered during his/her absence. The student is responsible for obtaining any and all missed assignments from me and to check with fellow classmates for notes taken during the absence.
Classroom Expectations
Materials: Binder or folder with paper, pen, library book (once we begin going to the library)
Additional materials: composition or spiral notebook, book cover
Rules: Students will respect the classroom and each other and adhere to the social norms set by the class.
Consequences: Consequences include, but are not limited to: lunch detention, after school detention, or in some cases, an office referral. The consequence will depend on the offense.
Conferences and notification: You may contact me anytime by phone or email. I will try to get back to you within 24 hours. During instruction, a phone call will go directly to voice mail. I will be happy to meet with you regarding your child and his/her progress. Your child will bring home progress reports at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and a final report card at each 9 week period.
Parents and students: please sign below showing that you have reviewed the syllabus for Ms. Butler’s language arts class and understand the expectations, rules and class procedures. Once graded, this syllabus will be given back to your student to be kept as a reference.
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