Harrells Christian Academy
Mrs. Jayne Green
Course Syllabus – 2008-2009

Course Title               Eighth Grade Language Arts

Description                 This course focuses on reading, grammar, writing, spelling, and vocabulary.  This curriculum helps students to deepen and expand their understanding and experience in literary study through short stories, nonfiction, myths, tales, novels, drama, and poetry.  Students use oral language, written language, media, and technology for expressive, informational, argumentative, critical, and literary purposes.  Integration of grammar and writing skills will be practiced through essays, journals, and letters.

Textbooks                  Prentice Hall.  Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes – Silver Level.            2002.
                                               
                                    Prentice Hall.  Writing and Grammar.  2008.

Shostak, Jerome.  Vocabulary Workshop.  Sadler-Oxford, 2005.

 

Instructor                   Mrs. Jayne Green
                                    Location – Room 233
                                    (910) 532-4575           School
                                   

Required Materials  
                                    2” loose leaf notebook (3-ring binder)
                                    notebook paper
                                    5 tab dividers
                                    pens (black or blue ink),  pencils, and highlighter
                                    computer/internet access

Major Course Objectives

Students cover the six competency goals as stated by the N.C.S.D.P.I. :
                                    1.  The learner will use language to express individual 
                                         perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, 
                                         and historical issues.
2.  The learner will use and evaluate information from a 
                                         variety of resources.
3.  The learner will continue to refine the understanding and
                                         use of argument.

4.  The learner will continue to refine critical thinking skills and   
     create criteria to evaluate print and non-print materials.
5.  The learner will respond to various literary genres using
interpretive and evaluative processes.
6.  The learner will apply conventions of grammar and
                                         language usage.

 

Areas of Focus

• Vocabulary and Literary Terms
• Literature - short stories, non-fiction, poetry, drama, legends, tales, myths, and novels through literature circles.  Students in small groups discuss characters, main idea, plot structures and themes.
• Grammar – parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, subject-verb agreement, pronouns, modifiers, capitalization, and punctuation.
• Writing – narrative, descriptive, expository, informative, creative, and research.
• Writing Portfolio – Writing pieces go within this binder for a collaborative project.

 

Sequence of Instruction

• Short Stories
• Tales and Myths
• Nonfiction
• Poetry
• Drama
• Class novels will be dispersed throughout the year.
• Grammar will be dispersed throughout the year.

 

 

Course Requirement and Grading

Every assignment will be assigned a total points value:

10-50 points
Homework assignments, vocabulary exercises, grammar exercises, worksheets, and quizzes
75-100 points
Writing projects, essays, grammar and literature tests
No extra credit will be given.

 

 

Classroom Policies and Procedures

• I support and adhere to ALL policies in the HCA Student and Teacher Handbook.
• When the bell rings, everyone must be seated with the necessary items ready to begin class.  If a student is not in his or her seat when the bell rings, that student will receive a tardy.
• Be respectful of everyone in and out of class.  The success of this class is dependent on the atmosphere we create.  Positive words are encouraged.
• What everyone says in class is significant.  Do not blurt.  Please raise your hand to be heard.
• When absent, please ask me about the missed assignments after class or ask a classmate.
• Care for and respect school property.