Mrs. O’Neil’s 8th Grade Language Arts Syllabus
“The
more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the
more places you'll go.” Dr. Seuss
“Education is not the filling of pail but the lighting of a fire.” William Butler
Yeats
Contact Information:
School Phone Number: 586-445-4130
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: moneil1.weebly.com/http://edmodo.com/moneil1
Welcome to 8th Grade Language Arts! I am looking forward to a productive and successful school year. To
have such a year, you are expected to be an active participant in class. Class will generally be structured like
this: Starter (Explore Test Practice Prompts; Writing; Grammar), Teacher Time (this means I’m
teaching/reviewing), Work Time – sometimes independently, sometimes cooperatively, sometimes with a
partner, Review Time/Wrapup/Exit Slips.
Supplies
Here is a list of what you need to be successful in language arts and should be brought to class with you
everyday:
• language arts binder
• notebook for starters
• pens/pencils/highlighters
• eraser
• markers/colored pencils for assignments and projects
• textbook
Course Materials
HOLT Elements of Literature (textbook); The Outsiders (novel)
Units of Study
Unit 1 (8 weeks) - Short Stories
Unit 2 (5 weeks) – Research Writing/Persuasive Writing
Unit 3 (7 weeks) – Drama – The Diary of Anne Frank
Unit 4 (10 weeks) – Informational Text/Synthesizing
Unit 5 (7 weeks) – The Outsiders
Throughout the year and throughout each unit we will focus on developing our grammar, writing, and testtaking skills. This will be in the form of grammar exercises, practice tests, journal writing, writing prompts,
constructed response, essays, and a research paper. Since this is Language Arts, you are expected to always
write in complete sentences (unless the directions tell you otherwise), paying attention to punctuation, grammar,
and spelling. Points will be deducted for incomplete sentences. Why is this important? It is very important
because my job is to prepare you for the future and to make sure that you are ready for high school next
year…you will automatically be expected to know this as you enter 9th grade so we will practice, practice,
practice throughout this year.
This year, much of our writing focus will be on persuasive writing because this is the type of writing you will be
asked to do on the ACT Explore Test, PLAN Test, and MME/ACT. You will learn what persuasive writing is
(and isn’t) and have many opportunities to practice it, including writing a research paper on a controversial
topic of your choice (must be approved by me). The research paper will be taught in a step by step approach
and conclude with an oral presentation.
We will be exploring different themes and big ideas and asking ourselves essential questions such as: How do
stories help us to identify and sort through conflict? What survival skills do you need to survive when society
totally breaks down? Why is doing the right thing a difficult choice? These are just a few of the “Big Idea”
questions we will be answering throughout the year while reading.
Grading
Your grade will be based on an accumulation of in-class assignments, homework, projects, grammar exercises,
journals/quick writes, tests, quizzes, and writing assignments. Tests, quizzes, projects, and writing assignments
count towards 70% of your grade and homework and class work count towards 30%. You are also graded on
spelling, writing, grammar, vocabulary and communication. This is what we call The Power of 10. 10
additional points are added to the value of some assignments. You will know which ones ahead of time.
Progress Reports
Because you and your parents have access to PowerSchool and this gives you the ability to check your grades at
any time, I do not hand out progress reports. You can always see me before or after school or at lunch, though,
to discuss your grade – or for any help. I encourage you to check PowerSchool often – weekly would be good.
This is so you can stay informed of how you are doing in class.
If you have questions or concerns about your grade, please see me before or after school or during T2R
announcements.
Website
http://moneil1.weebly.com
http://edmodo.com/moneil1
These websites will keep you updated on assignments, due dates, projects, tests, and quizzes. They are great
resources if you are absent. It will also have reminders of deadlines and important happenings around JMS.
You will also find links to writing samples, audiobook stories, reading and writing help, study tips, etc.
Rules
In order to have a productive learning environment where each of you can learn and I can teach, I have the
following behavior expectations, which go hand in hand with our JMS STARR program:
RESPECT
•No name calling, negative, violent or profane language.
•Raise your hand if you want to speak and be courteous of
others while they are speaking.
•Keep your hands, feet and all other objects to yourself.
•Our equipment has to last a very long time please respect the
school’s property. Please respect others’ property, as well as my property.
RESPONSIBILITY
•Come to class on time with appropriate materials. This
includes: textbook, writing utensil, paper/notebook, folder, homework.
•Listen to instructions and follow them carefully.
READINESS
•Be prepared to participate. Success comes with the sharing of ideas through discussion and participation. It
also makes class more interesting and fun!
ALSO REMEMBER: Jefferson’s Positive Behavior System
“STARR”
•Safety
•Tolerance
•Achievement
•Respect
•Responsibility
I have high expectations for you, both academically and behaviorally, and I will do all that I can to help you be
successful in meeting those expectations. If you have any questions or if you ever need extra help, please let me
know.
Special Needs - Any students with special learning needs should contact me (email or phone) so that I can meet
with the student and parent to develop an individualized plan designed to encourage and increase success in
Language Arts.