Language+Arts

= Language Arts- = = =

Language Arts is one 50 minute block that meets daily in room 311. Since students have one to one computing, we will be attempting to create a paperless classroom as much as possible. When students miss class, they should check the Moodle page for daily classwork and homework. The home page of this wiki will also have the homework posted daily for the entire team.

**Texts used:** __Prentice Hall Literature Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes:__ Grade 8 __McDougal Littell English: Grade 8__ various novel sets on different themes at different lexiles/reading levels free choice novels selected Internet sites Moodle pages- I invite you all to visit my Moodle page. I will be giving students the password on Friday, September 3rd.

**Course Description:**

Eighth grade English Language Arts class uses a variety of texts and works of literature to promote mastery of numerous reading, writing, verbal, and comprehension skills. As a class, we will read, analyze, and discuss many different texts. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and comprehension of texts and writing skills through a number of quizzes, tests, projects, and papers. All students are expected to read, write, and analyze at the level of proficiency for or beyond the eighth grade standards as outlined in the Common Core. Writing will be assessed using the district writing rubric.

Units of study in reading will include the genres outlined in the table on the left.

Units of study in writing will include: arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence, informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content, narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences. Students will work with some guidance and support from peers and adults to develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach and focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed. Students will use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.

**Instructional Procedures:** a) Start of the Class (SOC) -Students will be expected to find their seats and begin the bell work assignment before class begins. The bell work assignment will be up on the board or on the Moodle page with easy to follow directions.

b) Classroom Activities -Students will be actively engaged in the instruction process in this class. Lesson plans will include a wide variety of activities including in-class reading, writing, revising, interactive lectures, small and large group discussions, role playing, individual work, use of technology such as blogging and online readings, and instructional games. While students will be frequently provided with opportunities to talk and move about the classroom, it is still their responsibility to remain on task and get quiet when needed.

**Homework:**
 * < The amount of homework will vary this year as students begin to customize their learning more as the year progresses. Homework may include reading assignments, writing assignments, responding to a discussion on Moodle, or simply studying for a test or quiz. Many of the assignments will involve the use of Moodle, Google Docs, and your laptop. You are encouraged to keep track of due dates using your daily planner. Whatever the assignment is, make sure you are coming to class prepared!

If homework is not handed in on time, the grade is lowered. You still have to hand in the homework. Hand it in the next day. (Family emergencies and illness are reasons for extensions. A note by the parent is needed unless it is an excused office absence) ||

Assessments (Tests/Projects/Major writing pieces,Independent book reports) =60% of grade. Tests are given at the end of a unit or sooner if a student has determined they are ready.
 * How Will I Be Graded?**

Homework/ Classwork = 40 %. Daily SOC counts as classwork as does skill practice, check quizzes, revisions, group work, and participation. Any homework the student needs to complete to meet deadlines also counts in this category.

As you can see, no one thing will ultimately ruin your grade. However, attention must be paid to each category in order pass. Link to Parent Portal: http://www.rsu18.org/co/parent_portal/default.html

It depends upon the purpose of the assignment. Many times assessments need to be redone to gain mastery of 80%(3.0) or better. Students who reach mastery quickly will be encouraged to reach for advanced status (4.0). Homework is often corrected together in class, thus allowing students to make corrections for later use. Students should see me after class to discuss redoing or substituting another assignment for a poorly completed homework assignment.
 * Can I Redo an assignment?**

**Overall Class Expectations:** 1. Come to class prepared and on time: Bring assigned work, pens(blue or black and red for correcting), laptop, text being used, assignment book, positive attitude 2. Participate and cooperate during class: focus on goals of class and treat others as you want to be treated. 3. Keep the room neat: Pick up after yourself and be sure supplies are put away where they belong 4. Follow directions the first time they are given

1. Be on time, seated, and ready to work with appropriate materials and supplies at your desk (notebook, text, pen, laptop) every day. 2. Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings of our room. 3. Adjust your voice level to suit the activity. 4. Follow directions the first time they are given. 5. Observe all rules in the Student Handbook.
 * Classroom Rules: **