English 8 Class Syllabus/Outline/Management Plan
Mrs. Diane Engelstad
Focus: Eighth grade English includes an overview of different types of literature and literary terms, an understanding of grammar and punctuation, parts of speech, an ability to write an organized, well-supported paragraph, one five-paragraph essay, and preparation for testing. Some of the standards covered in this class include elements of fiction (analysis of plot, character, theme, and setting); elements of poetry; figurative language; reading strategies (previewing, skimming, paraphrasing, summarizing, and analyzing author’s purpose and mood); and writing.
Materials: The majority of reading will be from the Glencoe Literature Course 3 anthology. Other supplementary readings may include articles from Read, other magazines, and other anthologies of literature. Regular assessments in the form of study guides, tests, and writing assignments will be given on this material. There may be a final exam at the end of each quarter. The curriculum also includes two novels: The Call of the Wild by Jack London and And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. There will be a final exam on each novel. Several movies that correspond with the literature may be viewed. They are The Diary of Anne Frank, Flowers for Algernon, The Call of the Wild, and And Then There Were None. .
Yearly Requirements: On their own, students will read a variety of literature, including biographies, autobiographies, essays, poetry, drama, and novels and fill out a corresponding report form similar to the traditional book report. Three reports from three different genres will be required during each quarter to receive maximum credit. A specific format will be discussed thoroughly and must be followed correctly to receive full credit. Each report has a specific due date, after which it will no longer be accepted. After completing the six genres, students may start repeating the genres they have already finished. Examples of these reports are posted on my web page. Students are also required to bring appropriate reading material every day. We spend a few minutes each day reading silently and points are given for reading during this time. This is listed as “Participation” on School View.
Spelling tests will be given every two weeks on Friday from a list of words given on the Monday of the two week period. The spelling words are posted on my web page and students will download them into their ibooks. These words are selected from the readings during that two-week time period. Spelling assignments will be given throughout the week and are due the next day. The spelling test will include both spelling and definition of each word.
Grades: Grading will be determined by worksheets, quiz scores, tests, reading reports, and writing assignments. Grades are a fixed percentage with 90-100% for an A, 80-89% for a B, 70-79% for a C, and 60-69% for a D. It is expected that work is turned in on time. Students can arrange time with the teacher to make up late work for credit as determined by the teacher. Students who are absent will have the allotted time as stated in the student handbook.
Parents/Guardians: If you have any questions regarding any of the materials or subject matter, please contact me at 629-4148 or [email protected]
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN
Teacher: Diane Doebler Engelstad
Class: Language Arts Grade 8
Expectations: Be prompt, be responsible, be attentive, and be considerate.
1. First offense--verbal reprimand
2. Second offense--private conference with student, change of seat assignment or other appropriate course of action
3. Third offense--possible detention, possible time-out in another classroom, possible parent contact
4. Severe disruption--immediate expulsion from the class
IPad Discipline Policy:
As a member of a 1:1 program, it is your responsibility to bring your device to class each day charged and ready for use. Failure to do so will result in your being sent to the Media Center to receive a violation. If your device is in need of charging it will be kept and charged for the remainder of the class hour or until it reaches 50%. It is your responsibility to pick it up between classes. Loaner devices are available only for devices that are mailed in for repair.
Violation #1 - Warning
Violation #2 - Detention
Violation #3 - Detention and loss of privilege to take device home for the period of 20 school days.
Absentee Policy:
If you are absent, you must check the bulletin board for assignments. If there are questions concerning the work, see me the day of your return. You have two days for each absent day to make up work as stated in the student handbook. However, if you are absent only on the day of a test or the day an assignment is due, you will be required to take the test or turn in the work immediately upon your return. School policy on year-long classes states that six unauthorized absences in one quarter will result in a No Grade for that quarter. Any authorized days that result in the total number of absences exceeding six must be made up at the teacher’s convenience. Three tardies to class count as one absence. Your attendance is vital to your education.
Mrs. Diane Engelstad
Focus: Eighth grade English includes an overview of different types of literature and literary terms, an understanding of grammar and punctuation, parts of speech, an ability to write an organized, well-supported paragraph, one five-paragraph essay, and preparation for testing. Some of the standards covered in this class include elements of fiction (analysis of plot, character, theme, and setting); elements of poetry; figurative language; reading strategies (previewing, skimming, paraphrasing, summarizing, and analyzing author’s purpose and mood); and writing.
Materials: The majority of reading will be from the Glencoe Literature Course 3 anthology. Other supplementary readings may include articles from Read, other magazines, and other anthologies of literature. Regular assessments in the form of study guides, tests, and writing assignments will be given on this material. There may be a final exam at the end of each quarter. The curriculum also includes two novels: The Call of the Wild by Jack London and And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. There will be a final exam on each novel. Several movies that correspond with the literature may be viewed. They are The Diary of Anne Frank, Flowers for Algernon, The Call of the Wild, and And Then There Were None. .
Yearly Requirements: On their own, students will read a variety of literature, including biographies, autobiographies, essays, poetry, drama, and novels and fill out a corresponding report form similar to the traditional book report. Three reports from three different genres will be required during each quarter to receive maximum credit. A specific format will be discussed thoroughly and must be followed correctly to receive full credit. Each report has a specific due date, after which it will no longer be accepted. After completing the six genres, students may start repeating the genres they have already finished. Examples of these reports are posted on my web page. Students are also required to bring appropriate reading material every day. We spend a few minutes each day reading silently and points are given for reading during this time. This is listed as “Participation” on School View.
Spelling tests will be given every two weeks on Friday from a list of words given on the Monday of the two week period. The spelling words are posted on my web page and students will download them into their ibooks. These words are selected from the readings during that two-week time period. Spelling assignments will be given throughout the week and are due the next day. The spelling test will include both spelling and definition of each word.
Grades: Grading will be determined by worksheets, quiz scores, tests, reading reports, and writing assignments. Grades are a fixed percentage with 90-100% for an A, 80-89% for a B, 70-79% for a C, and 60-69% for a D. It is expected that work is turned in on time. Students can arrange time with the teacher to make up late work for credit as determined by the teacher. Students who are absent will have the allotted time as stated in the student handbook.
Parents/Guardians: If you have any questions regarding any of the materials or subject matter, please contact me at 629-4148 or [email protected]
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN
Teacher: Diane Doebler Engelstad
Class: Language Arts Grade 8
Expectations: Be prompt, be responsible, be attentive, and be considerate.
- Students need to come to class with materials. Students will be allowed to get materials left in lockers at the very beginning of the hour, but leaving class to get materials will result in a tardy.
- Backpacks will be left in the lockers.
- Students should be in their seats and working on the bell ringer when the bell rings.
- Video games, music/head phones, and cell phones must be put away prior to entering the classroom.
- Two bathroom passes will be given each quarter.
- Detention will be assigned on the third unexcused tardy and every additional tardy during that quarter.
- Students are dismissed by the teacher, not the bell or the clock.
1. First offense--verbal reprimand
2. Second offense--private conference with student, change of seat assignment or other appropriate course of action
3. Third offense--possible detention, possible time-out in another classroom, possible parent contact
4. Severe disruption--immediate expulsion from the class
IPad Discipline Policy:
As a member of a 1:1 program, it is your responsibility to bring your device to class each day charged and ready for use. Failure to do so will result in your being sent to the Media Center to receive a violation. If your device is in need of charging it will be kept and charged for the remainder of the class hour or until it reaches 50%. It is your responsibility to pick it up between classes. Loaner devices are available only for devices that are mailed in for repair.
Violation #1 - Warning
Violation #2 - Detention
Violation #3 - Detention and loss of privilege to take device home for the period of 20 school days.
Absentee Policy:
If you are absent, you must check the bulletin board for assignments. If there are questions concerning the work, see me the day of your return. You have two days for each absent day to make up work as stated in the student handbook. However, if you are absent only on the day of a test or the day an assignment is due, you will be required to take the test or turn in the work immediately upon your return. School policy on year-long classes states that six unauthorized absences in one quarter will result in a No Grade for that quarter. Any authorized days that result in the total number of absences exceeding six must be made up at the teacher’s convenience. Three tardies to class count as one absence. Your attendance is vital to your education.