Syllabus
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Braham Area High School

8th Grade

Mrs. Fox

Syllabus

Email Address: [email protected] Phone: 320-396-5249

Course Description: The focus for this class is composition, literature, and the reading test. Here students will learn to write, edit, and evaluate writing in multiple genres. We will concentrate on grammar, punctuation, and format. We will read for the purpose of understanding a writer’s perspective and style and to analyze the ideas created.

Possible, but not all, Units:

Punctuation and Grammar

Spelling and Vocabulary

Journaling and Newspaper Searches

5 Paragraph Essay: Personal Narratives

Research writing

5 Paragraph Essay: Persuasive Essay

Hunger Games

Poetry

Fiction Writing

Mythology

Theatre

12 Angry Men

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Write a five paragraph plus paper using correct grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling in proper format.
  1. Use MLA documentation when doing research and incorporating research into papers or media presentations.
  1. Evaluate the validity of points made by an author and expound using one’s own opinion on the subject.
  1. Use figurative language to add to the voice of a text.
  1. Use literary terminology and structure.

Exams:

Students will take weekly spelling quizzes and periodic vocabulary quizzes. There will also be larger tests on unit content. There are no weighted grades and points are awarded as they are valued.

Grade Scale: 

Grades will adhere to the recommended outline as per the student handbook.

Class Procedures and Rules:

    1. Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
    2. You must be in your seat when the bell rings. If you are not, you are tardy (passes will be taken first: you get three per quarter/trimester... see rule #11). Deduction of points will result for tardies past the use of passes. At the end of the hour, I, not the bell, will excuse you when the whole class is in their seats and the room is clean and back in order.
    3. Teacher’s area is off limits!!!!
    4. You may get up to sharpen your pencil, get a tissue, or throw something away if it is an appropriate time. Please wait until I’m done talking.
    5. No swearing or other verbal abuse. Be respectful of others in the room.
    6. Gum needs to be discarded in the TRASH!!!!! Not under a table, seat, or etc...
    7. You may turn in late work for up to 50% of the original worth. You may run the gauntlet. You have until I grade the paper (whether in class or not) to turn the work in on time.
    8. If you forget your name on your paper you will be docked 2 points and have to retrieve it from the NO NAME basket. It is your responsibility to then returnthe paper with your name on it to your hour’s basket.
    9. You may use pencil or pen on work, but please no glitter or gel pens.
    10. There are three passes per quarter. If you wish to use a pass, please ask me. Passes will be used first for tardies. Once the passes are gone, tardies count and there will be no more leaving the classroom. Library and nurse passes are at my discretion and will not count against you.
    11. BELL TO BELL NO CELL! 10 responsibility points awarded for adhering to this rule. The first time the phone is out (first warning), it will be confiscated and 5 points will be lost. You may pick the phone up at the end of the school day from me. The second time the phone is out (second warning), it will be confiscated and the last 5 points will be lost. You may pick the phone up at the end of the school day from me. The third time will be considered the first official office offense and sent to the office followed by a discipline referral. 
    12. Please see student handbook concerning all rules and regulations not listed here.