Course Syllabus
Language and Literature Eighth Grade |
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Mr. Sidel Room 3207 614-237-4277 ext. 6532 chevy.sidel@bexleyschools.org |
Ms. Brown Room 2231 614-237-4277 kristin.brown@bexleyschools.org |
Textbook Information |
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Literature: Reading with a Purpose, Course 3 ISBN 9780078454783 Website for Online Access: http://www.glencoe.com/ose/ Access Code for Online Access: E9AAD07F21
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Writers Choice: Grammar and Composition ISBN 0078298164 Website for Online Access: http://www.glencoe.com/ose/ Access Code for Online Access: BC6060B7B2
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Class Description
This year in Language and Literature, you will be challenged to learn and grow in the areas of reading, writing, and speaking. If you are a voracious reader, you will be challenged to read more than ever. If you do not like to read, your teachers will work diligently with you to find the right book for you. If you are prodigious writer, your teachers will help your writing with sophistication and complexity. If you are a struggling writer, the writing process will be demystified and simplified. As eighth graders, you will be asked to think about texts in new ways: you will unlock the power of words through analysis and reflection.
Rest assured, the expectations for your academic achievement are high. Your teachers’ goal is to provide you with the highest quality, individualized education possible. To that end, be prepared to work at your own pace, and be ready to suggest alternative assignments and projects. In order to meet these high expectations, we will need to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and responsibility where engagement and collaboration thrive.
Mr. Sidel will make high school class recommendations as soon as January 2015. We will discuss the expectations for Honors English class. If you are entertaining the possibilities of Honors classes, you should demonstrate the student skill necessary for Honors classes all year long.
Scope and Sequence of Units
Primary Unit |
Final Project |
Month |
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Summer Reading |
Summer Reading Presentation |
August |
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Note Taking |
Short Story Analysis |
September |
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Letter Writing |
Mailed Letter |
October |
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Journalism |
Research Journalistic Article |
October |
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Classic Literature Analysis |
In-class Timed Essay |
November |
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Science Informational Text Analysis |
Expository Essay |
December |
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Poetry Analysis |
Poetry Collection and Analysis |
January |
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Literary Text Analysis |
Comparative Literature Essay |
February |
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Biography Analysis |
Research Presentation |
March |
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Argumentative Writing |
Speech |
April |
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History Informational Text Analysis |
Research Paper |
May |
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Year Long Units |
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Independent Reading |
Vocabulary |
Grammar |
Spelling |
Class Rules
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Class Safety
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If you fail to follow these rules, discipline will be handled in the classroom as needed. This ranges from warnings (verbal and non-verbal) to detentions to conferences with Mr. Caudill. |
Be Prepared for Class
- Always have your class materials and independent reading book, unless you have been specifically told otherwise by your teacher; reading books on electronic devices is encouraged.
- Always have lined paper; always have a pen or pencil. Please, avoid red and green ink pens.
- Have a section in your binder for Language and Literature assignments and notes.
- Be in your seat when the bell rings for each period to avoid tardiness.
- Students may not leave the room for any reason without asking the teacher first. If it is necessary to leave the room, ask the teacher and sign out. You will be asked to leave your cell phone in the classroom.
- You will be assigned a seat. You must use this seat unless instructed to move by your teacher. Seating charts will be rearranged once per quarter.
- Write your assignment in your assignment notebook in class. Additionally, assignments will also be listed on Canvas.
- Pay attention in class. Your teachers expect you will be on task and attentive almost every minute of your time in class. If you are off task or inattentive conspicuously or continually, you will be redirected.
Grades and Homework
- The previous day's homework is due at the beginning of class. Homework that is not done at that time is considered late work.
- Homework that is otherwise considered “late” may be turned in for 50% of the original achieved score for up to two weeks, or the teacher’s discretion. Late work must be placed in the Late Work tray at the front of the room.
- Larger projects such as papers are usually 100 points. All students are eligible to revise papers after they are returned for reassessment. However, your teacher reserves the right to limit the maximum score.
- Tests and quizzes range from 10 to 50 points. A student who scores lower than a 70% on a quiz or test may be eligible to take an alternate and equivalent test, for a maximum score of 70%. This does not always apply to all small quizzes or long-term projects. Retakes must be arranged with the teacher and taken at an assigned day and time. Furthermore, students must show evidence of study in order to be given the retake. Parents will be contacted to communicate retake opportunities and achievement on retakes.
- School and district rules regarding Academic Integrity apply in this classroom. This means cheating, copying, and plagiarism is prohibited. Plagiarism is turning in the work of another as if it were your own; this could be deliberate or unintentional. The penalties for deliberately plagiarizing the work of another include but are not limited to ineligibility for 20% of athletic competitions for a season, ineligibility to work on a stage performance, and suspension. See form Policy JFCM for the Academic Integrity Policy in full.
Other Class Policies and Guidelines
- Your teachers will treat you with respect; they will expect the same.
- Your teacher is not perfect and does not know everything.
- Be prepared to work as soon as you take your seat. We will not wait for the bell to begin to learn.
- You may chew gum, but your teacher does not want to see it or hear it.
- My bookshelves are not your bookshelves; keep your things on or under your desk.
- No backpacks in class; do not leave things on the bench outside my class at any time.
- Mr. Sidel will be available for Study Hall only on Fridays.
Course Summary:
Date | Details | Due |
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