This course is designed with the intent of preparing the 8th grader for the world of High School Writing. Through the analysis of literature, students will learn how to identify major parts of a story, the key ingredients to proper writing and grammar, and demonstrate their learning through various writing assignments. This course moves the student from proper paragraph format and one page responses to a minimum 3 page, properly organized composition. In addition to the weekly writing, reading, and ELA assignments, there will be a research paper, delivery of a narrative presentation, delivery of a speech, multiple one-page responses to demonstrate the writing techniques we're learning, and two 3 page (minimum) report/paper for this grade level, over the course of the year.
Class instruction (for Fall and Spring) includes:
* Determining meaning through the recognition and use of figurative language and connotative meanings
* Comparing the texts in different forms or genres for approach to themes and topics
* Quoting text to give to evidence when writing
* Describing how a plot unfolds and the changes that occur as the plot moves toward resolution
* Using technology to improve writing and gather information
* Integrating inference and analyzing on informational texts (i.e. non-fiction; articles, etc.) to arrive at the main ideas
* Practicing the stages of writing (planning, drafting, revising/editing, final product)
* Writing arguments to support claims with relevant evidence from text
* Writing explanatory texts with a basic thesis statement and concluding statement or section
* Creating a research project using several sources with Bibliography
* Creating a typed paper of a minimum of 3 pages
* Reviewing steps to avoid plagiarism
* Producing stories, real or imagined, with descriptive details, dialogue and clear sequence of events
* Engaging in collaborative discussions in class about the stories we read, information we learn, etc.
* Presenting a piece of writing (poem, speech, etc.) orally to class
* Using verbals correctly and be able to explain their function
* Using a comma, an ellipsis, and a dash appropriately to indicate a pause, omission or break
* Reviewing quotation marks and the use of quotes in writing
* Discovering new vocabulary each week through word studies from our text and Greek/Latin root words
This is a year-long class and it is assumed a fall student will continue through the spring. This design allows continuity in learning and skills acquired for the student; allowing the topics to build upon one another, from one semester into the next. However, students are welcome to join after the semester begins or mid-year with instructor permission.
Required Equipment:
* Headphones with mic ability
* Internet/Wifi connection
* Gmail account
* Google docs access
* Ability to complete digital assignments
* FALL NOVEL: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff
* SPRING NOVELS:
* I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (YOUNG READERS EDITION)
* Animal Farm by George Orwell
Weekly Class Time: Thursdays, 10:15 am - 11:15 am
Assigned Work for the week: approximately three assignments per week
Cost: $60/month
15 students max per class.
Vouchers are due by the first day of class. Private pay options are available. Please email to request this option.
Class instruction (for Fall and Spring) includes:
* Determining meaning through the recognition and use of figurative language and connotative meanings
* Comparing the texts in different forms or genres for approach to themes and topics
* Quoting text to give to evidence when writing
* Describing how a plot unfolds and the changes that occur as the plot moves toward resolution
* Using technology to improve writing and gather information
* Integrating inference and analyzing on informational texts (i.e. non-fiction; articles, etc.) to arrive at the main ideas
* Practicing the stages of writing (planning, drafting, revising/editing, final product)
* Writing arguments to support claims with relevant evidence from text
* Writing explanatory texts with a basic thesis statement and concluding statement or section
* Creating a research project using several sources with Bibliography
* Creating a typed paper of a minimum of 3 pages
* Reviewing steps to avoid plagiarism
* Producing stories, real or imagined, with descriptive details, dialogue and clear sequence of events
* Engaging in collaborative discussions in class about the stories we read, information we learn, etc.
* Presenting a piece of writing (poem, speech, etc.) orally to class
* Using verbals correctly and be able to explain their function
* Using a comma, an ellipsis, and a dash appropriately to indicate a pause, omission or break
* Reviewing quotation marks and the use of quotes in writing
* Discovering new vocabulary each week through word studies from our text and Greek/Latin root words
This is a year-long class and it is assumed a fall student will continue through the spring. This design allows continuity in learning and skills acquired for the student; allowing the topics to build upon one another, from one semester into the next. However, students are welcome to join after the semester begins or mid-year with instructor permission.
Required Equipment:
* Headphones with mic ability
* Internet/Wifi connection
* Gmail account
* Google docs access
* Ability to complete digital assignments
* FALL NOVEL: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff
* SPRING NOVELS:
* I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (YOUNG READERS EDITION)
* Animal Farm by George Orwell
Weekly Class Time: Thursdays, 10:15 am - 11:15 am
Assigned Work for the week: approximately three assignments per week
Cost: $60/month
15 students max per class.
Vouchers are due by the first day of class. Private pay options are available. Please email to request this option.
